- Overview
- Captured moments
- Day by day
- What’s included
- Travel notes
- Not included
- Your questions answered
For a few short weeks each August, Champagne comes alive with the excitement of the annual vendange. Vineyards buzz with activity as growers, families and seasonal workers gather to harvest the grapes that will become the next vintage. It is one of the most important moments in the Champagne calendar, and one that few travellers ever experience first-hand.
Our journey begins in Paris, where grand landmarks, exceptional gastronomy and timeless French elegance provide the perfect introduction before we continue into the heart of Champagne. Here, world-renowned maisons, family-run producers, historic villages and centuries-old cellars reveal a region where every bottle tells a story shaped by craftsmanship, patience and tradition.
From harvesting grapes alongside local producers to mastering the art of sabrage, creating your own personalized bottle of Champagne and discovering the remarkable diversity of the region through tastings and food pairings, each experience offers a deeper appreciation of Champagne beyond the glass. Between experiences, leisurely vineyard picnics, peaceful countryside living and time to simply savour the slower pace of the region create the perfect balance.
Returning to Paris, the journey concludes with artisan pâtisserie, the opportunity to blend your own signature French fragrance and a farewell dinner cruise along the Seine beneath the illuminated skyline.
This is a journey through France's most celebrated wine region and its elegant capital, experienced at the most exciting time of year, when the traditions, people and landscapes of Champagne come together to celebrate another remarkable harvest.
Limited to just twelve travellers, allowing for a relaxed and personal experience.
Designed around the annual Champagne harvest, this itinerary combines the timeless elegance of Paris with the vineyards, villages and historic Champagne houses of France's most celebrated wine region. From harvest experiences alongside local producers to grand maisons, historic cellars and exceptional gastronomy, each day offers a different way to experience Champagne.
Rather than simply tasting Champagne, you'll experience the people, places and craftsmanship behind every bottle. Time in the vineyards is balanced with relaxed countryside living, memorable meals and the highlights of Paris, creating a journey that is as much about French culture as it is about Champagne itself.
Every departure is timed to coincide with the annual Champagne harvest, when many experiences are only possible during the vendange. As with all seasonal travel, timings and the order of activities may occasionally change to reflect the pace of the harvest and ensure every experience takes place at the best possible time.
Itinerary
Day 01 | Paris
Date : 08/09/2027
First Impressions | A taste of Paris
Experiences
Neighbourhood food experience
Our introduction to France begins in the neighbourhoods around Notre Dame and Le Marais, exploring the rich and vibrant relationship between food and Parisian life. Bustling markets, artisan bakeries, traditional fromageries and neighbourhood wine merchants bring the city's food culture to life. As we wander the cobbled streets, we'll sample exceptional cheeses, artisan charcuterie and time honoured French favourites, with our welcome dinner woven naturally into the experience.
Room to breathe
Arrival in Paris is at your leisure. Guests arriving early are welcome to leave their luggage at the hotel and begin exploring the neighbourhood independently before our early evening experience. Notre Dame Cathedral is just steps from our accommodation, while the Louvre is a 5 to 7 minute stroll along the banks of the Seine.
Travel
Private airport transfer
Meals
Le Marais neighbourhood food experience with welcome dinner
Accommodation
Night 1 of 3 at a four star hotel in the heart of Notre Dame, surrounded by neighbourhood cafés, elegant streets and the character of historic Paris. With many of the city's most iconic landmarks within easy reach, it provides a perfect base for our introduction to France.
Day 02 | Paris
Date : 09/09/2027
Paris In Motion | From Streets To Skyline
Experiences
Paris tuk tuk tour
We'll catch the highlights of Paris from the open air seats of private electric tuk tuks this morning as we make our way past the iconic sights of the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Trocadéro, and Eiffel Tower to name a few. This fun and relaxed mode of transport offers a fantastic introduction to the scale, beauty and character of Paris as our drivers bring the city's landmarks to life with stories along the way. There's plenty of time for photo opportunities, coffee stops and time to take in the beautiful views.
Room to breathe
Our tuk tuk adventure concludes in Montmartre, the perfect space to explore the neighbourhood and Sacré-Cœur independently. Browse the shops and cafés and simply take some time to relax before our evening experience. We've included an all access metro pass that covers the funicular journey to the Sacré-Cœur if you would like to avoid the 300 stair climb and your tour director will remain at hand with helpful tips and advice on your choice of exploration.
