Fabulous Ladies’ Getaway: Paris & Champagne

Paris and Champagne (whether the drink or the region) are a perfect combination and should be used in the same sentence wherever possible! These are two of our favourite places in the world and Travelling Divas and The Fabulous Ladies Wine Society want to share these with you!

Think of style and Paris delivers in every way. From the lovely 5-star hotel you will spend 3 glorious nights in, to the fashionable stores, the delectable food and the wonderful experiences we have organised for the time you will be there: For example, a perfume masterclass at Maison Guerlain, the iconic perfume house.

And then it is on to Champagne, so elegant, so beautifully delicious! You will stay in two Chateaux: one just outside of Reims, capital of the region and where the Kings of France were once crowned and the other outside of Epernay. Taste wonderful champagnes including visits to such famous houses as Veuve Clicquot , Taittinger and Bollinger; explore the delights of the region including Avenue D’Champagne; learn about the beautiful Cathedral of Reims on a private walking tour and so much more.

You will be looked after by experienced and passionate Champagne lovers’ Jane Thomson and Kate Day throughout, and come away with a new appreciation of all things French.

If you would prefer to extend your stay in Paris or Champagne, please let us know and we can assist you with this, along with any airfare requirements you may have. Travel insurance is a must whenever you travel with us, so please check out our comprehensive travel insurance for details.

We hope you join us on this once-in-a-lifetime tour. It has been created with a love of Paris and Champagne, and a desire to share some of our favourite places.  Space is limited to 12 guests so please contact us about the tour, or book now to secure your Fabulous Ladies Getaway to Paris & Champagne now!

PRICE INCLUDES:

• 3 nights’ luxury accommodation, Sofitel Baltimore Tour Eiffel, Paris
• 3 nights’ boutique chateau accommodation, Chateau de Rilly, Rilly-la-Montagne
• 3 nights’ boutique chateau accommodation, Chateau d’Etoges, Etoge
• Fully escorted from Paris by Jane Thomson & Kate Day
• Private transfer on arrival and private transport throughout
• Breakfast daily
• Perfume masterclass Paris
• Welcome champagne Paris
• Welcome lunch with champagne Paris
• Champagne with all main meals
• Meals as specified in the itinerary
• Private tastings & visits to a fabulous mix of champagne houses
• Government & city taxes

Itinerary*

OCTOBER 2022

Saturday 22: Ooh La La – Welcome to Paris!

Welcome to Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world! After collecting your baggage, please enter the arrivals area to meet your driver who will transfer you to the Sofitel Baltimore Tour Eiffel, your home for the next 2 nights.

Settle in and then time for your private perfume masterclass at the legendary Maison de Guerlain this afternoon, to get that nose ready for your champagne delights.

A welcome champagne with canapes this evening where you will enjoy a tour briefing and most importantly, meet your fellow guests.

Overnight accommodation; Sofitel Baltimore Tour Eiffel
Included meals: Champagne and canapes

Sunday 23: A Parisian Table….

After breakfast this morning, it is time for you to explore the delights of Paris, whether that be a quick view of the Eiffel Tower, a walk along the banks of the Seine, mooching around the Marais or sitting at Fouquet’s on the Champs-Élysées people watching, it is your time to make your own memories.

Then to your welcome lunch with champers at a restaurant that will delight.

This afternoon and evening are at leisure to get ready for your departure to Champagne tomorrow.  Jane and Kate will be on hand to make sure dinner is somewhere lovely, for those who are in the mood!

We will have a list of options available for this afternoon and will provide post tour finalisation – private walking tours, art tours,  a little fashion styling and more.

Overnight accommodation; Sofitel Baltimore Tour Eiffel

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Monday 24: Time to sparkle….

This morning enjoy breakfast, checkout and say farewell to Paris. We are then whisked away by private transfer to the heart of sparkle – Champagne!

Our very first stop will be at the most historic champagne house of all, Ruinart.  After a private tour of their World Heritage Listed champagne caves, we’ll enjoy a sip (or two) in their luxury tasting room.

We then head to Chateau de Rilly, your home for the next 3 nights.  Settle in and stretch your legs in the delightful garden.

This evening you will be chauffeured to Les Crayeres in Reims for dinner at Les Jardins.

Overnight accommodation: Chateau de Rilly
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Tuesday 25: Grand vs Artisan….

Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in our historic Chateau de Rilly before we take you to Pommery for a guided visit, tasting and lunch.

On the way home, we are going to pop in to see and taste with an artisan, a smaller producer of champagne. This will give us an excellent contrast in size and style of house.

We will then return to the chateau where you have some time to get ready for dinner at Taittinger’s Chateau Marquetterie.  Frock up and and enjoy this exclusive and exquisite event!

Overnight accommodation: Chateau de Rilly
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wednesday 26: Champagne Dames & Queens….

