Caves du Louvre Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience, Paris

Explore the world of French cheese and wine with an immersive two-hour session in the historic Caves du Louvre. Start with a stroll through a series of 18th-century wine cellars, then sit down to a tasting of 10 artisanal cheeses paired with an equal selection of red and white wines. Led by a master sommelier, this relaxed experience introduces you to each of the famous French wine regions as you sip—making it a perfect way to prime your palate for the rest of your trip.

This two-hour experience begins when you arrive at Les Caves du Louvre, where you'll meet your sommelier guide and descend from a charming wine shop into the historic caves below. First built in the 18th century, these underground wine cellars were once linked with the nearby Palais du Louvre via a series of secret tunnels, allowing the sommelier of Louis XV to deliver the king's favorite wines discreetly.

Once you've reached your underground tasting room, take a seat around the table with the rest of your small group. Here you'll each be presented with a beautifully arranged cheese board with 10 different regional, handcrafted cheeses supplied by the neighboring La Fromagerie du Louvre. Then, your sommelier will choose the perfect wine to accompany each cheese (including five reds and five whites), taking you on a tasting journey through the most important French wine regions, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley.

As you sip and nibble your way through the afternoon, you'll learn about correct tasting techniques and how to differentiate different grapes, from a Burgundy pinot noir to Rhône Valley grenache. Compare the tannins of a robust red to the delicate complexities of a fruity white, and learn what wine to pair with a creamy Loire Valley goat cheese or an aged brie. Make sure to note down your favorite pairings—at the end of the experience, you'll have the chance to buy a bottle or two (and some accompanying cheese) in the upstairs shops before saying your goodbyes.