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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 charms 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. A visit to Moët & Chandon , Perrier-Jouët , Mercier , De Castellane , Boizel , and Charles Mignon is simply irresistible.

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

We love Épernay for its lovely walks along the Marne, its peaceful alleyways and its warm atmosphere.

✧ Champagne Avenue: a concentrate of history and bubbles

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

It all began in the Middle Ages, when it was still called the "hospital road" , a nod to the establishment that welcomed the poorest. Then, in the 16th century, it took on 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 took off: the street became a section of the "royal road" between Paris and Germany. During the Revolution, street names were changed, and it quite naturally became "Rue du Commerce" . A prophetic name, since it is there that the great Champagne Houses will soon settle en masse, seduced by the ideal subsoil for digging cellars as far as the eye can see.

In the 19th century, everything accelerated. The canal, the Marne River, and then the train (the Paris-Épernay line arrived in 1849) boosted trade. And with it, architecture acquired prestige: majestic private mansions, castles, bourgeois buildings … The streets took on the appearance of a postcard.

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

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

In short, the Avenue de Champagne is not just a street: it's an experience, a plunge into the past, and above all an invitation to celebrate the Champagne way of life.

The must-sees you absolutely must discover

✧ The Champagne Tourist Route

A lover of sparkling wines? Discover the iconic vineyards of the Marne: Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, Vallée de la Marne, Massif de Saint-Thierry, and Côte des Bar. A picturesque 500 km route dotted with welcoming cellars 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

You can't miss Hautvillers, the charming village where Dom Pérignon invented the Champagne method. Its picturesque streets invite you to stroll.

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

✧ The False Hedges 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

An exciting museum which tells, in an exceptional setting, the whole story of champagne and its terroir.

• 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 unlock all the secrets of champagne.

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

✧ The Shell Cave in Fleury-la-Rivière.
Alex's favorite

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
• geologie-oenologie.fr

✧ Reims Cathedral

A Gothic jewel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its magnificent sound and light show "Regalia", a must-see! 15 minutes from Epernay by train.

• cathedrale-reims.fr
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Our gourmet addresses in Épernay

Looking to treat your taste buds? Épernay is brimming with excellent restaurants. Remember to book ahead, especially on weekends! To discover our top picks, click here: Our gourmet addresses in Épernay

Local markets

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

Tourist Offices, for all the information you need

• Épernay: 7 Av. Champagne, 51200 Épernay – Tel: +33 3 26 53 33 00 – epernay-tourisme.com
• Reims: 6 Rue Rockefeller, 51100 Reims – Tel: +33 3 26 77 45 00 – reims-tourisme.com
• Tourism Development Agency: tourisme-en-champagne.com

Move around easily

• ✧ On the 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

• Ring Road: Treat yourself to a spectacular panoramic view of Épernay just above the Gîte le Cémarose by following this picturesque path. This beautiful hike winds between vineyards, forests, and charming Champagne houses. The climb is sometimes challenging, but the scenery is well worth the effort!

• Greenway V52: Perfect for a nature outing with family or friends, this superb cycle route runs alongside the Marne lateral canal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this greenway invites you to discover the beauty of landscapes shaped by human hands, alternating between vineyards, fields, locks, and charming villages. Picnic areas are located along the route for pleasant breaks.

• Book your stay at Le Cémarose in Epernay