An Overture
Épernay is the self-styled "Capital of Champagne," built along the prestigious Avenue de Champagne — a UNESCO-listed boulevard beneath which ~48 km of cellar tunnels store the wine of the world's most famous houses. Smaller and more concentrated than Reims, it is the ideal 2-night base for the heart of the Champagne Route and sits amid the vineyard hillsides between Cumières and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.
Top Things to Do
Avenue de Champagne
Stroll the grand boulevard of Champagne houses; the cellars beneath hold the region's wealth, ~48 km of tunnels in all.
Moët & Chandon
The most famous house of all, at 20 Avenue de Champagne — tours of the vast cellars and tastings of its cuvées.
Mercier
At 68 Avenue de Champagne — includes an underground train ride through 30 m-deep cellars, ending with a flute. A uniquely fun, family-friendly visit.
De Castellane
At 57 Rue de Verdun, with a climbable tower for views over the vineyards and town.
Charles Mignon
A house at 6–7 Rue Irène Joliot-Curie offering tours and tastings.
Nicolas Feuillatte
A major cooperative house in Chouilly, just outside the centre.
Getting there — ~10 min by car or taxi west to Chouilly; local buses from Épernay also serve the village.
Hot-Air-Balloon Rides
Drift over the vineyard slopes around Épernay for an aerial view of the Champagne Route.
Walking Tours
Avenue de Champagne Stroll
The Avenue de Champagne's houses are all walkable, so you can tour several on foot before ever needing a car. From De Castellane's tower at one end, pass Charles Mignon and the great gate of Moët & Chandon, and finish at Mercier with its underground cellar train.
De Castellane → Charles Mignon → Moët & Chandon → Mercier
Day Trips & Beyond
Hautvillers
The hillside abbey village of Dom Pérignon, a short hop away — the spiritual home of Champagne.
SearchReims
The larger coronation city, ~30 min away, with more cellars and the great Gothic cathedral.
SearchRilly-la-Montagne
A vineyard village ~21 min away with the Château de Rilly luxury hotel.
SearchCumières & Mareuil-sur-Aÿ
The vineyard hillsides just outside town — sweeping views and smaller growers for more personal tastings.
SearchHidden Gems
Mercier's Underground Train
A uniquely fun, family-friendly cellar visit distinct from the standard walking tours — a little train winds through 30 m-deep tunnels before the tasting.
SearchSide-Street Grower Houses
The smaller grower-houses along the side streets off the Avenue offer more personal tastings than the big-name brands.
SearchFood & Dining
Signature Tastes
Where to Stay
- Boutique
- Mid-range
Practical Notes
Getting In
- By train: direct trains from Paris Gare de l'Est to Épernay (regional and TGV options) make it reachable for a day, though it's better as an overnight base.
Driving the Route
- Central to the Route Touristique du Champagne — follow the black-and-gold signs.
- Distances: Épernay↔Rilly-la-Montagne ~18.5 km (21 min); Épernay↔Reims ~30 min; Sézanne↔Épernay ~45 km (45 min).
- Logistics: non-EU drivers need an International Driving Permit; parking is available near (not on) the Avenue de Champagne. Plan a designated driver or tasting-by-train approach.
Booking & Hours
- Book house tours ahead, especially in harvest season (late Aug–early Oct); most open ~9:30 am–5:30 pm.
Pacing
- Two nights lets you cover both Épernay's avenue and a Reims/Hautvillers loop without rushing.
- On foot first: the Avenue's houses are walkable, so tour several before needing the car.
Notable Insights
Stay Two Nights
- Not a rushed day trip: To Travel Too recommends Épernay as a 2-night base — the Avenue de Champagne's density of famous houses rewards an overnight stay.
Épernay vs. Reims
- Two characters: Épernay is more compact and wine-focused; Reims adds the cathedral and city life. Many road-trippers split nights between the two.