The Best Things to Do in Epernay, France

Epernay is best known as the unofficial capital of champagne. Nestled along the Marne River, Epernay is home to prestigious champagne producers like Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Mercier. Though smaller and quieter than nearby Reims, Epernay offers a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to taste world-class bubbly, all while soaking in the beauty of the French countryside. Best of all, the city is walkable. 

Champagne, both the beverage and the region as a whole, often gives an illusion of luxury and, therefore, a lot of prospective visitors assume it will be too expensive to visit. Sure, some of the champagne tastings are pricey, especially if you are interested in tasting vintages, but visiting Epernay is also far more accessible than most realize. By train, Epernay is located 80 minutes from Paris and just 27 minutes from nearby Reims. Despite being a small and relatively rural town, there are plenty of things to do in Epernay, from walking the iconic Avenue de Champagne (L’Avenue de Champagne), to touring the champagne cellars underneath the city streets that store and age this beloved beverage, and, of course, tasting the famous bubbly. 

This blog post is going to dive into the best things to do in Epernay, all on a day trip. So, sit back, relax, and learn more about one of my favorite places in all of France.

Table of Contents:

1. The Best Things to Do in Epernay
   1. Avenue de Champagne
   2. Tour Champagne Houses & Cellars
   3. Visit the Champagne Wine & Regional Archeology Museum
2. More Things to Do in Epernay
3. When to Visit Epernay
4. Transportation To/From Epernay
5. The Best Things to Do in Epernay: In Summary

The Best Things to Do in Epernay

It goes without saying that among the best things to do in Epernay is to indulge in its world-class champagne. However, this small town has more to it than just fancy tasting rooms. After you arrive in Epernay by train, follow the signs for the Avenue de Champagne. It is a short, seven-minute walk to Moët & Chandon, the first champagne house on the Avenue de Champagne. This is where you will start your day in Epernay and my list of the best things to do in Epernay.

Avenue de Champagne

The Avenue de Champagne is the crown jewel of Epernay and is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Epernay. The Avenue de Champagne is often called the most expensive street in the world, not due to the real estate prices, but thanks to the millions of bottles of champagne aging in the cellars below ground. Stretching just shy of one mile (1.5 kilometers), the Avenue de Champagne is the main thoroughfare in Epernay, along which some of the most prestigious champagne houses in the world, including Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Mercier, are headquartered.

This grand avenue dates back to the 18th century when champagne production began to flourish in Epernay. Wealthy wine merchants built these elegant mansions above ground while excavating miles of chalk tunnels below to create the perfect environment for aging their prized bottles of champagne. While some of these large homes remain private residences, others have been transformed into beautiful tasting rooms which are open to the public. Today, more than 68 miles (110 kilometers) of underground cellars run beneath the city streets, storing millions of bottles of champagne. 

The Avenue de Champagne was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. (The UNESCO World Heritage Site also encompasses some of the historic vineyards in the area and Fort Chabrol, a viticulture research center owned by Moët & Chandon, in Epernay.) As such, no visit to Epernay is complete without a leisurely stroll down the Avenue de Champagne. While walking, take in the large, stately mansions and beautiful gardens that line the grand avenue, as well as, the many monuments and sculptures that are visible along the way.

Sites to See Along the Avenue de Champagne 

The start of the Avenue de Champagne is marked with a large monument in the center of the roundabout, the Monument aux Morts. The Monument aux Morts is dedicated to the martyrs of the French Resistance from Epernay during the Second World War.

Next, as you walk down the Avenue de Champagne, you will see a beautiful park with Town Hall (Mairie d'Épernay) sitting in its center. The building is known as the Hôtel Auban-Moët and dates to the mid 19th century. As its name suggests, the building was originally constructed by the Moët family to be their private residence on the Avenue de Champagne. It was converted into the Town Hall for the Epernay Municipal Council in 1920. A large war memorial to commemorate those lost in World War I is visible from the Avenue de Champagne. The memorial includes a large statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, as well as the names of those from Epernay who perished fighting for France during both World War I and World War II. The surrounding park is open to visitors, as is the ground floor of the Town Hall. Both the park area and Town Hall are worth visiting if you have some free time on your day trip to Epernay. 

