Expérience l'Instant Rosé. Bar de dégustation où vous pourrez savourer les cuvées emblématiques de la Maison : notre élégant Brut Réserve et notre fringuant Prestige Rosé.
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Taittinger Saint-Nicaise Cellars

4.5
·1k reviews·Reims, France

Explore ancient Roman cellars and taste renowned Taittinger champagne in Reims. A blend of history and luxury.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons

Tours are less rushed.

CrowdMedium
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Expérience l'Instant Rosé. Bar de dégustation où vous pourrez savourer les cuvées emblématiques de la Maison : notre élégant Brut Réserve et notre fringuant Prestige Rosé.

Taittinger Saint-Nicaise Cellars

Best Time

Afternoons

Tours are less rushed.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient Roman cellars and taste renowned Taittinger champagne in Reims. A blend of history and luxury.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"Incredible experience! The history was fascinating, and our guide knew every little bubble about champagne history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Wear Warm Layers

It's freezing in the cellars! Bring a jacket or sweater, even in summer. :snowflake:

📅 Book Your Tour Early

Popular tours sell out fast, especially during peak season. Book online in advance! :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Roman Cellars

Ancient Roman Cellars

Underground Cellars

Explore kilometers of historic tunnels carved by Romans, now housing millions of Taittinger bottles.

Reddit
Champagne Tasting Experience

Champagne Tasting Experience

Tasting Room

Savor generous pours of Taittinger champagnes, including vintage options, in a chic tasting room.

Reddit
Expert Guided Tours

Expert Guided Tours

Cellars and Tasting Room

Learn about champagne production and Taittinger's rich history from knowledgeable and engaging guides.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Dress for the Cold

The cellars are consistently around 10°C (50°F), so pack layers or a warm jacket. Visitors have reported feeling sick from the cold after tours. Reddit

Book in Advance

Popular tours, especially those with tastings, can book up weeks or months ahead. Scheduling your visit is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. TikTok

Best Times

When
Afternoons
Why
Tours are less rushed.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds than weekends.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I also love a good Ruinart or Roederer!! #champagne #taittinger #taittingerchampagne #domainecarneros #domainecarnerosnapavalley
@kathleenlinpan
1.9K likes • 76.5K views

🧥 Wear Warm Layers

It's freezing in the cellars! Bring a jacket or sweater, even in summer. Reddit :snowflake:

📅 Book Your Tour Early

Popular tours sell out fast, especially during peak season. Book online in advance! TikTok :ticket:

Reims 🥂☀️💛 @eliannerissenbeek @liekevdkerkhof @Anouk Vogels #reims #epernay #champagne #taittinger #vueveclicquot #pommery
@linavhaastrecht
1.7K likes • 74.8K views
#TaittingerChampagne The cellars of #Taittinger are located in the ancient Gallo-Roman chalk mines beneath the Saint-Nicaise Abbey in Reims. These historic cellars, dating back to the 4th century, provide an ideal environment for aging Champagne. The “Champagne Hillsides, Houses, and Cellars” were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015. Book your tickets in advance. . . . . . . . . . ...
alekseyukanastasia
35 likes • 804 views

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Tours can feel long, but the history is fascinating. Plan for at least 2 hours. Reddit :clock1:

🥂 Generous Pours

Enjoy substantial pours during the tasting portion of the tour. Reddit :champagne:

Champagne Taittinger Visit & Tasting 📜 History of Taittinger champagne cellars: In the 4th century, the chalk pits were patiently dug out to extract blocks of chalk. 900 years later they would become the basement of Saint-Nicaise Abbey. They were then extended by a network of tunnels linking cellars, crypts and vaults used for storing the champagne wines sold by the Benedictine monks. The Abbey w...
manca.and.champagne
68 likes • 781 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Wear Warm Layers

It's freezing in the cellars! Bring a jacket or sweater, even in summer. Reddit :snowflake:

📅 Book Your Tour Early

Popular tours sell out fast, especially during peak season. Book online in advance! TikTok :ticket:

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Tours can feel long, but the history is fascinating. Plan for at least 2 hours. Reddit :clock1:

🥂 Generous Pours

Enjoy substantial pours during the tasting portion of the tour. Reddit :champagne:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the fascinating history of the Roman-era cellars and the knowledgeable guides. The champagne tasting is a highlight, with generous pours and a chic tasting room. However, some find the tasting room a bit underwhelming and the shop prices high. The extreme cold in the cellars is a recurring warning.

