A trip to Épernay for champagne lovers

Of course, many of the famous champagne houses that have set up shop in Reims have gone to great marketing lengths to make Reims a destination of choice for champagne lovers, but Épernay represents the original heartbeat of the Champagne region.

Nestled in a valley and surrounded by vineyards and forests, Épernay is a town of around 23,000 inhabitants. Open to the world yet rural in its dynamism and rhythm, the city discreetly hides the treasures and luxury it conceals. Yet 110 kilometers of cellars lie beneath the streets of Épernay. A large part of the town therefore sits on an effervescent goldmine.

Avenue de Champagne

Avenue de Champagne is the hub of Champagne activity, sometimes jokingly referred to as "Épernay's Champs-Élysées". Here, and in the streets surrounding the prestigious Avenue de Champagne, you'll find numerous champagne houses, including some of your favorite producers from our portfolio: Champagne Moët & Chandon, Champagne de Venoge, Champagne Perrier-Jouët, Champagne Pol Roger, Champagne Leclerc-Briant. Champagne Alfred Gratien and Champagne Gosset are also within walking distance.

Every year, Épernay welcomes 500,000 visitors who come to experience the magic of this beverage. In 2015, the Avenue de Champagne, with its champagne houses and cellars, as well as the Champagne hillsides, received UNESCO World Heritage status. Since then, the city has developed its wine tourism offerings and activities, with many exciting tours, museums, exhibitions and other activities on offer to enhance the city's appeal.

In this article, we've put together a list of ideas and places to visit to ensure that your next stopover in Épernay is as enjoyable as possible and focused on your greatest interest: the effervescent soul of Champagne.

Places to visit in Épernay

• Le Ballon d'Épernay: To discover Épernay, its location and the surrounding vineyards from the air, Épernay has installed an aerostat balloon just a two-minute walk from the Avenue de Champagne. Attached to the ground by ropes and a lashing net, the aerostat floats 150 m above the town, and you can enjoy the panoramic view with a glass of champagne in hand. On days when the weather conditions do not allow take-off, a virtual reality solution can replace the real flight.
  Book at the Tourist Office or on site.
  Further information: https://www.ballon-epernay.com

• Musée du Vin de Champagne et d'Archéologie régionale: After many years of renovation, the historic Château Perrier has reopened its doors in a modern style to house the new Musée du Champagne et d'Archéologie Régionale. Three floors are devoted to understanding the origins and evolution of the region through history, the unique soil formations that give rise to the world's greatest sparkling wines, and the culture that has developed around them.
  Bookings through the Tourist Office or on site.
  More info: https://archeochampagne.epernay.fr

Champagne cellars to discover in Épernay

• Champagne Moët & Chandon: At an impressive 28 kilometers long, Épernay's largest cellar is like a great underground labyrinth. Up to 30 meters underground, the constant temperature of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius creates the perfect environment for bottles of champagne to develop their fine bubbles and age in perfect conditions until release. Tours are available in several languages and the house is open all year round.
  Address: 20 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
  Further information: https://www.moet.com/fr-fr/visit-us

• Champagne Perrier- Jouët: Admired for its Art Nouveau style, artistic heritage and contemporary art collaborations, the Maison Belle Époque des Champagnes Perrier-Jouët is one of the jewels of the Avenue de Champagne. The champagne house offers visitors four original experiences: a tasting at L'Atelier, a tour of the Maison Belle Époque, a visit to the Cellier Belle Époque, and a discovery of their collection of vintages in their winter garden.
  Address: 16 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
  More info: https://www.perrier-jouet.com/fr-fr/nous-rendre-visite

• Champagne Gosset: The oldest Champagne house, founded in 1584 in the neighboring village of Aÿ, is now hidden away in a quieter part of Épernay. With house tours and cellar visits by appointment, you can discover the old cellars, the history of the house and its lively champagne cuvées.
  Address: 12 rue Godart Roger, Épernay.
  More info: https://www.champagne-gosset.com/

• Champagne Alfred Gratien: A few minutes from the center, you can visit Champagne Alfred Gratien, its cellars and its emblematic barrel room, the well-kept secret of their particularly creamy house taste. They also offer a delicious tasting of their champagnes with selected cheese pairings.
  Address: 30 rue Maurice Cerveaux, Épernay.
  More info: https://www.alfredgratien.com/

• Champagne de Castellane: Visible from most corners of Épernay, the high tower of Champagne de Castellane stands out from the town. It offers cellar tours that include a visit to its Musée de la Tradition Champenoise, an interesting collection of old winemaking tools and Champagne traditions. You can even climb the 237 steps to the top of the tower for a magnificent view over Épernay.
  Address: 63 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
  More info: https://www.castellane.com/fr/visites

• Champagne Mercier: If you're traveling with children, Champagne Mercier is the perfect compromise between fun and champagne history. The house's founder, Eugène Mercier, was an innovator with a passion for Champagne marketing, and that spirit lives on. The cellar tours take place in a small train, which takes you comfortably through the stock of champagne bottles while listening to the guide's explanations.
  Address: 69 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
  More info: https://www.champagnemercier.com/fr/visites-des-caves

Épernay's best champagne tasting venues and champagne bars:

• L'Atelier du Champagne Perrier-Jouët: Discover Perrier-Jouët's famous Chardonnay vintages, learn about their incredible vintages, or let yourself be tempted by a multi-sensory tasting that will tickle all your senses.
  Address: 16 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
  More info: https://www.perrier-jouet.com/fr-fr/nous-rendre-visite/latelier
• Champagne Leclerc-Briant tasting: Taste the house champagnes at the boutique on Avenue de Champagne, or book a visit with tasting at the champagne house in another corner of town.
  Address: 25 bis Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
  More info: http://leclercbriant.fr/fr/visits

