Épernay, in northeastern France, is often called the capital of Champagne. It sits at the heart of the region's best-known wine country, and for many visitors the town is the natural place to begin an exploration of the sparkling wine that bears its region's name.
What to see
The city's main thoroughfare, the Avenue de Champagne, is lined with the offices and cellars of the great champagne houses. Among them are Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët, names familiar far beyond France. Walking the avenue gives a clear sense of how central the trade is to the town's character.
Beneath the city lie chalky underground tunnels, where millions of bottles are stored while they age. Guided visits to these cellars are a distinctive part of a stay here, and they show the careful, patient work behind each glass.
What a visit offers
- Exploring the underground cellars and their chalk tunnels
- Walking the Avenue de Champagne and visiting the champagne houses
- Tasting sparkling wines in the place where they are made
A visit suits anyone interested in wine, food and the story of how a regional product became known worldwide. It also works well as a day trip or a short stay, with the surrounding Champagne countryside within easy reach for those who want to see the vineyards that supply the cellars.