Eiffel Tower experience
Reuniting early evening, we'll head over to one of the world's most recognizable landmarks, the Eiffel Tower. A private guided experience of the behind the scenes and inner sections of the tower includes the ascent to the top by elevator for the extraordinary views across Paris. At the summit, we'll enjoy a glass of Champagne with time to explore independently and take in the city from above.
Later, we'll descend to the first level and settle in for dinner at Madame Brasserie, with window tables overlooking Paris. As evening falls, we can watch the city gradually light up around us, with the Eiffel Tower itself becoming part of the spectacle.
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner at Madame Brasserie, Eiffel Tower
Accommodation
Night 2 of 3 at a four star hotel in the heart of Notre Dame, surrounded by neighbourhood cafés, elegant streets and the character of historic Paris. With many of the city's most iconic landmarks within easy reach, it provides the perfect base for our introduction to France.
Day 03 | Paris
Date : 10/09/2027
Experiences
French pastry workshop
It's a relaxed morning as we spend time in a Parisian pastry kitchen learning the techniques behind some of France's most beloved pastries. We can choose between a hands on croissant baking workshop or an éclair and choux pastry class, working alongside a pastry chef to create our own French favourites. The experience offers a glimpse into the precision and craft behind the pastries found in Parisian boulangeries, with plenty of tastings enjoy along the way.
Room to breathe
The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Return to the neighbourhood around Notre Dame, discover a café or boutique that catches your eye, revisit somewhere from the previous two days, or simply enjoy a few unhurried hours in Paris.
Seine dinner cruise
See Paris from the water as the city unfolds along the banks of the Seine. Le Calife offers an intimate setting for an evening of French dining, with the city's illuminated landmarks providing the backdrop as you cruise through the heart of Paris. It is a relaxed final evening in the city, experienced from a completely different perspective.
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner aboard Le Calife
Accommodation
Night 3 of 3 at a four star hotel in the heart of Notre Dame, surrounded by neighbourhood cafés, elegant streets and the character of historic Paris. With many of the city's most iconic landmarks within easy reach, it provides the perfect base for our introduction to France.
Day 04 | Reims
Date : 11/09/2027
Experiences
Sabrage workshop
Champagne has long been associated with celebration, and this morning we discover one of its most theatrical traditions. Under the guidance of a maître sabreur, learn the technique of sabrage, the ceremonial art of opening a bottle with a sabre. Following a demonstration, it's your turn to take the blade before celebrating your success with a glass of Champagne and receiving your official Diplôme de Sabreur.
Champagne tasting workshop
Aÿ has been at the heart of Champagne production for centuries, and this evening we begin discovering what makes each bottle unique. Guided by local experts, explore how grape varieties, terroir and traditional production methods influence style and flavour before putting your knowledge to the test in a hands on tasting workshop. A relaxed regional dinner follows, offering another opportunity to appreciate the remarkable diversity of Champagne.
Free time
Enjoy some unhurried time to explore Reims independently, return to the hotel to relax, or simply settle into the rhythm of the Champagne region.
Travel
1 hour private transfer to Reims
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner in Aÿ
Accommodation
Night 1 of 4 at a four star hotel in the center of Reims, providing a comfortable and convenient base from which to experience the Champagne region.
Day 05 | Reims
Date : 12/09/2027
Experiences
Avenue de Champagne and Moët
Explore Épernay's celebrated Avenue de Champagne, where some of the world's most prestigious Champagne houses line a single elegant boulevard above kilometers of underground cellars. Discover the history and traditions of Champagne through a guided experience at Moët & Chandon.
Maison dining at Perrier Jouët
An evening dedicated to one of Champagne's most distinctive houses. Enjoy dinner at Perrier Jouët's Cellier Belle Époque, surrounded by the elegance and heritage of the Maison, with Champagne accompanying a menu designed to complement the wines.
Free time
Enjoy the afternoon at your own pace in Épernay. Choose where you'd like to have lunch, explore the town and its shops, return to the Avenue de Champagne, or simply find somewhere to sit and enjoy the afternoon before this evening's dining experience.
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner at Perrier Jouët
Accommodation
Night 2 of 4 at a four star hotel in the center of Reims, providing a comfortable and convenient base from which to experience the Champagne region.