"Very traditional champagne tasting, with guided tour and 2 glasses to try at the end. Our guide was very knowledgeable and funny. Tour lasted 1 hour. Final tasting room a little underwhelming, not enough seats for guests. The cave is fun to walk around as its limestone and is UNESCO. The shop is pretty expensive and clearly they want a certain clientele unfortunately. We got there a little early and had a lovely 3 course meal at the newly open restaurant."

Paul Heller

"Incredible experience! I waited a whole month for this — and it did NOT disappoint. The history was fascinating… maybe a tad long (felt like I aged a vintage myself 🥂), but our guide Alena, who casually speaks Russian, Belarusian, English, AND French (show-off 😂), knew every little bubble about champagne history. It was interesting and never dull.

WARNING: DRESS LIKE YOU’RE VISITING THE ARCTIC. It’s freezing in there! The next day, three out of our group of five were sporting fevers — so basically, we brought back more than just memories. 🥶😂"

Alena Tam

"Great experience to learn how Champagne is made. The first half is a tour of the tunnels where they store the bottles for the second fermentation to add the bubbles. The tunnels are several Kilometers long and the oldest tunnels were built by the Romans. At this location, only about 5% of their production is stored here and there must be millions of bottles. Very impressive. Next is the Champagne tasting. We had 3 unique tastings with very generous pours. The tasting room was a large private room with very comfortable couch chairs and decorative champagne memorabilia throughout the room. Highly recommended for novice or experienced Champagne drinkers."

Mike Davis

What People Like

Fascinating Roman cellars
Knowledgeable guides
Generous champagne pours

What People Dislike

Very cold cellars
Underwhelming tasting room
Expensive shop

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is to take a high-speed train (TGV) from Paris Gare de l'Est to Reims. The journey takes about 45 minutes. From Reims station, the cellars are a short taxi or Uber ride away. Some visitors opt for a guided day trip from Paris that includes transportation. TikTok

Yes, it's a popular day trip! You can take an early train to Reims, visit the cellars, and return to Paris in the evening. However, be mindful of train schedules and tour booking times. TikTok

Reims is quite walkable, especially the city center. For longer distances, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available. Local buses also operate, but checking routes and schedules beforehand is advisable. TikTok

While specific parking details can vary, it's generally recommended to check the official Taittinger website for the most up-to-date information on visitor parking. Many visitors arrive via taxi or public transport. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tour and tasting prices can vary, with options ranging from around 85 to 100 euros or more, depending on the package and inclusions. It's best to check the official Taittinger website for current pricing and tour options. Reddit

Absolutely! Booking your tour and tasting in advance is highly recommended, as popular slots can sell out weeks or even months ahead, especially during peak tourist seasons. TikTok

Opening hours can vary seasonally and by day of the week. Always check the official Taittinger website for the most accurate and up-to-date tour schedules and availability before planning your visit. TikTok

Typically, a tour includes a guided walk through the historic cellars, learning about the history and production process, followed by a tasting of one or more Taittinger champagnes. Some packages may include more extensive tastings or food pairings. Reddit

Yes, there is a shop on-site where you can purchase Taittinger champagne. However, be aware that prices in the shop might be higher than in other retail outlets. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The cellars maintain a constant cool temperature of around 10°C (50°F) year-round. It's crucial to dress warmly, even in summer, as visitors have reported feeling very cold. Reddit

A guided tour and tasting usually lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours. Some visitors find the historical part of the tour a bit long, but the tasting is often a highlight. Reddit

The underground cellars involve walking and can have uneven surfaces. It's advisable to contact Taittinger directly in advance to inquire about accessibility options for visitors with mobility concerns. Reddit

The cellars can be dimly lit, so a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a night mode is helpful. Be mindful of other guests and follow any photography guidelines provided by your guide. TikTok

While children can technically accompany adults, the tours focus on champagne history and tasting, which may not be engaging for younger visitors. The cold environment is also a consideration for children. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Taittinger has a restaurant on-site that offers a dining experience, sometimes featuring a 3-course meal. It's recommended to make reservations in advance if you plan to dine there. Reddit

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted within the tasting areas or during the tour. The focus is on the Taittinger champagne experience. Reddit