As you continue walking down the Avenue de Champagne, you will come across the first champagne house and the largest champagne producer in the world: Moët & Chandon. A statue of Dom Pérignon, the Benedictine monk who is largely credited (albeit incorrectly) for discovering champagne, stands outside. While Dom Pérignon did not technically invent or discover champagne, he made significant contributions to its development (refining the blending of grapes and improving wine stabilization) which helped to lay the foundation for the méthode champenoise, or the traditional method of making champagne. Today, Moët & Chandon own the trademark to Dom Pérignon's name and honor him with both a statue out front of their headquarters on the Avenue de Champagne and luxury vintages produced under the Dom Pérignon name. Although, anyone you ask in Epernay will tell you that there are far better champagnes to enjoy than those with the Dom Pérignon name and for a cheaper price, too. (Trust me, I actually asked!) Although, no trip to Epernay would be complete without snapping a photo next to Dom Pérignon!

Heading further down the Avenue de Champagne, the next building I want to point you towards is the Château Perrier. This beautiful estate is now home to the Champagne Wine & Regional Archeology Museum. In my opinion, it is the most exquisite building on the Avenue de Champagne. Henri Gallice, who took over the residence (and the Perrier-Jouët company) towards the end of the 19th century was an avid hunter. He commissioned the statue that still stands in the courtyard today: Le Veneur (or The Huntsman in English) by the French sculpture artist, Pierre Le Nordez. (We will dive into the museum later in this blog post since it is one of the best things to do in Epernay, especially for those who may not (or cannot) be interested in partaking in champagne tastings.)

Just past Château Perrier is the maison of Champagne De Venoge, easily identified by not only its name on the gate outside but the statue of King Louis XV sitting in the courtyard holding up a glass of champagne for a toast. This statue, a new addition from 2022 (in honor of the 300th anniversary of Louis XV's coronation), honors Louis XV's role in protecting champagne production. Louis XV issued a royal decree in 1728 that allowed wine to be transported in bottles rather than barrels. This pivotal change made it possible to ship sparkling champagne outside the Champagne region for the first time, helping establish its reputation and expand its market across France and beyond.

As you near the end of the Avenue de Champagne, you will see a large brick tower, which marks one of the champagne houses in Epernay: Champagne de Castellane. This large tower, which stands at 216 feet (66 meters) in height, is open to the public on a guided tour (featuring, of course, a champagne tasting), offering 360° views of Epernay and the surrounding vineyards.

The unofficial end of the Avenue de Champagne is marked by a final sculpture in the roundabout; a sculpture of a champagne bottle cap that reads "Capitale du Champagne Epernay." Although Epernay is not the official capital of Champagne, it is undeniably one of the most vital and historically significant towns in the region, housing some of the world's most renowned champagne houses. While there are a few more vineyards just past this point on the Avenue de Champagne, for all intents and purposes, this sculpture really marks the end of the grand avenue.

Tour Champagne Houses & Cellars 

As you walk down the Avenue de Champagne, you will pass numerous champagne houses, some of which are open to the public for tours and tastings. While enjoying a glass of bubbly in a chic tasting room is a highlight of any trip to Epernay, one of the best things to do in Epernay is to actually embark on a tour of the champagne cellars. And, I believe that there is no better place to take a cellar tour in Epernay than at Moët & Chandon.

Moët & Chandon is the largest champagne producer in the world and, as such, they have the largest and most extensive underground chalk cellars in Epernay, covering over 17 miles (28 kilometers). While the champagne tasting component at Moët & Chandon was not my favorite out of the houses I visited on my day trip to Epernay, the tour of the cellars was pretty incredible. The tour at Moët & Chandon showcases the industrial side of champagne production, while also teaching visitors about the champagne making process. I saw thousands of bottles aging in their extensive underground cellars, while also witnessing the work that goes into such a large operation. The tour and overall experience at Moët & Chandon feels very corporate compared to the smaller, boutique champagne producers in Epernay. However, their extensive cellars and knowledgeable guides make the visit worthwhile. 

