Our self-drive Champagne break offers the perfect short break in the region, with accommodation at the beautiful 4* Château de Rilly, located in a Champagne-making village in the countryside, away from the busy towns and cities.

On day one of your trip, drive from the UK to the Champagne region, taking the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais. You have the complete freedom to choose your preferred crossing time, and the drive to from Calais to the Champagne region is a speedy 2 ½ hours. Upon arrival at Château de Rilly, check into your spacious room with its own private balcony or terrace, and spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying your pleasant surroundings.

This evening, you may wish to dine in the Château’s on-site gourmet restaurant or alternatively, we would be very pleased to reserve you a table at one of our partner restaurants in Epernay, which is a 20 minute drive from the Château. Please rest assured that all Grape Escapes restaurant partners will follow strict safety guidelines, respecting social distance and hygiene rules.

After breakfast on day two, you will be met at the Château by an English-speaking specialist driver/guide, who will accompany you throughout the day on a private basis. You will be transported in a spacious Mercedes Viano-style vehicle and your guide will follow the necessary safety procedures whilst regaling you with tales and anecdotes of the history of Champagne and its vineyards, introducing you to the particularities of the region. You will firstly stop in a vineyard to learn about the work undertaken here, and the tour is designed to be as hands-on as possible. Here, your guide will explain the grape varieties permitted in Champagne and the yearly cycle of the work carried out in the vineyards. You will also pass through Hautvillers, the famous hilltop village where Dom Pérignon himself lived and is buried.

Region: Champagne

Type of Tour: Self Drive

Guide Price: From £681 to £1312 per person

Accommodation: Le Château de Rilly – Rilly-la-Montagne

Number of Meals: 2 breakfasts + 1 lunch (3 Days) or 3 breakfasts + 2 lunches + 1 light dinner (4 Days)

Number of Winery Visit: 3 Champagne Houses (3 Days) or 5 Champagne Houses (4 Days)

Number of Wines Tasted: Approximately 11 (3 Days) or Approximately 18 (4 Days)

Tour Transport: Full day guided and transported tour on a private basis (3 Days) or Full day guided and transported tour on a private basis + e-bike hire (4 Days)

Dates/Availability: Available mid-week and weekends throughout the year.