The Verve Clicquot Experience is not to be missed when visiting Reims, France. It’s a quick one hour train ride from Paris and the city itself is easy to maneuver by foot. 

Grab a cab from the train station and it’ll bring you to the iconic gates of Veuve Clicquot. Be sure to book your tour/tasting well in advance during the busy season. I visited on July 1st and had booked 3 months prior to secure a spot for 6 people. 

I selected the “In the Footsteps of Mme Clicquot” to learn more about how this remarkable woman came to own what would become one of the most recognized Champagnes in the world. I was happy to discover that the tour encompasses the entire history of the vineyard, land and bottles right down to the underground caves used as a hiding space from the Nazis as well as a makeshift hospital and school during attacks.

Each bottle of Veuve Clicquot is aged in the crayères, or underground caves. The tour ends with a tasting of various aged Champagnes. 

Want to explore Reims? Check out my visit to the Notre Dame de Reims as an add on to your day trip.