TOURISM IN EPERNAY, VISIT CHAMPAGNE

Épernay, the sparkling capital of Champagne

Épernay is the perfect place to fully experience Champagne! Known worldwide for its prestigious Champagne houses, the town instantly captivates with its friendly atmosphere and natural elegance. Stroll along the famous Avenue de Champagne on foot or by bike, past sumptuous historic residences and fascinating cellars carved into the chalk. It's impossible to resist a visit to Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, Mercier, or even De Castellane, Boizel, and Charles Mignon.

Very convenient, Épernay train station, just a 20-minute walk from the gîte, allows you to quickly reach Reims in 35 minutes and Paris in just 1 hour 20 minutes.

We love Épernay for its pretty walks along the Marne, its peaceful streets and its warm atmosphere.

Champagne Avenue: a concentration of history and bubbles

It's impossible to come to Épernay without strolling along Avenue de Champagne , this legendary artery where the history of the world's most famous wine blends with the elegance of beautiful stones. But did you know that before becoming an international showcase, this avenue already had many lives?

It all began in the Middle Ages, when it was still called the "Chemin de l'Hôpital" , a nod to the establishment that welcomed the most destitute. Then, in the 16th century, it was given a more surprising name: "Rue de la Folie" , taken from the suburb of the same name, already quite lively at the time with fairs and markets.

But it was in the 18th century that things really got serious: the street became a section of the "royal road" between Paris and Germany. During the Revolution, street names were changed, and it naturally became "rue du Commerce" . A premonitory name, since this is where the great Champagne Houses will soon settle en masse, seduced by the ideal basements for digging cellars as far as the eye can see.

In the 19th century, everything accelerated. The canal, the Marne, and then the train (arrival of the Paris-Épernay line in 1849) boosted trade. And with it, the architecture took on a prestigious look: majestic mansions, castles, bourgeois buildings ... The street took on the appearance of a postcard.

On February 27, 1925, it was official: "rue du Commerce" became avenue de Champagne .

Today, this avenue is a must-see : it unfolds its grandiose facades, its historic cellars and its sparkling stories over more than a kilometer. Between the Château Perrier , the Tour de Castellane , the Town Hall and all these prestigious houses, it is a feast for the eyes – and sometimes the taste buds.

In short, Avenue de Champagne is not just a street: it is an experience, a plunge into the past, and above all an invitation to celebrate the art of living in Champagne.

The must-sees to absolutely discover

The Champagne Tourist Route

Sparkling wine lovers? Discover the iconic vineyards of the Marne region: Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, Vallée de la Marne, Massif de Saint-Thierry, and Côte des Bar. A picturesque 500-km route punctuated by welcoming wineries and magnificent landscapes to explore to your heart's content!

Vine Museum – Verzenay Lighthouse

The ideal spot to admire a breathtaking view of the vineyards, while discovering their history in a fun way.

• Address: Rue du Phare, 51360 Verzenay
• Telephone: 03 26 07 87 87
• www.phare-verzenay.com

Hautvillers, where it all began

Hautvillers, the charming village where Dom Pérignon invented the Champagne method, is a must-see. Its picturesque streets invite you to stroll.

• Tourist Office: 10 Pl. de la République, 51160 Hautvillers
• Telephone: 03 26 57 06 35
• www.tourisme-hautvillers.com

The Fakes of Verzy

Mysterious and unique trees await you for a magical walk in the heart of an enchanted forest.

• verzy.fr/les-faux

Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology Museum in Épernay

A fascinating museum that tells the entire story of champagne and its terroir in an exceptional setting.

• Address: 13 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay
• Telephone: 03 26 55 03 56
• archeochampagne.epernay.fr

Pressoria in Aÿ-Champagne

Enjoy a unique interactive sensory experience to discover all the secrets of champagne.

• Address: 11 Bd Pierre Cheval, 51160 Aÿ-Champagne
• Telephone: 03 26 77 98 77
• pressoria.com

The Shellfish Cellar in Fleury-la-Rivière

Combine paleontology and champagne in a surprising location under the vines, perfect for an original and friendly visit.

• Address: 41 Rue du Bourg de Vesle, 51480 Fleury-la-Rivière
• Telephone: 03 26 58 36 43
• geology-oenology.fr

Reims Cathedral

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with its magnificent sound and light show, ""Regalia,"" a must-see!

• cathedrale-reims.fr

Our gourmet addresses in Épernay

Want to treat your taste buds? Épernay is full of great restaurants. Remember to book, especially on weekends! Find our recommendations here.

Local markets

• Wednesday morning: Halle Saint-Thibault (food)
• Saturday morning: Large market at the Halle Saint-Thibault
• Sunday morning: Place Auban-Moët (fresh produce, flowers, etc.)

Tourist Offices at your service

• Epernay: 7 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay – Tel: 03 26 53 33 00 – epernay-tourisme.com
• Reims: 6 Rue Rockefeller, 51100 Reims – Tel: 03 26 77 45 00 – reims-tourisme.com
• Tourism Development Agency: tourisme-en-champagne.com

Move easily

• By train

• Épernay/Reims: 35 min – sncf-connect.com

• Taxis

• Agil Taxi: 03 26 59 01 44 – agiltaxi.fr
• Groom Épernay: 06 03 31 27 15 – groomepernay-vtc.com
• ABC Taxi: 06 30 81 59 68 – abctaxi-champagne.fr

• Bicycle rentals

• Facil-e-Bike: 06 73 43 06 83 – facil-e-bike.fr
• Bike Energy: 06 71 29 16 69 – bikeenergy.com
• Bulle d'Aventure (Aÿ): 06 87 31 35 74 – facebook.com/Bulle-dAventure

Unmissable bike rides and hikes

• Belt Trail: Treat yourself to a spectacular panoramic view of Épernay just above the Cémarose lodge by following this picturesque trail. This beautiful hike winds through vineyards, forests, and pretty Champagne houses. The climb can be challenging at times, but the scenery is well worth it!
• Greenway V52: Perfect for a nature outing with family or friends, this superb cycle route runs along the Canal Lateral à la Marne. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this greenway invites you to discover the beauty of landscapes shaped by the hand of man, alternating vineyards, fields, locks, and charming villages. Picnic areas are located along the route for pleasant breaks.