• L'Écurie des Champagnes De Venoge: Enjoy a glass of champagne at the bar, indulge in delicious amuse-bouches, or sample a scoop of their Sorbet au Champagne de Venoge - created by the famous Maison Dallet patisserie - on their private terrace.
  Address: 33 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
  More info at: https://champagnedevenoge.com/lecurievisites/
• Champagne Bar du Champagne Janisson-Baradon: At the most central traffic circle at the head of the Avenue de Champagne, this cosy bar lets you enjoy champagne indoors or on their terrace.
  Address: 9 place de la République.
  More info: https://www.champagne-janisson-baradon.com/
• Tasting at Atelier 1836 des Champagnes Boizel: Taste the house's cuvées in a contemporary setting, or sit out on the terrace and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the champagne house's courtyard.
  Address: 46 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
  More info at: https://www.boizel.com/fr/atelier-1834/

• Bar à champagne Les 3 Domaines: This bar concept is a collaboration of three champagne estates in Épernay, offering tastings of their cuvées in the city's most central location.
  Address: 1 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
  More info: http://les3domaines-epernay.com/

• Le 19 - Syndicat Général des Vignerons champagne bar: Once a successful summer pop-up bar, the SGV has finally created a year-round champagne bar featuring over 100 cuvées. An ideal place to discover new estates, cuvées and terroirs.
  Address: 19 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
  More info: https://www.instagram.com/19avenuedechampagne/

Where to eat and snack in Épernay?

• Sacré Bistro: Ever dared try the magical combination of hamburgers with fries and champagne? Well, now you can! And Sacré Bistro takes its mission seriously: the menu features all kinds of high-end burgers, made from the finest products: brioche burger buns, aged cheeses from a local cheese factory and beef from one of the best local butchers. What's more, their champagne list is legendary, so many locals come here to discover new producers and champagnes.
  Address: 2-4 Place Auban Moët, Épernay.
  More info: https://www.sacrebistro.fr/

• Domaine de Vincine : Recently opened, this is fast becoming a must for champagne lovers. With a wide selection of champagnes, wines and beers, and a short, seasonal and regularly changing menu, Domaine de Vincine presents a modern interpretation of taste and regional cuisine in a contemporary setting. Terrace seating is also available for sunny days.
  Address: 31 rue des Berceaux, Épernay.
  Further information: https://www.domaine-de-vincine.fr/
• Maison Dallet: Places to have breakfast in Épernay are hard to find, but Maison Dallet, one of Épernay's best patisseries, has a few places available in its small store. They serve mouth-watering pastries and breads all day long, as well as a fine selection of teas and coffees. Their special "Macaron au Champagne" is a must-try, as are the delicate ice creams and sorbets they offer in summer.
  Address: 26 rue Général Leclerc, Épernay.
  More info: https://www.chocolat-vincentdallet.fr/
• La Table Kobus: A discreet, elegant restaurant in the immediate vicinity of Épernay's beautiful cathedral and railway station. Away from the noise of the Avenue de Champagne, La Table Kobus offers bistronomic cuisine with a modern, innovative touch. The ideal place for a comfortable and delicious break.
  Address: 3 rue Dr Rousseau, Épernay.
  Further information: https://www.la-table-kobus.fr/

Where to stay in Épernay

• Le 25 bis by Leclerc-Briant: For an exclusive stay, book your stay at Le 25 bis by Leclerc-Briant Champagnes. With five guest rooms, a boutique and a champagne bar, the champagne house has created an elegant haven for champagne lovers on the Avenue de Champagne, where you'll be at the center of all champagne-related activities.
  Address: 25 bis Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
  Booking: https://www.le25bis.com/

• Les Suites du 33 des Champagnes De Venoge: A few years ago, Champagne De Venoge opened a place where champagne lovers can rest, dream, and dive straight into tastings and cellar tours the next morning. Centrally located on Avenue de Champagne, four elegant guest rooms and a spacious apartment are available.
  Address: 33 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
  Booking: https://champagnedevenoge.com/les-suites-du-33/

• Hôtel Villa Eugène: This 5-star luxury hotel on Avenue de Champagne once belonged to the famous Mercier family. Preserving style and tradition, it offers spacious rooms, a large pool area and the calm of a wooded park.
  Address: 84 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
  Reservation: https://www.villa-eugene.com/
• Hôtel Jean Moët: Located just a few steps from the Tourist Office and the Town Hall, this 4-star hotel is a perfectly central location for discovering Épernay, with all amenities close at hand.
  Address: 7 rue Jean Moët, Épernay.
  Booking: http://www.hoteljeanmoet.com/

Other fun things to do in Épernay :

• Hôtel de Ville: Home to Épernay's town hall, the magnificent Hôtel de Ville building is a great place to start or end your stroll along the Avenue de Champagne. Right next to the Tourist Office and opposite Moët & Chandon Champagnes, you can discover a central piece of Épernay's history or enjoy a few moments' rest in the beautiful park behind the building.
  Address: 7 bis Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.

• Discover the vineyards by bike: If you're looking to immerse yourself in nature and discover the vineyards surrounding Épernay, the easiest way is to rent an e-bike from the Tourist Office. They also offer maps with the best cycling routes, from short and easy to long and more difficult.
  Booking: https: //www.epernay-tourisme.com/

• Farmers' market: Visit the local farmers' market on Saturday mornings to discover local producers and sample charcuterie, cheeses, foie gras and many other delicacies. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of local champagne producers doing their weekend shopping with the family.
  Every Saturday morning. Address: Rue Général Sarrail (Halle Saint-Thibault), Épernay.

More inspiration and useful information for organizing your stay in Épernay :

Épernay Tourist Office: https://www.epernay-tourisme.com/

Tourisme Champagne-Ardenne : https://www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com/