Reims city center offers a wide array of restaurants, from casual bistros to fine dining establishments. You can find many options within walking distance or a short drive from the cellars. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside the cellars, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of other visitors and your guide. Some areas might have restrictions, so check with your guide. TikTok

The ancient Roman tunnels with rows of champagne bottles, the modern tasting room with its chic decor, and any historical remnants within the caves offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

Due to low light conditions, consider using a wider aperture (lower f-number) to let in more light, increasing your ISO if necessary, and using a tripod or image stabilization to avoid blur. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Taittinger Saint-Nicaise Cellars is a fascinating historical site, it's important to note that the primary focus is on champagne production and tasting. The constant cold temperature (around 10°C/50°F) in the cellars can be uncomfortable for young children, and they may not fully appreciate the historical context or the tasting portion. Reddit If you do bring children, ensure they are dressed very warmly, and consider if they will be engaged for the duration of the tour. Some visitors have noted that the tour can feel a bit long for younger attention spans. Reddit

For families looking for a more universally engaging experience in Reims, consider visiting the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Reims or exploring the city's parks. If a champagne experience is a must, some houses might offer more family-friendly tours or have dedicated spaces, but Taittinger is geared more towards adult visitors interested in wine. TikTok

🥂 Champagne Enthusiasts

For those passionate about champagne, Taittinger Saint-Nicaise Cellars offers a deep dive into a historic house. You'll appreciate the kilometer-long cellars carved by Romans, a testament to the region's long winemaking heritage. Reddit The guided tour provides detailed insights into Taittinger's production methods and history, often delivered by guides with extensive knowledge. Reddit The tasting portion is a highlight, with generous pours allowing for a thorough appreciation of their range, including vintage options. Reddit

Compare this experience to other houses like Ruinart or Veuve Clicquot to get a broader understanding of the Champagne region's diversity. TikTokReddit Many enthusiasts find the blend of historical immersion and quality tasting to be a standout experience. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

A tour and tasting at Taittinger Saint-Nicaise Cellars is a premium experience, and the prices reflect that, often ranging from 85 to 100 euros or more. Reddit This might be a splurge for budget travelers. If you're looking for a more economical way to experience champagne, consider visiting smaller, independent growers in the region or focusing on tasting rooms that offer more affordable flight options. TikTok Alternatively, you could opt for a tour that focuses solely on the cellars without an extensive tasting, if such an option is available. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Cellars: A Journey Through Time

The Taittinger Saint-Nicaise Cellars are not just storage spaces; they are a historical marvel. Carved by Roman settlers centuries ago, these chalk quarries extend for kilometers beneath the city of Reims. Walking through them feels like stepping back in time, with remnants of ancient construction still visible. Your guide will point out historical markers and explain how these tunnels were used throughout history, from defense to, of course, aging champagne. Reddit The sheer scale is impressive, with millions of Taittinger bottles undergoing their second fermentation in these cool, dark conditions. Reddit

This unique environment is crucial for the traditional method of champagne production. The constant temperature and humidity provide the ideal conditions for the yeast to work its magic, creating the fine bubbles and complex flavors that Taittinger is known for. While only a portion of Taittinger's total production is aged here, it represents the brand's commitment to tradition and quality. Reddit The experience of seeing these ancient cellars, combined with the knowledge of what they represent for champagne making, makes this a truly unforgettable part of the visit. Reddit

The Taittinger Tasting Experience

After descending into the cool depths of the cellars, the tour culminates in a tasting experience, often held in a more modern and elegant setting upstairs. This is where you get to sample the fruits of Taittinger's labor. Visitors consistently praise the generous pours and the opportunity to taste a selection of their renowned champagnes. Reddit Whether you opt for a classic Brut or a more exclusive vintage, the tasting allows you to appreciate the distinct characteristics of Taittinger's offerings.

Guides often provide insights into the tasting notes and the best way to appreciate the champagne's aroma and flavor profile. This is a fantastic opportunity for both novice champagne drinkers and connoisseurs to deepen their understanding and enjoyment. Reddit The contrast between the ancient, cool cellars and the chic, contemporary tasting room adds another layer to the experience, highlighting Taittinger's blend of heritage and modern sophistication. Reddit Many visitors leave with a newfound appreciation for the artistry and history behind each bottle. TikTok

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