May 24-31, 2027
Walk in the Footsteps of Heroes. Toast to Resilience.
Experience an extraordinary journey through the landscapes of France where valor once shaped the course of history—and where the art of fine winemaking rose from the ashes of war.
This immersive, small-group expedition combines private access to legendary Champagne houses, PhD-level historical interpretation of iconic WWI battlefields, and chef-curated dining experiences designed to engage every sense
Tour Highlights
24 May 2027
24 May 2027
24 May 2027
- Guest Arrival at CDG
- Greet and load private car service
- Drive to Épernay
- Check-in at Bergère Estate
- Dinner Opening night Soirée at le Petite Champenois
25 May 2027
24 May 2027
24 May 2027
- Chauffeured motor coach to Reims
- Château Pommery cave tour
- Lunch The Glue Pot in Reims
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
- Fort de la Pompelle WWI museum
- Dinner La Table d'au Piano in Reims
26 May 2027
24 May 2027
26 May 2027
- Chauffeured motor coach to Bergère vineyard
- Lunch Bergère Vineyard in Fèrebrianges
- Time at your leisure in Épernay; "Heart of the Champagne World"
- Dinner L'Oeil de Boeuf in Épernay
27 May 2027
27 May 2027
26 May 2027
- Chauffeured motor coach to Verdun
- On-location experience of historic WWI battlefield
- Lunch The Sherlock Pub in Verdun
- Tour of Fort Douamont
- Visit to the Verdun Memorial
- The Trench of Bayonets
- The Ossuary of Douamont
- Dinner Brasserie La Banque in Épernay
28 May 2027
27 May 2027
28 May 2027
- Chauffeured motor coach to Château-Theirry
- A private passage through Belleau Wood - historic battlefield
- Wreath-laying at Château-Thierry Monument
- Lunch
- Return to Epernay
- Independent dining in local Epernay establishments
29 May 2027
27 May 2027
28 May 2027
- Walking tour Avenue de Champagne and monuments
- Lunch Le Théâtre in Épernay
- Chauffeured motor coach to Bisseuil
- Afternoon tour with Gonet‑Médeville
- Dinner: Celebratory soiree with Gonet-Médeville House
30 May 2027
30 May 2027
30 May 2027
- Chauffeured motor coach to Sommepy-Tahure
- Blanc Mont Ridge Battlefield and Memorial visit
- Hautvillers Abbey exploration
- Lunch Au 36 in Hautvillers
- Dinner Private cellar Michel Gonet in Épernay
31 May 2027
30 May 2027
30 May 2027
- Private transport to Charles DeGualle International Airport
- Bon Voyage, Au Revoir!
Get Ready to Explore with Vintage and Valor
Experience Unforgettable Adventures
At Vintage and Valor, we specialize in crafting unique and unforgettable adventures tailored just for you. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping stories of sacrifice and courage or peaceful escapes into a culture, we have the perfect adventure for you.
Join Our Community of Explorers
All guest have access to our Field Guide App. Our purpose built app designed to support the guests in preparation for our expeditions and during our time together.
Our vintageandvalor.com website is designed with our guests in-mind. Soon, we will have a guest-only portal that will provide an elevated experience.
Scheduled calls allowing virtual guest presence with our Vintage and Valor experience leaders as we build relationships and insights.
Explore Your Dream Destinations
Explore the world’s most incredible locations with The Normandy Crucible — where history, adventure, and discovery collide.
The Normandy Crucible takes our guests through Normandy, to the Loire Valley, and finally back to Paris.
Our lodging venue in Epernay...Your reservation is ready
Your Expedition Hosts
Joe Dowdy
Peter Owen, PhD
Peter Owen, PhD
Founder, Storyteller, Leader
A retired Marine Corps Colonel and former NASA Chief of Staff, Joe brings decades of leadership experience, battlefield perspective, and cultural insight. His passion for history and hospitality anchors every Vintage & Valor journey.
Peter Owen, PhD
Peter Owen, PhD
Peter Owen, PhD
Military Historian & Battlefield Guide
A published WWI historian and Marine Corps veteran, Peter brings deep historical expertise and rich storytelling to the expedition.
Betsy Dowdy
Peter Owen, PhD
Betsy Dowdy
Hospitality and Travel Coordinator
Betsy has dedicated her life to providing premier guest experiences - it is what she does! A former flight attendant and event planner, she will ensure that you have the first class experience that is the hallmark of Vintage and Valor expeditions.