Taittinger, Reims

Historic Site in Reims

Tattinger caves
Tattinger caves
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Victor Grigas

Champagne Taittinger is a classic Reims experience because it blends the city's deep history with the craft and ceremony of Champagne in a way that feels both polished and grounded. The house sits within Reims' historic fabric and is an easy stop for visitors who want a cellar visit that's as much about place as it is about tasting. Even before you go underground, the site's connection to the old Abbey of Saint-Nicaise hints at the layered story you're about to step into.

The highlight is the descent into the crayères: chalk cellars carved into the ground that feel like a quiet, subterranean city of tunnels and galleries. This spot is one of the best places to see in Reims if you want to understand why Champagne houses are inseparable from the geology of the region, and it's often visited on walking tours of Reims that include a Champagne-house stop as the day's most atmospheric experience.

History and Significance of the Champagne Taittinger

Taittinger's story is rooted in Reims' long religious and urban history. The estate's association with the former Abbey of Saint-Nicaise matters because it places the house in a setting shaped by centuries of monastic life, stonework, and underground excavation. Even in a region famous for Champagne, Taittinger stands out for how clearly the past is still visible on the site itself.

The crayères are the real historical anchor. These chalk pits and tunnels create an ageing environment that feels almost purpose-built by nature: consistently cool, gently humid, and still. That stability is one of the reasons Champagne can be aged so reliably here, but it’s also what makes the visit so memorable as travel. You’re not only learning a production process; you’re moving through a landscape that has been used and reused across different eras.

For visitors, this is where Reims' identity becomes tangible. You can spend the morning with Gothic façades and coronation stories, then descend into chalk to see the region's other great inheritance: the underground spaces that made large-scale Champagne ageing possible and turned Reims into a global name.

Things to See and Do in the Champagne Taittinger

Expect the experience to be guided and narrative-driven. A good tour here feels like a story told in stages: the above-ground introduction that frames Taittinger’s history, then the descent into the chalk where the focus shifts to craft, time, and the practical realities of ageing wine in a controlled natural environment.

In the crayères, let your senses do some of the work. The temperature drop, the muffled acoustics, and the chalk texture under low light create a mood that’s very different from other kinds of museum visits. This is also where you can ask the questions that make Champagne click: what changes with ageing, how blending decisions show up in taste, and what separates a house style from a one-off vintage.

The tasting is the natural conclusion, and it’s worth treating it as part of the learning rather than a quick finish. Try to connect what you’ve just seen-depth, time, bottles resting in chalk-with what you taste in the glass, whether that’s freshness, mousse, or a more developed, brioche-like note in higher cuvées.

If you're building a broader Champagne itinerary, it can also be useful to note that Taittinger has a link to the Château de la Marquetterie near Épernay. That's a different, countryside-feeling visit, and it can be a good add-on if you want to complement the Reims cellar experience with vineyards and a quieter landscape day.

How to Get to the Champagne Taittinger

Most international visitors reach Reims via Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or Paris Orly Airport, then continue to Reims overland. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Reims on Booking.com.

Reims is straightforward by train from Paris Gare de l'Est, and once you arrive at Reims Centre station you can reach the Champagne-house area by taxi, local transport, or a longer walk depending on where you're staying. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

If you’re travelling by car, plan for city driving and parking logistics, then finish the last stretch on foot if needed, as that often keeps the visit stress-free. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Champagne Taittinger

  • Suggested tips: Book a guided tour that fits your preferred tasting level, then schedule a relaxed lunch afterward so you’re not rushing from bubbles to the next stop.
  • Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or shoulder-season afternoons for calmer group sizes and a more unhurried underground visit.
  • Entrance fee: Tastings: €37
  • Opening hours: Advance booking is often required
  • Official website: https://www.taittinger.com/en
  • How long to spend: 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on tour length and tasting level.
  • Accessibility: The crayères involve stairs and underground walking; contact Taittinger in advance if you have mobility needs, as access options can be limited below ground.
  • Facilities: Reception, tasting area, and typically a shop; toilets are usually available at the estate level.
  • Photography tip: Underground lighting can be dim; if photography is allowed, steady shots work best and flash is usually discouraged.
  • Guided tours: Highly recommended here because the crayères are most meaningful when explained with house history, production stages, and ageing context.
  • Nearby food options: Plan to eat back in central Reims afterward, where you'll have more variety and can turn the tasting into a full Champagne-themed day.

Where to Stay close to the Champagne Taittinger

A central Reims base keeps your evenings easy while making Champagne houses straightforward day visits. Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix is a comfortable option near the main walking streets and restaurants. Holiday Inn Reims - Centre is a practical choice if you want simple logistics and quick access to transport. If you prefer to stay right in the cathedral district for early starts and late walks, La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection keeps you close to Reims’ headline sights while making cellar visits an easy part of your day.

Add a Is the Champagne Taittinger Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want a Champagne visit that feels rooted in Reims’ long history rather than purely branded hospitality. The link to the Abbey of Saint-Nicaise and the descent into chalk cellars give the visit a strong sense of place, and the guided structure helps you understand what you’re tasting rather than simply sampling it.

It's also a good choice if you prefer a slightly more traditional Champagne-house experience than an art-led cellar tour. You still get atmosphere underground, but the emphasis leans toward heritage, craft, and house style-ideal if you want your Reims trip to feel like a real Champagne education.