Tours at Moët & Chandon frequently sell out, so I recommend booking your visit at least a month out, especially if you are visiting during the busy summer months. If you or someone you are traveling with have mobility issues, the champagne cellars at Moët & Chandon are wheelchair accessible. Moët & Chandon offers a variety of tour and tasting packages, but in my opinion, the cheapest tour option (The Imperial Moment experience) is perfectly sufficient. While other tour offerings may offer you the opportunity to taste a vintage, I think you are better off spending that money at a smaller champagne producer within Epernay where you will get far better champagne for the money. To book a tour and tasting at Moët & Chandon, please visit the Moët & Chandon website.

Other Champagne Houses Worth Visiting in Epernay 

While Moët & Chandon is the most famous champagne house in Epernay, there are plenty of other producers worth visiting for a tour, tasting, or both! Some of the other houses that I recommend in Epernay, include: 

• Mercier: Mercier offers one of Epernay’s most accessible and entertaining champagne cellar tours, featuring a tram ride through their extensive underground chalk cellars. This tram ride is accompanied with narration that teaches visitors about the champagne making process and the Mercier brand, which is ideal for first-time visitors and families. Tastings follow the tour and include a selection of their approachable and well-known champagnes. Vineyard tours of Mercier are also available. 
• De Venoge: De Venoge provides intimate tastings in their stunning, restored 19th-century mansion on the Avenue de Champagne. (They also have on-site guest rooms which can be booked for overnight stays. For more information, please visit the Les Suites du 33 website.) While tours at De Venoge do not include your typical cellar visits, the tour instead focuses on the company's history, brand, and the house itself. While at De Venoge, do not miss the opportunity to try a glass of their Princes cuvée. 

• Perrier-Jouët: Perrier-Jouët is my favorite champagne house in Epernay, despite the fact that they do not offer tours. Their chic tasting room plays into the Belle Epoque era that defines the brand and their iconic bottles. Their Blanc de Blancs has quickly become my favorite champagne, and I first discovered it during a tasting on my visit. Perrier-Jouët also offers gastronomic experiences, but advance reservations are required. 

• Château Comtesse Lafond: Located in a fairytale-like château towards the end of the Avenue de Champagne, this house offers guided tours of its historic cellars, followed by tastings in their beautiful tasting room. Château Comtesse Lafond also offers visitors the opportunity to learn the art of sabrage, or how to use a saber to open a bottle of champagne. 
• Boizel: Champagne Boizel is a family-run champagne house that has remained independent for six generations. The house offers cellar tours and intimate tastings, where visitors can learn about its approach to winemaking while enjoying some fantastic champagnes. The tours of Boizel are small, but allow you to tour their cellars and taste some of their most prestigious champagnes in an intimate setting.

• Charles Mignon: This family-run champagne house offers tours of its cellars, giving insight into both tradition and the operations of a boutique champagne producer. Tastings are both relaxed and intimate.
• Champagne de Castellane: Easily identified by their iconic brick tower, Champagne de Castellane is open to the public for guided tours, including visits to the top of the tower, and tastings. At the time of this writing, the cellars at Champagne de Castellane are currently closed to the public, but tours of the tower and maison remain available for booking.

Tours for all of the champagne houses listed here should be booked in advance of your visit to Epernay, since champagne cellar tours are one of the most popular things to do in Epernay and spots are limited. Most of the champagne houses have space in their tasting rooms for walk-in tastings without advance reservations. Other experiences, whether it be a sabrage lesson or a gastronomic experience typically require advance booking. Overall, I recommend visiting three champagne houses on a day trip to Epernay, making sure to include a cellar tour at least one of them. Each champagne house has a different feel and offers unique tasting experiences. Visiting three houses allows you to get a good feel for the variety of styles, histories, and personalities that define Epernay and the Champagne region.

Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: If you are planning on experiencing a cellar tour during your time in Epernay, I highly recommend bringing a jacket or warm clothing with you on your day trip to Epernay, even during the summer months. The champagne cellars are located nearly 100 feet (30 meters) below ground, with a constant air temperature between 50-54°F (10-12°C). However, in my opinion, it felt much colder than 50-54°F (10-12°C) and very damp, thanks to the high humidity levels. I also suggest wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes or sneakers when visiting Epernay. Exploring Epernay always involves a fair amount of walking and numerous stairs, particularly during the tours of the champagne cellars.

Visit the Champagne Wine & Regional Archeology Museum 

If you have had enough drinking champagne on your day trip to Epernay, then consider a visit to the Champagne Wine & Regional Archeology Museum (Musée du vin de Champagne et d'Archéologie régionale). The museum traces the area's history and role in champagne production. Located on the Avenue de Champagne, the museum is housed in the Château Perrier, a 19th-century mansion that once belonged to the Perrier-Jouët family. It remained a part of the family until 1943, when the town of Epernay acquired the building with the intention of turning it into a cultural center. 

Today, the grand château houses the Champagne Wine & Regional Archeology Museum. The Regional Archeology section of the museum includes both geological and archeological artifacts. Some of the highlights of the collection include some really incredible jewelry, including a pair of gold earrings dating back to the 5th century BC. However, the main draw of the museum, and one of the reasons why it is on my list of the best things to do in Epernay, is the exhibits on the history of champagne. To truly appreciate the town of Epernay, it is imperative that you gain a bit more of an understanding about the beverage that shaped the town's identity. The museum underscores the development of champagne, antique tools used in champagne production, and dives into some of the influential figures that helped to create champagne as we know it today. The museum offers interactive exhibits and is family-friendly, making it one of the best things to do in Epernay if you are visiting with children. 

Please note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays. From November 1 to March 31, the museum is also closed on Mondays. For additional information, please visit the Champagne Wine & Regional Archeology Museum website.

More Things to Do in Epernay

If my list of the best things to do in Epernay was not enough for you, or you are looking to spend additional time in this beautiful town, then I highly recommend checking out some of the following things to do in Epernay, including a couple of tours and experiences available to book through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide.

• Horticulture Park (Parc de L'Horticulture): Horticulture Park is a peaceful green space in Epernay, located about a 20-minute walk from Moët & Chandon. The park is a great spot for a relaxing stroll or picnic, with well-maintained gardens, shaded walking paths, and seasonal flowers, making for a perfect break between champagne tastings.
• Eglise Notre-Dame: The Eglise Notre-Dame, or Church of Our Lady in English, in central Epernay, near the train station, is newer than you would likely guess based on its exterior appearance. Construction began in 1897 with the church taking over a space previously occupied by a monastery. This local church features Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements, including a grand rose window over the main entrance. Though modest in size and far less famous than the iconic Notre-Dame cathedrals in Reims and Paris, Epernay’s Notre-Dame church is still worth a quick visit if you have some extra time on your day trip to Epernay. Its beautiful stained glass windows fill the church's interior in colorful light, and it offers a peaceful, cool refuge on a warm summer day in Epernay.

• Vineyard Tours: There are a few options for vineyard tours in and around Epernay with our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide. Two of the highest rated tours include the Essential Tour from Épernay and the Jeep Tour of the Vineyards. The Essential Tour from Épernay includes champagne tastings and insights into local champagne production in nearby towns like Aÿ-Champagne and Hautvillers, all while riding around in a cute vintage van. Meanwhile, the Jeep Tour of the Vineyards takes you off-road through picturesque vineyard landscapes near Epernay with a stop at a family-run vineyard for a more intimate champagne tasting than those you would otherwise experience at the maisons located on the Avenue de Champagne.

When to Visit Epernay 

While Epernay is open to visitors year-round, the best time to visit is during the late spring and summer months, before the harvest begins (mid-August through September). The champagne houses have extended opening hours during the summer months and more tours in English during this time of year. Plus, the weather is nice, providing an excellent opportunity to tour vineyards and enjoy tastings outdoors! Keep in mind that during the harvest season, some champagne houses may close their doors to tours and tastings as they are busy harvesting their grapes. If you are going to be visiting Epernay during the Harvest, double-check the opening hours with each individual champagne house.

