Capital of Champagne, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Épernay is a destination that combines art de vivre, heritage and exceptional landscapes. Whether you’re coming for a romantic weekend, a family holiday or a trip with friends, the town and its surroundings are full of treasures to discover. Here is our complete guide to making the most of your stay in Épernay.
Visit: Épernay’s Must-Sees
The Avenue de Champagne
Nicknamed ‘the richest avenue in the world’, the Avenue de Champagne is the vibrant heart of Épernay. Beneath its cobblestones, kilometres of underground galleries house millions of bottles ageing quietly. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, the avenue is home to the greatest Champagne Houses: Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger, De Venoge, Boizel… Take your time strolling and admiring the majestic façades.
Champagne Cellars and Houses
Visiting a cellar is an essential Épernay experience. Several Houses offer tour routes that plunge you into galleries carved out of chalk, sometimes more than 30 metres below ground. Moët & Chandon offers an impressive journey through its 28 km of cellars. Castellane stands out with its 66-metre panoramic tower offering breathtaking views over the town and vineyards. De Venoge provides an intimate and elegant visit. Be sure to book ahead, especially in peak season.
Pressoria — The Sensory Interpretation Centre
Opened in 2020 in the former press house of Aÿ-Champagne, Pressoria offers an immersive and interactive experience exploring the senses of Champagne. Projections, olfactory trails and tastings: an original approach that appeals to newcomers and connoisseurs alike. Allow approximately 1.5 hours for your visit.
The Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology Museum
Housed in a former castle, this museum traces the history of Champagne through rich and varied collections. From prehistory to contemporary winemaking techniques, it is a fascinating journey through time. Temporary exhibitions regularly renew the interest of the visit.
La Cave aux Coquillages
A surprising site located in Fleury-la-Rivière, just minutes from Épernay. By visiting this former quarry, you’ll discover millions of marine fossils 45 million years old, evidence of the era when the Champagne region was under water. A fun and fascinating visit, perfect for families.
Taste: The Champagne Art of Living
Tastings with Winemakers
Beyond the great Houses, Épernay and its surroundings are home to dozens of grower-producers who welcome you for authentic tastings. In Hautvillers, birthplace of Champagne and village of Dom Pérignon, several estates offer personalised visits. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover confidential cuvées and understand the artisanal work behind each bottle.
La gastronomie locale
Local Gastronomy Épernay is also a gourmet town. Among the specialities not to be missed: the pink biscuit of Reims, Champagne mustard, Chaource and Langres cheeses, Marne rillettes and of course dishes cooked with Champagne. Several Michelin-starred restaurants and characterful bistros will introduce you to Champagne cuisine at its finest.
Tasting Events
Throughout the year, Épernay hosts events centred around Champagne: the Apéros de la Halle (every last Friday of the month), Champagne Day in October, the Rencontres Vigneronnes in May, and the Route du Champagne en Fête in August. So many opportunities to taste in a convivial and festive atmosphere.
Stroll: Vineyards and Nature
Mont Bernon
The highest point of Épernay, Mont Bernon offers exceptional 360° views over the town, the Marne Valley and the surrounding vineyards. Accessible on foot from the town centre in about 20 minutes, it’s the ideal spot for a sunrise or sunset. Several signposted trails allow you to extend your walk.
The Champagne Tourist Route
Several signposted routes cross the most beautiful wine-growing landscapes of the region: the Côte des Blancs to the south, the Marne Valley to the west, the Montagne de Reims to the north. By car, bicycle or even on foot along certain stretches, these routes take you through
Hautvillers, the Birthplace of Champagne
Just 6 km from Épernay, this village — classified among the most charming in Champagne — is home to the abbey where Dom Pérignon perfected the art of Champagne. Flower-lined lanes, wrought-iron signs, panoramic views over the valley… Hautvillers can be explored on foot in 1 to 2 hours and is an essential stop.
Go Out: Events and Shows
Habits de Lumière — The Flagship Event
Every second weekend of December, the Avenue de Champagne dresses up in its finest illuminations for Habits de Lumière. Over three days, street performances, tastings, Habits de Saveurs (a gourmet festival), a vintage car parade and fireworks attract 80,000 to 100,000 visitors. It is Épernay’s most iconic event. Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.
Le Millesium
A major entertainment venue in the region, Le Millesium hosts concerts, comedy shows and cultural events throughout the year. In 2026: Indochine, Dany Boon, Ibrahim Maalouf, Messmer, Rock Symphony Orchestra… Check the programme so you don’t miss out.
Festivals and Cultural Events
Épernay cultivates a dynamic cultural life: the Courts en Champagne festival (short films in March), the Comic Book festival in Hautvillers (April), the Vign’Art land art festival in the vineyards (May to September), Vignoble en Scène (October)… Not to mention the Fête de la Musique, summer concerts and Christmas festivities.
Family: Activities for Young and Old
Épernay is a family-friendly destination. La Cave aux Coquillages fascinates children with its marine fossils. Pressoria offers adapted trails for younger visitors. The Tethered Balloon provides an aerial adventure accessible from age 3. The Printemps des Loupiots (April) offers theatre and workshops for children. The July funfair animates the Square Raoul-Chandon. And for older children, the Vintage & Retrogaming Festival (February) is an unmissable event.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
How to Get There
Épernay is easily accessible: by train from Paris-Est (1hr 20min), by car via the A4 or A26 motorways, or via Paris-CDG airport (1hr 30min). Once there, the town centre is easily explored on foot. To explore the vineyards, a car or bicycle is recommended.
How Long to Stay
A 2-day weekend allows you to visit the essentials. A 3 to 4-day stay gives you time to explore the vineyards, villages and fully enjoy the local art de vivre. For Habits de Lumière, plan at least 2 nights.
Where to Stay
To experience Épernay from the inside, nothing beats accommodation in the town centre, just steps from the Avenue de Champagne. Our La Pétalerie apartments offer you the comfort of a charming, elegant retreat, ideally located to explore the entire region.