The gothic cathedral in the champagne town of Reims is where the kings and Queens of France were crowned for over one thousand years. So, it is definitely a must for you to visit. You’ll have our own private guided walking tour, which will also take in other key historic sights in the township.

We’ll then walk a few streets over to the elegant maison of Champagne Jacquart, where one of champagne’s youngest female winemakers is at the helm. We will enjoy a tasting and lunch.

Then it is on to pay homage to the grand dame herself – Veuve Clicquot! A tasting and a visit to her famous cellars is how we will spend the afternoon.

Dinner is at a local champagne bar in the village, where you will enjoy platters and champagnes of course!

Overnight accommodation: Chateau de Rilly
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thursday 27: Castles, widows & blanc de blanc

We’re checking out of our chateau this morning and then to our next hotel, set in a medieval castle. Complete with gardens, moat and canon shot marks in the thick stone walls. Welcome to Chateau d’Etoge. Oh and did we mention the on-site, highly regarded L’Orangerie restaurant with an extensive champagne menu? Ooh la la!

But first up, after checking out, we head to Champagne Ployez-Jacquemart for a private tasting.

Then it’s en-route to the Cote de Blanc area of champagne for a tour, tasting and lunch with Veuve Fourny. If we’re lucky, we may even spot their mother, the original Veuve (widow) Fourny, as she is often still popping in to ensure her sons are keeping her name up to a high standard!

We’ll then return to Chateau d’Etoge to get comfortable in our rooms before dinner at the Chateau’s restaurant.

Overnight accommodation: Chateau d’Etoge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Friday 28: Absolutely fabulous and happy Global Champagne Day!

Where else would you rather be than in Champagne today, to celebrate ‘Global Champagne Day’?

Did somebody say Bolly, Darling? It is time for the fabulous to get their fabulous on… Because today you are heading to Champagne Bollinger for a private visit and lunch. This is something extremely special indeed. You’ll even see the historic home of Lily Bollinger and hear all about the Ab Fab and James Bond connections with this famous champagne brand.

Dinner is at leisure.

Overnight accommodation: Chateau d’Etoge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Saturday 29: Girls on the Avenue…

This morning it is all about exploring the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, and the surrounding famous town. Walk between world-leading champagne houses, do some shopping or take the time to sit with a coffee and pastry. The morning is yours to enjoy!

Grab yourself a quick (but ever so French) lunch and then we will enjoy a tasting at Champagne de Castellane.

In the afternoon, we’re going to get our inner artist on for a delightful masterclass with the talented Caroline Brun at her historic home. Caroline is an acclaimed artist and champagne educator who uses champagne as inspiration for her artworks.  She’ll provide a delicious afternoon tea with the class and you will walk away with a completely different perspective.

Our farewell dinner is at Chateau d’Etoge this evening.

Overnight accommodation: Chateau d’Etoge

Included meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Sunday 30: The Fabulous Ladies of Champagne…

It’s time to say goodbye to Champagne today, and head back to Paris. We check out after breakfast and then depart our Chateau.

On the way we will stop in to meet ‘Les Fa’Bulleuses’ – a group of female champagne makers who have banded together to create a marketing power for their champagnes.

We then return to the city of lights for our final night back at the Sofitel Baltimore. Meet for a final champagne together to celebrate your Fabulous Ladies Paris & Champagne Experience.

Dinner is at leisure.

Overnight accommodation: Sofitel Baltimore Tour Eiffel

Included meals: Breakfast

Monday 31: time to say farewell…

It’s time to say farewell and thank you for travelling with us on this fabulous getaway. Own arrangements for departure transfers or perhaps you would like to stay a little longer?  Let us know and we can help you.

Included meals: Breakfast

*Itinerary may change due to house availability.

Paris:

The Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel is nestled among the most beautiful districts of Paris, close to the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. It is a perfect example of a Parisian residence, in an intimate, warm and cosy atmosphere. A typical townhouse dating back to the end of the 19th century. Mixing French hospitality and Parisian chic, with a bistro restaurant and an exceptional wine cellar, the Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel immerses its guests in the authentic and contemporary refinement of the French.

Champagne:

Chateau de Rilly is a former wine house from the end of the 18th century, located close to Reims and at the heart of the Champagne region.  It is an exceptional place where the art of living and a warm welcome are the perfect combination.  Charming rooms, delightful gardens and a beautiful terrace ensure a lovely stay. (NB Room photo is indicative of one room type only.  Due to hotel size rooms will vary by category).

Chateau d’Etoges  was built in the early 17th century at the heart of the Champagne countryside. This listed historic château sits imposingly in the middle of a 20-acre park with a large terrace, a kitchen garden and magnificent fountains. With its vast reception rooms decorated with painted panelling and 17th and 18th century furniture, the spa and the restaurant this splendid hotel possess a rare charm.