A Champagne Lover’s Trip to Épernay
Drinking champagne is always a brilliant choice to be in your happy place. But could there be an even happier place for champagne lovers? Yes, there is one place where every champagne enthusiast would love to enjoy their favorite fizzy drink! Right at the heartbeat of Champagne’s wine growing and champagne making epicentre: Épernay.
Admittedly, many famous champagne houses who have settled in Reims invested a lot of marketing efforts to bring Reims right to the top of mind for Champagne destinations, however, Épernay represents the original pulse and heartbeat of Champagne.
Nestled into a valley and surrounded by vineyards and forest, Épernay is a small yet meaningful city of roughly 23.000 inhabitants. Open to the world yet rural in its dynamic and pace, the city discreetly hides the treasures and luxury it holds. However, a staggering 110 kilometers of champagne cellars spread out underneath the streets of Épernay – so a major part of the city is sitting atop a sparkling mine of effervescent gold.
Avenue de Champagne
The Avenue de Champagne represents the center of champagne activity, sometimes jokingly called “the Champs-Élysées of Épernay”. Here, as well as in the streets surrounding the prestigious Avenue de Champagne, you can find many champagne houses such as some of your favorite producers from our portfolio: Champagne Moët & Chandon, Champagne de Venoge, Champagne Perrier-Jouët, Champagne Pol Roger, Champagne Leclerc-Briant. And in just a few walking minutes’ distance you’ll also find Champagne Alfred Gratien and Champagne Gosset.
Each year, Épernay receives 500.000 visitors who come to experience the magic of the effervescent drink at its origin. In 2015, the Avenue de Champagne, with its champagne houses and their champagne cellars, as well as Champagne’s hillsides, received UNESCO world heritage status. Since then, the city has developed its wine tourism offers and activities, and many exciting tours, museums, expositions, and other fun options were added to enhance the sparkle of the city.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of ideas and places to visit to make sure that your next stopover in Épernay will be enjoyable and centered all around your biggest interest: the effervescent soul of Champagne.
Places to visit in Épernay
- Le Ballon d’Épernay: To discover Épernay, its situation and the surrounding vineyards from above, Épernay has installed an aerostat balloon just two walking minutes from the Avenue de Champagne. Attached to the ground by ropes and a securing net, the aerostat floats 150 m above the city, and you can enjoy the panoramic view with a glass of champagne in your hand. On days when the meteorological situation doesn’t allow for a take-off, a virtual reality solution with special 3D-masks can replace the actual flight.
Booking via the Tourist Office or on site.
More information: https://www.ballon-epernay.com/en/ - Musée du Vin de Champagne et d’Archéologie régionale: After long years of renovation, the historical Château Perrier has re-opened in a modern style and is now home to the new museum of champagne and regional archeology. Three floors are dedicated to understanding the origins and the evolution of the region throughout history, the unique soil formations that bring out the greatest effervescent wines of the world, and the culture that developed around it.
Booking via the Tourist Office or on site.
More information: https://archeochampagne.epernay.fr/en/home/
Interesting Champagne Cellars to discover in Épernay
- Champagne Moët & Chandon: With an impressive length of 28 kilometers, the biggest cellar of Épernay compares to a great underground labyrinth. Up to 30 meters below the ground, the constant temperature of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius creates the perfect environment for the champagne bottles to develop their fine bubbles and age in perfect conditions until their release. The tours are available in many languages and the house is open all year around.
Address: 20 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
More information: https://www.moet.com/fr-fr/visit-us
- Champagne Perrier- Jouët: Admired for its Art nouveau style and its artistic heritage and contemporary art collaborations, Champagne Perrier-Jouët’s Maison Belle Époque is one gem of the Avenue de Champagne. The champagne house offers four original experiences for visitors: a tasting at L’Atelier, a tour of the Maison Belle Époque, a visit of the Cellier Belle Époque, as well as a discovery of their collection of cuvées in their winter garden.