Day 06 | Reims
Date : 13/09/2027
Experiences
Veuve Clicquot extended experience
Give yourself time to properly settle into the world of Veuve Clicquot with an extended experience at the Maison. Discover its remarkable history, Champagne making traditions and the story behind one of the region's most celebrated names, with time to appreciate the experience rather than rushing from one tasting to the next.
Café Clicquot
Continue the experience over a long, leisurely lunch at Café Clicquot, immediately beside the Maison. There is nowhere else you need to be this afternoon, so take your time, enjoy the food, the Champagne and the atmosphere, and simply savour being here.
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch at Cafe Clicquot • Dinner in Reims
Accommodation
Night 3 of 4 at a four star hotel in the center of Reims, providing a comfortable and convenient base from which to experience the Champagne region.
Day 07 | Reims
Date : 14/09/2027
Experiences
A day with a small Champagne producer
Spend the day with a family run Champagne producer, gaining a behind the scenes look at the work, traditions and people behind the bottles we have been enjoying throughout the week.
During vendange
Join the annual harvest, working alongside the family as the grapes are gathered from their vineyards and brought in for pressing. Experience one of the most important and anticipated moments in the Champagne calendar, before settling down to a farmhouse dinner and Champagne at the end of the day.
Outside the vendange
Spend the day learning how Champagne is made, from vineyard to bottle, with the people who make it. Explore the working estate, discover the processes involved in production and gain a genuine understanding of what goes into every bottle. The day concludes with a farmhouse dinner and Champagne.
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Farmhouse dinner with Champagne
Accommodation
Night 4 of 4 at a four star hotel in the center of Reims, providing a comfortable and convenient base from which to experience the Champagne region.
Day 08 | Ghent
Date : 15/09/2027
Experiences
Champagne making workshop with a personalised bottle
Step into the role of the winemaker this morning and discover the final stages of Champagne production during a hands on workshop. Guided by local experts, disgorge your own half bottle, insert the cork and finish it with a personalised label to create a unique keepsake of your time in Champagne. It's a chance to get right to the very end of the process and leave with a bottle that is uniquely yours.
The Dark Side of Ghent
As darkness settles over Ghent, discover a different side of the city on a private evening walking tour. Stories of murder, punishment, crime, superstition and the city's more sinister characters reveal a fascinating side of Ghent's medieval past, with the atmospheric streets and historic buildings providing the perfect setting after dark.
Free time
Time to settle into Ghent after arrival, explore the neighbourhood around the hotel, find a café or simply enjoy a little time at leisure before dinner and the evening tour.
Travel
Two hours private transfer to Lille • One hour private transfer to Ghent
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch in Lille • Dinner in Ghent
Accommodation
Night 1 of 3 at a four star hotel on the historic Graslei, with Ghent's medieval waterfront, cafés and evening atmosphere right outside the door.
Day 09 | Bruges
Date : 16/09/2027
Experiences
Bruges exploration
Explore Bruges with a local guide as we make our way through the medieval heart of the city, its beautiful canals, atmospheric squares and hidden corners.
Belgian beer dinner
Dinner in Bruges, with the evening centered around one of Belgium's great pleasures: exceptional beer and good food.
Free time
The afternoon is yours to wander Bruges at your own pace. Browse the chocolate shops, find a café beside a canal, climb the Belfry, take a boat ride or simply get wonderfully lost among the medieval streets.
Travel
30 minutes train to Bruges • 40 minutes private transfer to Ghent
Meals
Breakfast • Waffle lunch • Dinner in Bruges
Accommodation
Night 2 of 3 at a four star hotel on the historic Graslei, with Ghent's medieval waterfront, cafés and evening atmosphere right outside the door.
Day 10 | Ghent
Date : 17/09/2027
Experiences
Praline and mendiant workshop
Create two of Belgium's most delicious little treats in a hands on chocolate workshop, learning the techniques behind pralines and mendiants before making your own to enjoy.
Carillon festival
Spend our final evening in Ghent as the city comes alive around the Belfry, with the sound of the carillon filling the historic centre and the atmosphere of a summer evening all around us.
Farewell dinner
Our final dinner together takes place at Tribune, within Ghent's extraordinary Wintercircus, where a spectacular historic setting provides the perfect backdrop for our last evening together.
