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Paris’s Hidden Champagne Cave: Sip Rare Bubbles Beneath the City at Dilettantes
Femke Damstra
France is famous for its Champagne, but with so many options, it can be difficult to know where to go for something truly special. Dilettantes, a hidden gem in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, offers a unique, intimate experience focused on small, artisanal champagne producers who emphasize traditional methods and the distinct flavors of their terroir. I’m sharing highlights from my recent visit, where I tasted some extraordinary, lesser-known champagnes.
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We all know France is the home of Champagne, but with so many options, it can be tough to know where to go—or what hidden gems to discover.
That’s where we come in! We’ve set out to explore the best spots and uncover some lesser-known treasures. Today, I’m sharing highlights from my recent visit to Dilettantes.
From the start, it was clear that Dilettantes isn’t about the big-name Champagne houses or the brands you find on supermarket shelves. Instead, they focus on small, artisanal producers who are passionate about preserving traditional methods and showcasing the unique flavors of their terroir in every bottle.
Tucked away in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Dilettantes is a wine shop that, at first glance, might seem like any other. But if you venture just a bit deeper—down a winding staircase—you’ll find yourself in a hidden champagne cave, a vaulted 17th-century cellar designed for tastings.
Here, in this cozy, stone-walled hideaway, I discovered an entirely different side of Paris’s champagne culture.
Dilettantes’ approach to champagne was a delightful surprise. The tastings are warm, casual, and in English, making it a fantastic experience even if you’re new to champagne.
Our host greeted us with four different bottles, each hand-selected to represent a different style and terroir, sourced from artisan producers across France. As stated before, Dilettantes focuses on the lesser-known, craft producers—people dedicated to preserving unique traditions and bringing their land’s flavors directly into every bottle.
What I loved most about the tasting at Dilettantes is how relaxed it felt. There’s often a perception that champagne is bound to strict rules, like it’s only fit for elegant dinners or grand celebrations.
But our host encouraged us to break these stereotypes: champagne, she said, can and should be enjoyed with a variety of foods. In fact, she shared that many Parisians drink champagne at any meal, whether it’s a casual lunch, a refined dinner, or a late-night snack.
We chatted about which dishes might pair well with each champagne—a seafood tartare here, a duck confit there, even a burger if you like. Champagne is more versatile than most people realize, and Dilettantes celebrates that with an open-minded and fun approach.
One of the highlights of the tasting was learning about each bottle’s background. Here’s what we sampled (and highly recommend):
Rosé champagne
This was made with a skin-contact method, giving it a rich, berry-like depth without overpowering the subtle notes beneath.
Blanc de Blancs
This came from a Grand Cru village, with a crisp, mineral quality that made it unforgettable.
Each champagne had its own personality and story, and our guide was excited to tell us how the soil, climate, and even the family traditions influenced each one.
If you’re looking to add a little food to your champagne tasting, check out our Paris Food Tours. We’re all about immersing travelers into the local culture. On our Paris food tours, we’ll explain the history of Paris’s best cuisine. And of course, you’ll get a taste of Paris’s best culinary experience
Dilettantes is also a bit of a hidden secret for those looking to bring rare bottles home. The shop offers international shipping, which means that these small-batch, terroir-driven champagnes can be sent right to your doorstep, even if you’re outside France.
For collectors and enthusiasts, it’s an incredible opportunity to access champagnes that don’t usually make it beyond French borders. These champagnes, often produced in small quantities, capture the essence of regions you may not see represented on shelves elsewhere.
Book Reservations Ahead of Time
If you’re planning a trip to Paris and want a genuinely Parisian experience that feels both exclusive and welcoming, book a tasting at Dilettantes. The shop requests advance reservations, so they can prepare each bottle properly—a small detail that really shows their dedication to quality.
And with English-speaking staff ready to share their expertise, you’ll walk away not only with a deeper understanding of champagne but also with stories and flavors you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
To book your own experience, you can contact them directly via email (they’ll respond in English) or check out their offerings on their website. Trust me—if you love champagne or just want to feel like a true Parisian, this experience is well worth it.
How to Get to Dilettantes
By Metro
Dilettantes is only a four minute walk from Saint-Michel Notre-Dame Metro Station. Once you exit the station, walk down Quai des Grands Augustins until you see the first stop light on the street at Rue Séguier where you’ll turn left and continue walking.
Once you see the first intersecting road, Rue de Savoie, turn right and Dilettantes is located on your right at the end of the street.
By Bus
If you’re taking the bus, Dilettantes is only a three-minute walk away from the Pont Neuf – Quai des Grands Augustins bus stop. Once you get off the bus, you’ll walk down Rue Dauphine, past several art galleries until you reach Rue du Pont de Lodi. Y
ou’ll turn left down that street until you reach the first intersecting street, Rue des Grands Augustins. Turn right and walk to the first intersecting street, Rue de Savoie, and Dilettantes will be on your left.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Paris Guide for more resources.
Things to Do Nearby
Saint-Germain-des-Prês is perfect for anyone 30 years+ who wants to be in the center but not deal with crowds. Almost every restaurant and bar you can walk into is going to be great. There is a fun mix of boutique shopping, relaxed nightlife, and great food. You’re also very well connected by metro and RER throughout Paris. Here are a couple activites to kick off your day before finishing with a relaxing champagne tasting at Dilettantes.
Check Out The Louvre
The Louvre stands as the largest museum in the world and houses Europe’s most iconic art and statues. We’re talking about the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the Niké of Samothrace, and so much more. If you want to truly appreciate this legendary place, read the articles below. Trust me, you’ll be more than ready to take on the Louvre and impress everyone with your insider knowledge. And if you want to leave the details to the experts, check out some of our best Louvre tours.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Paris Guide for more resources.
Visit Musée d’Orsay
If you’re searching for your next museum adventure in Paris, look no further than the Musée d’Orsay. This place is the second-largest museum in the city and is bursting with over 6,000 paintings, sculptures, and other stunning works of art. While impressionist and post-impressionist pieces dominate the scene, you’ll also stumble upon romanticism, realism, and more as you roam this beautiful building.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Paris Guide for more resources.
Other Wine and Champagne Tastings
If one location just isn’t enough, we highly recommend booking a tour with an expert guide. Finding the best wine and champagne experiences in Paris can be complicated, especially with so many options to choose from. Our tours make it easy, combining tastings, scenic views, and truly memorable moments.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Paris Guide for more resources.
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Dilettantes offers more than just a champagne tasting; it provides a rare opportunity to explore the authentic, diverse world of artisanal Champagne in an intimate, unpretentious setting.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the sparkling drink, the experience at Dilettantes is both educational and enjoyable, showcasing the beauty of lesser-known producers and unique terroirs.
If you’re in Paris, make sure to carve out time for this hidden gem—it’s an experience that will elevate your appreciation of Champagne and leave you with unforgettable memories.
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