A Champagne Tour We Will Never Forget!
We just got back from the Champagne Tour with France Off the Beaten Path, and it was absolutely phenomenal. I had high expectations, and the trip still exceeded them. I expected the Champagne houses to be beautiful, and they were, but what made the trip so memorable was the way everything felt personal and cared for. From the beginning, Christy was so helpful with the planning, details, and communication which made everything feel easy before we even arrived - there were no surprises. Once we got to Champagne, our guide, Summer Jauneaud, took such great care of us. She was so knowledgeable, gentle, and easy to be with, but more than that, she really listened to us. She paid attention to what we were excited about and made us feel like she wanted the trip to be everything we hoped it would be-and it was...and more. Just as they promised, the Champagne houses were incredible. We visited Moët, Pommery, Ruinart, Gosset, and each one was special in its own way. Veuve Clicquot was not on our original itinerary, but when we mentioned that we really wanted to go, Summer got on the phone and made it happen. That moment really stood out because it showed how much she cared about making the experience special for us. The caves at Ruinart and Pommery were definitely highlights for me. There is something that can’t be put to words to explain what we experienced in person --learning the history behind it all while tasting amazing Champagne - c'est magnifique . We also loved that the trip was not just about Champagne. We had exquisite meals, stayed at the stellar Hotel de la Paix in Reims, visited landmarks, breathtaking cathedrals, and town centers. We had time to wander or shop, and opportunities like our pastry class, where a chef taught us how to make pistachio raspberry tarts. It was the perfect mix of Champagne, food, local culture, history, and fun. Summer made the trip life-changing and memorable. Christy made the planning easy. France Off the Beaten Path gave us a trip we will never forget. If I could give 100 stars, I would. Five will have to do, but it does not capture the depth of this traveler’s stellar experience.