Address: 16 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
More information: https://www.perrier-jouet.com/en-ww/visit-us
- Champagne Gosset: The oldest wine house of Champagne, founded in 1584 in the close-by village of Aÿ, hides in a more quiet district of Épernay today. Offering visits and cellar tours upon reservation, you can explore the ancient cellars, the house’s history and their vibrant champagne cuvées.
Address: 12 rue Godart Roger, Épernay.
More information: https://www.champagne-gosset.com/
- Champagne Alfred Gratien: Just a few minutes from the center, you can visit Champagne Alfred Gratien, their cellars and their emblematic barrel room, the well-kept secret of their particularly creamy house taste. They also offer a delicious tasting experience of their champagnes with selected cheese pairings.
Address: 30 rue Maurice Cerveaux, Épernay.
More information: https://www.alfredgratien.com/
- Champagne de Castellane: Visible from most corners of Épernay, the tall tower of Champagne de Castellane stands outs from the city. They offer cellar tours that include a visit to their Musée de la Tradition Champenoise, an interesting collection of ancient wine making tools and champagne tradition. And if you’re feeling sporty, you can even climb up the 237 steps to the top of the tower and enjoy a magnificent view of Épernay.
Address: 63 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
More information: https://www.castellane.com/fr/visites
- Champagne Mercier: If traveling with children, Champagne Mercier is the perfect compromise between amusement and champagne history. The founder of the house, Eugène Mercier, has been a passionate marketing innovator in Champagne, and this spirit remains. Cellar tours are conducted on a small train that drives you comfortably through the stocks of champagne bottles while you listen to the guide’s explanations.
Address: 69 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
More information: https://www.champagnemercier.com/en/cellars-visits
The best champagne tasting places & champagne bars in Épernay
- L’Atelier of Champagne Perrier-Jouët: Discover the famous Chardonnay cuvées of Champagne Perrier-Jouët, get to know their outstanding vintage expressions, or indulge in a multi-sensory tasting experience that will tickle all your senses.
Address: 16 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
More information: https://www.perrier-jouet.com/en-ww/visit-us/latelier - Tasting at Champagne Leclerc-Briant: Taste the house’s champagnes at the boutique on the Avenue de Champagne, or book a visit with tasting at the champagne house in another corner of the city.
Address: 25 bis Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
More information: http://leclercbriant.fr/en/visits
- L’Écurie of Champagne De Venoge: Have a glass of champagne at the bar, indulge in delicious appetizers, or enjoy a scoop of their Sorbet au Champagne de Venoge – created by the famous patisserie Maison Dallet – on their private terrace.
Address: 33 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
More information: https://champagnedevenoge.com/lecurievisites/
- Champagne Bar of Champagne Janisson-Baradon: At the most central round-about at the head of the Avenue de Champagne, this cozy bar allows you to taste champagne inside or on their terrace.
Address: 9 place de la République.
More information: https://www.champagne-janisson-baradon.com/
- Tasting at Atelier 1836 of Champagne Boizel: Taste the house’s cuvées in a contemporary setting or take a seat on their terrace and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the champagne house’s courtyard.
Address: 46 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
More information: https://www.boizel.com/fr/atelier-1834/
- Champagne Bar Les 3 Domaines: This bar concept is a collaboration of three champagne estates from Épernay, and it offers a tasting of their cuvées at the most central place of the city.
Address: 1 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
More information: http://les3domaines-epernay.com/
- Le 19 – Champagne Bar of the Syndicat Général des Vignerons: Once a successful summer pop-up bar, the SGV has ultimately created a champagne bar that is open all year round and presents over 100 cuvées. A lovely place to discover new domains, cuvées, and terroirs.
Address: 19 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/19avenuedechampagne/
Where to Eat or Snack in Épernay
- Sacré Bistro: Never tried the magic pairing of burgers, French fries, and champagne? Well, it is a huge thing. And Sacré Bistro takes their mission seriously: the menu holds all kinds of luxurious burgers made from the best products: brioche burger buns, mature cheeses from a local cheese shop, and beef from one of the best local butchers. In addition, their champagne list is legendary, so many locals come here to discover new producers and champagne.