Free time
The afternoon is yours to enjoy Ghent at your own pace, with the city's cafés, shops, galleries and waterfront all on your doorstep.
Meals
Breakfast • Farewell dinner
Accommodation
Night 3 of 3 at a four star hotel on the historic Graslei, with Ghent's medieval waterfront, cafés and evening atmosphere right outside the door.
Day 11 | Ghent
Date : 18/09/2027
Our journey comes to a close this morning as we enjoy one final breakfast together in Ghent.
Over the past eleven days, France has revealed itself through the timeless elegance of Paris and the vineyard landscapes of Champagne. From neighbourhood cafés and world-famous landmarks to historic villages, family-run maisons and centuries-old traditions, each day has offered a deeper appreciation for the food, wine and craftsmanship that have shaped one of the world's most celebrated destinations.
We transfer to the airport for our onward journeys. As we part ways, we hope the memories we've shared continue to inspire new adventures for years to come.
Travel
Private transfer to Brussels
Meals
Breakfast
Experiences
Every experience described in the itinerary is included, from private Paris sightseeing and pastry making to Champagne tastings, sabrage, vineyard visits, harvest experiences and your personalized bottle of Champagne.
Meals and accommodation
Ten breakfasts, six lunches and ten dinners are included, from neighbourhood food discoveries and local bistros, to fine dining.
Our carefully selected local restaurants showcase seasonal produce and specialties throughout each region, with evenings centered around connection, exceptional food and the character of French and Belgian cuisine.
Three nights in Paris, four nights in Reims, and three nights in Ghent.
All accommodation is a minimum four star standard with private en-suite, with exceptional unrated properties chosen where they offer a more memorable experience.
Travel and support
Private airport transfers on arrival and departure days
All transport between destinations, experiences, and excursions included
All entrance fees and logistical arrangements handled throughout
Fully guided throughout by a dedicated tour leader and knowledgeable local hosts
Cultural context and thoughtful guidance that deepen each experience
Seamless coordination throughout, allowing you to stay present in the journey
The Three Tenths promise
Maximum 12 guests | Every journey is limited to twelve guests, or fewer
Inclusive pricing | All gratuities for guides, transport and activities are included throughout
No "optional" up-selling | Every experience is included because we believe it belongs in the journey
Thoughtfully paced | Structure when it matters. Freedom when it doesn't
Hand selected stays | Every stay is personally visited before it's included because where you stay shapes how you experience a destination
Arrival and departure days
- Airport transfers are included for all guests arriving on Day 1 and departing on the final day of the journey
- Arrival day is intentionally designed with flexibility in mind, allowing time to settle into the hotel, explore the surrounding neighbourhood, or simply pause before the journey begins
- Our first shared experience takes place around midday on Day 1, allowing guests arriving earlier in the day time to comfortably transfer from the airport and settle in before meeting the group
- Hotel check in is typically available from 3pm onwards. Guests arriving earlier may store luggage with the hotel prior to check in
- Your tour host will be waiting to welcome you at the hotel on arrival day, offering assistance with check in and luggage storage where needed, along with recommendations for exploring the surrounding neighbourhood before the journey begins
- On departure day, no activities are planned beyond breakfast, allowing flexibility for onward travel arrangements
- We recommend booking outbound flights departing from midday onwards on the final day to allow comfortable transfer time to the airport
Harvest timing
- September marks the beginning of harvest season in Champagne, when vineyards and villages across the region shift into one of the busiest and most atmospheric periods of the year
- The exact start of picking season, known as the ban des vendanges, is determined annually according to grape ripeness and weather conditions, and is often announced only shortly before harvest begins
- During this time, vineyards, presses, and family run cellars are alive with activity as grapes move from vine to production throughout the region
- Our journey is intentionally timed to experience Champagne while harvest energy shapes daily life, offering a perspective far removed from quieter off season visits
- While exact harvesting schedules vary between villages and producers, guests can expect to experience the atmosphere, rhythm, and movement of harvest season throughout the region
What to expect
- Harvest season is an active working period in Champagne rather than a staged tourism event, offering a more authentic and immersive experience of the region
- Vineyards, cellar doors, and village streets often feel more energetic during this period as growers, workers, and local families move through the routines of harvest
- Guests may see grapes being picked, transported, pressed, and prepared for production depending on the timing of visits and harvest activity
- Some smaller producers may adjust tasting schedules or availability during peak picking days as harvest operations take priority
