> How a Champagne cellar tour works, where to book in Reims and Épernay, what it costs, and our tips for choosing the right one.

*Source : https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/en/blog/visite-cave-champagne/*

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# Cellar Tours in Champagne: The Complete Guide (Reims & Épernay)

Published on May 20, 2026 · The editorial team

![Cellar Tours in Champagne: The Complete Guide (Reims & Épernay)](https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/images/articles/visite-cave-champagne.webp)

Descending into a cellar carved from the chalk, feeling the constant coolness and seeing thousands of bottles aging on their laths: the **cellar tour** is the heart of the wine-tourism experience in Champagne. Here’s how to plan yours well.

## What a cellar tour looks like

A typical tour lasts **1 to 2 hours** and combines three moments:

1.  **Exploring the cellars** — often underground galleries, sometimes ancient Gallo-Roman chalk pits in Reims, where the temperature stays around 10–12°C all year round.
2.  **The explanation of the method** — from harvest to disgorging, you’ll hear how the effervescence comes to life (see our article on [how Champagne is made](https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/en/blog/comment-est-fait-le-champagne/)).
3.  **The tasting** — one or several cuvées, depending on the option you choose.

Bring a **cardigan or a jacket**: it’s cool underground, even in summer.

## Where to take a tour: Reims or Épernay?

-   **Reims** is home to the major houses and the spectacular **chalk pits (crayères)** listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Many can be visited right in the city centre.
-   **Épernay** lines up its houses along the famous **Avenue de Champagne**, over just a few hundred metres (see [what to do in Épernay](https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/en/blog/que-faire-a-epernay/)).

To choose a house by its style, browse our [directory](https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/en/maisons/).

## Major house or grower?

The **major houses** offer polished, sometimes theatrical tours with online booking. **Growers (récoltants-manipulants)** offer more intimate visits, often with the producer themselves — a more personal experience, best booked directly.

## How much does it cost?

Prices vary depending on the house’s reputation and the number of cuvées tasted. Expect a wide range, from an accessible tour-and-tasting at a grower’s to premium experiences at a major house. The price almost always includes the tasting.

## Our practical tips

-   **Book in advance**, especially at weekends and in high season (May to September).
-   **Don’t drive if you’re tasting**: arrange a designated driver or an [excursion with transport](https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/en/circuits-excursions/).
-   **Do no more than two houses** per half-day so you can really enjoy each one.

Fancy an all-in-one itinerary? Discover our ideas for [wine-tasting stays and weekends](https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/en/sejours-week-ends/) and our guide to [planning your visit](https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/en/preparer-sa-visite/).

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