FAQs for Visiting Champagne Taittinger

Guided tours are popular, so booking ahead is usually the safest approach, especially in peak season.
They are deep chalk cellars used for ageing Champagne in stable, cool, humid conditions.
Most visits take 90 minutes to 2 hours including tasting.
Yes, tastings are typically included, with different levels depending on the tour package.
Yes, the cellars are cool year-round, so bring a light layer even in summer.
Yes, the cellar and history elements can still be enjoyable, and you can usually skip tasting.
The underground cellars involve stairs and walking; contact the house in advance to discuss access options.
Policies vary, but families can often visit the site; tastings are for adults and the cellars require close supervision.
It’s a separate Taittinger-related site near Épernay that connects more to vineyards and countryside heritage.
The strong sense of historic layering on the estate and the immersive guided descent into chalk crayères, paired with a clear focus on house style.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (1,221)

Champagne Taittinger, at 9 Place Saint-Nicaise in Reims, offers guided-tours of cellars carved from Roman mines with tailored tastings; visitors praise knowledgeable, engaging guides and well‑organized visits, note a chilly underground cellar so dress warmly, and report tastings of a few small pours in a sometimes cramped final room, with a pricey shop and an on-site restaurant where some guests enjoyed meals or extra pours at the bar.

Halyna Dykun
a month ago
"Our guide Letizia was absolutely exceptional. ✨nFrom the very first moment, it was clear how deeply she knows and loves her craft. Her explanationswere precise, rich, and genuinely fascinating — she turned the entire tour into a beautiful story about heritage, passion, and champagne. 🥂nLaetitia guided us with warmth, confidence, and true professionalism, making the experience unforgettable. Her knowledge, kindness, and ability to share complex details in such an engaging way truly made her stand out. A wonderful guide and a true expert — we were lucky to have her. 🤍..."
Eric Richards
2 months ago
"Americans leaving this review. We traveled from Colorado, USA, to see the champagne house that we named our son after. I used to work in the wineindustry and have drank hundreds of champagnes and have been on many wine tours. So the expectations were very high. We booked the "Comtes in an instant" tour for roughly $500 EU for my wife and my two sons, ages 12 and 14. First off, for that price, you should be treated and greeted with a glass of champagne upon entry to the tour. You begin by watching a movie about the area and house of Taittinger. We did enjoy that. The tour begins by going into the cellars with roughly 100 steps below ground. I forget our tour guides name, but she was pleasant and knowledgeable, but very austere with her personality. A little draw back there. After the cellar tour, you went back to the main level tasting room. Your kids get fancy grape juice(no food) and are told to sit quietly. Humpf... Next, you get 3 champagnes to taste, and the pours are tiny. You do get into the blends, the age info, etc. Honestly, it was a bit of a disappointment. If it were not for the experience of finally visiting my son's namesake, it would have been another overpriced tour. So I took matters into my hands by visiting their bar area and pegging the bartender with questions. They poured a few complimentary glasses for us after we showed them our son's passport. We enjoyed that extra attention. We then went to the gift store and spent about $250 on wine and gifts. If you're not infatuated with this winery like me, go directly to the bar area, order a plate of food, get cozy with the bartender, and try 4-5 different glasses of champagne. Then, pull up Wikipedia and learn about the history of this iconic winery...."
Dragos D.
2 months ago
"A Champagne House mirroring professionalism. Everything is well in order, the tours are well organized, the guide was speaking perfect english, withlots of knowledge about the house, history, cellars and good communication skills. The tasting was delightful. Two suggestions for improvement: some water during the tasting would be great and also you should be allowed to finish the tasting in the lounge. We had to leave a little bit early but were allowed to take one glass to the gift shop...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This can work for families if your children are comfortable with underground spaces and you treat it as an “adventure in tunnels” rather than a long lesson. Keep the visit focused on the cellar experience and the idea of time and ageing, and plan a snack or outdoor break afterward.

If your kids are very young, consider whether the stairs and quiet pacing underground will be enjoyable for them, as the experience is more reflective than energetic.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Taittinger is a strong choice because it feels classic and atmospheric without being overly formal. The underground visit creates a shared “wow” moment, and the tasting naturally leads into a Champagne-flavoured afternoon in Reims.

If you want a more intimate feel, aim for a quieter weekday slot and build the rest of the day around slow walking, a long lunch, and a relaxed evening in the cathedral quarter.

Budget Travelers

A Champagne house tour is usually a paid highlight, so it's worth choosing one that feels genuinely immersive. Taittinger can be good value when you want a guided experience that explains process and heritage clearly, not just a quick cellar walk.

To keep costs down, combine it with free Reims highlights like cathedral wandering and open-air monuments, then choose only one paid cellar tour rather than stacking multiple similar visits.

Nearby Attractions to the Champagne Taittinger

  • Basilique Saint-Remi: A UNESCO basilica with a vast Romanesque nave and a serene atmosphere.
  • Musée Saint-Remi: The former royal abbey museum exploring Reims from Roman times to the Renaissance.
  • Chapelle Foujita: A small chapel painted with frescoes by Léonard Foujita.
  • Reims Cathedral: The city's essential Gothic landmark and historic coronation church.
  • Palais du Tau: The archbishops' palace beside the cathedral, tied to coronation lodging and post-ceremony banquets.

The Taittinger appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Reims!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Advance booking is often required

Price:

Tastings: €37

Address: Champagne Taittinger - Visites des Caves, Place Saint-Nicaise, Reims, France
Reims: 2 km
Official Website

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