I visited Epernay at the very end of September and, while I still had a fantastic time, it rained all day. (The rainiest period in Epernay is traditionally in autumn, September through November.) I was prepared for the rain, arriving in Epernay with my rain jacket and an umbrella in-hand, so I managed despite the poor weather. 

Outside of the peak tourist season, roughly late autumn through early spring, Epernay becomes much quieter. Champagne houses scale back their opening hours and offer fewer tours, particularly tours in English. The quietest period is typically from late December through March, when many houses close their tasting rooms entirely. Major producers like Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët shut their doors for the winter, while smaller houses such as De Venoge remain open. If you are interested in visiting Epernay in the winter, I recommend checking with each individual champagne house to confirm their opening hours and tour schedule.

Festivals in Epernay 

If you have ever visited Napa Valley in California, you will know that harvest season (from August to October) is a big deal, celebrated with parties and special events throughout the region. Epernay does not have the same kind of harvest festivities—which surprised me at first—but it does host a major celebration each December called Habits de Lumière, a festival of lights that brings the town to life. No tickets are required for the festival which sees the Avenue de Champagne transform into a pedestrian-only event space. Each champagne house has food and, of course, champagne available to purchase. There are also light displays, fireworks, live music, and more. The Habist de Lumière is a family-friendly event.

In 2025, the Habist de Lumière is scheduled for December 12 to 14 in Epernay. For additional information, please visit the official Habist de Lumière website.

Transportation To/From Epernay 

Epernay is located roughly 17 miles (27.5 kilometers) from Reims and 90 miles (145 kilometers) from Paris, making the town a great destination for a day trip. 

The train from Paris to Epernay takes approximately 80 minutes. Trains to Epernay depart from Paris Gare de l'Est Station (Paris Est), with multiple trains throughout the day linking the two cities. Trains from Reims to Epernay are much shorter, taking only 27 minutes and depart from Reims Maison Blanche Station. The train between Reims and Epernay is a local, TER train, which makes a number of stops in Champagne along the way. 

All trains coming into Epernay arrive at Epernay Station (Gare d'Epernay), the only train station in Epernay. Epernay Station is centrally located in town, only a seven-minute walk to Moët & Chandon and the Avenue de Champagne. Clear signage will point you in the correct direction from the train station towards the Avenue de Champagne. 

I highly recommend booking your train tickets ahead of your trip to Epernay online, using the SNCF Connect website and/or app, since trains can fill up in advance. When booking your train tickets, make sure you select a train that is direct, for the shortest travel time.

The Best Things to Do in Epernay: In Summary

Whether you are a champagne enthusiast or simply curious about this beautiful region in France, Epernay makes for an unforgettable day trip. The best things to do in Epernay start with a stroll along the legendary Avenue de Champagne, where grand champagne houses and historic producers line the street. Do not miss the chance to enjoy a champagne cellar tour and tasting, where you will learn about the production of champagne and taste a glass of the world’s finest bubby. For a dose of local culture, the Champagne Wine & Regional Archeology Museum (Musée du vin de Champagne et d'Archéologie régionale) is well worth a visit, offering fascinating insight into Epernay’s wine making heritage.

Thanks to the town's convenient location and excellent train connections, Epernay is easily accessible for a day trip from both Paris and Reims. Whether you spend the day touring prestigious champagne houses, wandering the charming streets, or relaxing in a quiet park between tastings, Epernay delivers a perfect balance of culture, history, and indulgence. Plus, the scenic vineyard landscapes are an enjoyable change of scenery from busy Paris. Cheers to discovering the best things to do in Epernay!

Are you planning a trip to Epernay and Champagne this summer or autumn? Be sure to check out our Reims Travel Guide for more tips on exploring the nearby town of Reims, as well as additional things to do in Epernay and the Champagne region overall.

Have questions or thoughts about planning a day trip to Epernay? We would love to hear from you—drop them in the comments below!

An earlier version of this blog post was published on www.theworldoverload.com.