- The journey balances vineyard experiences with quieter moments through village walks, countryside meals, and time spent absorbing the slower rhythm of the region
Why September is the best time to go
- Vineyards are full, green, and heavy with fruit as Champagne enters its most important season of the year
- The region feels especially alive during harvest, with activity unfolding across vineyards, presses, cellars, and village streets throughout the countryside
- September temperatures are generally mild and comfortable, creating ideal conditions for vineyard visits, countryside walks, and outdoor dining
- Travelling during harvest offers a deeper connection to the agricultural and cultural traditions behind Champagne production
- Paris in September carries a different atmosphere from summer, with cooler evenings, fewer crowds, and a return to local city rhythms after the holiday season
Seasonal weather
- September in Champagne and Paris typically brings mild early autumn conditions, with temperatures generally ranging between 15°C and 23°C / 59°F to 73°F
- Days are often comfortable for walking and outdoor experiences, while mornings and evenings may occasionally feel cooler
- Light rain showers remain possible during harvest season, particularly in the countryside
- Vineyard terrain can occasionally be uneven or muddy depending on recent weather and harvest activity
- Indoor tasting spaces, restaurants, hotels, and cellar environments vary naturally in temperature throughout the journey
Visa requirements
- Visa and entry requirements vary depending on your nationality, passport, and country of residence
- Guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all passport, visa, transit, vaccination, and entry requirements for France
- We recommend checking official government travel advice and visa information well in advance of departure, as requirements can occasionally change without notice
- France may require visa applications, online pre registration, proof of onward travel, accommodation details, or minimum passport validity periods
- Your passport should generally have at least 6 months validity remaining from your date of arrival, have sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps, and generally be in good condition (unless otherwise stated by local authorities)
- Once your booking is confirmed, additional guidance and supporting travel information will be provided where relevant
- Official visa information for France can be found here
Practical considerations
- In keeping with French law, travellers under 18 years of age will not be permitted to participate in experiences involving alcohol
- This journey includes gentle walking through vineyards, village streets, cellar environments, and urban neighbourhoods
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended throughout the itinerary, particularly for vineyard visits and countryside terrain
- As we travel by train between regions, luggage transfers are minimal and packing lighter is encouraged for ease and comfort
- Harvest season is a working period for producers, which may occasionally create slight adjustments to timings or cellar operations
- Many experiences throughout the journey are intentionally designed for small groups and quieter access, allowing space to experience the region beyond larger tourist crowds
Flights and arrival
International airfare to Paris and from Belgium: multi city international airfare required
Arrive: Paris (CDG)
Depart: Brussels (BRU)
Travel requirements
Travel insurance (required for participation)
Relevant visas where applicable (see Travel notes section)
Personal expenses and free time options
Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
Personal purchases and incidental expenses
Activities of your own choice during free time
Harvest season in Champagne is active, atmospheric, and constantly in motion. Vineyards, villages, and cellars become busier as the region shifts into one of the most important periods of the year.
Rather than observing harvest from the outside, we experience the region while it is fully alive, offering a more authentic and seasonal perspective on Champagne and its traditions.
Yes, harvest season is a working period in Champagne, and daily activity throughout the region can vary depending on weather conditions and grape ripeness.
Some vineyards and producers may adjust timings slightly during active picking days, though this is part of what makes the experience feel authentic and connected to the rhythm of the region.
Rather than following a staged version of harvest, the journey is intentionally designed to experience Champagne as it naturally unfolds during this time of year.
No. While Champagne and wine culture are central to the region, this journey is designed around atmosphere, landscape, food, tradition, and the rhythm of harvest season itself.
Many experiences focus just as much on place, food, local culture, and meaningful connection as they do on wine, making the journey enjoyable for both wine enthusiasts and more casual travellers alike.
This journey is designed to move at a relaxed and balanced pace rather than feel physically demanding.
Days may include walking through vineyards, village streets, cellar spaces, and city neighbourhoods, though no strenuous hiking or advanced fitness level is required.
There is also space throughout the itinerary to slow down, enjoy long meals, and experience each destination without feeling rushed.