Address: 2-4 Place Auban Moët, Épernay.
More information: https://www.sacrebistro.fr/
- Domaine de Vincine: The latest opening of Épernay has quickly become a champagne lover’s spot. With a great selection of champagnes, wines and beers, and a short, seasonal and regularly changing menu, Domaine de Vincine presents a modern interpretation of regional taste and cuisine in a contemporary setting. Places on the terrace are also available for sunny days.
Address: 31 rue des Berceaux, Épernay.
More information: https://www.domaine-de-vincine.fr/
- Maison Dallet: Breakfast places in Épernay are a rare to find peal, but Maison Dallet, one of the best patissiers of Épernay, has a few seats in their little boutique. They serve mouth-watering pastries and breads all day long, along with a lovely selection of teas and coffee. Their special “Macaron au Champagne” is a must-try, as well as the delicate ice creams and sorbets they offer in summer.
Address: 26 rue Général Leclerc, Épernay.
More information: https://www.chocolat-vincentdallet.fr/ - La Table Kobus: A discreet and elegant restaurant in perfect proximity to the beautiful cathedral and train station of Épernay. Off the noise of the Avenue de Champagne, La Table Kobus offers a bistronomic cuisine with a modern and innovative touch. The perfect place for a cozy and delicious time-out from all the touristic attractions.
Address: 3 rue Dr Rousseau, Épernay.
More information: https://www.la-table-kobus.fr/
Where to stay in Épernay
- Le 25 bis by Champagne Leclerc-Briant: For an exclusive stay, you can book your stay at Le 25 bis of Champagne Leclerc-Briant. With five guest rooms and a champagne boutique & bar, the champagne house has created a classy hideaway for champagne lovers right on the Avenue de Champagne, where you will be in the center of all champagne activities.
Address: 25 bis Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
Reservation: https://www.le25bis.com/
- Les Suites du 33 by Champagne De Venoge: In recent years, Champagne De Venoge opened a place where champagne enthusiasts can rest, dream, and jump right into tastings and cellar visits the next morning. Placed in the center of the Avenue de Champagne, four elegant guest rooms and one spacious apartment are available.
Address: 33 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay.
Reservation: https://champagnedevenoge.com/les-suites-du-33/
- Hôtel Villa Eugène: The luxury 5-star-hotel is on the Avenue de Champagne and once belonged to the famous family Mercier of Champagne Mercier. Keeping the style and tradition alive, they offer spacious rooms, a generous swimming 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 footsteps from the Tourist Office and the Hôtel de Ville, this 4-star-hotel is a perfectly central place to discover Épernay and have all commodities nearby.
Address: 7 rue Jean Moët, Épernay.
Reservation: http://www.hoteljeanmoet.com/
Other fun things to do in Épernay:
- Hôtel de Ville: Home to the town hall of Épernay, the beautiful building of the Hôtel de Ville is a glorious spot to start or end your discovery tour of the Avenue de Champagne. Right next to the Tourist Office and just across the street from Champagne Moët & Chandon, you can discover a central piece of Épernay’s history or enjoy a few restful moments in the beautiful park behind the building.
Adress: 7 bis Avenue de Champagne, Épernay. - Vineyard discovery by bike: If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the nature and discover the vineyards that surround Épernay, the easiest thing is to rent an e-bike at the Tourist Office. They also offer maps with the best biking circuits, from short and easy to long and more challenging tours.
Booking & reservation: https://www.epernay-tourisme.com/ - Farmer’s Market: Visit the local farmer’s market on a Saturday morning to discover local producers and taste yourself through local charcuterie, cheeses, foie gras, and many other delicacies. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some local champagne producers doing their weekend shopping with their families.
Every Saturday morning. Address: Rue Général Sarrail (Halle Saint-Thibault), Épernay.
More inspiration and helpful information to plan your stay in Épernay:
- Tourism Office Épernay: https://www.epernay-tourisme.com/
- Tourism Champagne-Ardenne: https://www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com/
