Épernay

1. Avenue de Champagne

If you only have one afternoon in Épernay, spend it on Avenue de Champagne. It’s the city’s most famous street and the beating heart of the champagne industry.

I still remember my first walk here: it was a cool spring morning, and the street was quiet except for the clinking of bottles being unloaded behind the gates. The elegance is understated — grand, yes, but without the flashiness you might expect. Many houses have small tasting rooms open to the public, and you can easily sample three or four in a day if you pace yourself.

What to do:

• Stroll from the roundabout by the town hall all the way to the outskirts of town, admiring the mansions and ironwork gates.
• Stop for tastings at a mix of big houses (Moët, Mercier, de Castellane) and smaller maisons or boutique growers.
• Visit the interpretation panels along the avenue that explain its UNESCO‑listed heritage (part of the Champagne “Coteaux, Maisons et Caves” listing).

Tips: Go early or late in the day to avoid bus groups. Book tastings in advance for weekends, especially from May to September. Even just walking the avenue is one of the best free things to do in Épernay.

Family‑friendly? Yes, as a walk. Some houses are okay with kids in tours (no tasting for them of course), but always check ahead.

2. Moët & Chandon Cellars

Moët & Chandon is the quintessential “big house” experience in Épernay. Even after multiple visits, I still enjoy bringing first‑timers here because it offers a polished, well‑organized introduction to champagne making.

The cellars extend for kilometers under Avenue de Champagne. On my last tour in 2025, the guide seamlessly switched between French and English as we walked through cool, chalky corridors lined with aging bottles. The history is rich — connections to Napoleon, royal courts, and the global rise of champagne as a symbol of celebration.

Highlights:

• Guided cellar tour (usually 60–90 minutes) ending with one or more glasses of champagne.
• Elegant tasting room and boutique (great place to pick up a special bottle or branded glassware).
• Beautiful courtyard and façade, especially photogenic in late afternoon light.

Booking: Reserve online, especially in high season and weekends. English tours are common but still sell out.

Dress: Casual but neat is fine. It’s cool in the cellars — bring a light jacket even in summer.

3. Mercier Cellars & Underground Train

Mercier is more playful than Moët — it’s my go‑to recommendation for families and anyone who prefers a less formal vibe. The highlight is the small underground train that trundles through the cellars while an audio guide explains the process.

I took my nephew here a couple of years ago, and he still talks about the “champagne train.” It’s a fun way to break up a day of tastings, and the giant oak barrel in the reception area is a great reminder of just how ambitious 19th‑century champagne marketing was.

Good for: Families, first‑timers, and anyone who likes a bit of spectacle with their bubbles.

Tip: Ask about combined tickets or special tastings if you’re in a group. Book ahead for summer weekends.

4. Champagne de Castellane & Tower

De Castellane is one of the most architecturally striking houses in Épernay, with a red‑brick tower that dominates the southern end of Avenue de Champagne. For architecture and photography lovers, this is one of the best places to visit in Épernay.

The tower itself offers a fantastic view over the town and vineyards — I like to come late afternoon when the light softens and the vines glow golden in autumn.

What to do:

• Guided cellar tour and tasting.
• Climb the tower for panoramic views (check opening times; sometimes weather‑dependent).
• Admire the vintage advertising posters and design details inside.

Tip: There are quite a few stairs up the tower; not ideal if you have mobility issues, but the cellars themselves are more accessible.

5. Épernay Town Hall & Gardens

The Hôtel de Ville is one of my favorite quiet corners in Épernay. The building, a former private mansion, has that classic Champagne elegance, but it’s the gardens that keep drawing me back. Whenever I arrive in town, I like to grab a takeaway coffee and sit on a bench here to reset after the journey.

Highlights: Manicured lawns, seasonal flower beds, and a peaceful atmosphere right in the center of town.

Tip: Walk through the gardens as a pleasant shortcut between the center and Avenue de Champagne.

6. Église Notre‑Dame d’Épernay

This neo‑Gothic church sits modestly in the town center, but step inside and you’ll find beautiful stained glass and a sense of calm that’s a nice counterpoint to the buzz of the champagne houses.

I often duck in here between tastings — partly to rest my feet, partly to just sit quietly for a few minutes. It’s not as grand as Reims Cathedral (which you should absolutely see on a day trip), but it’s a genuine part of local life.

Etiquette: Dress modestly, speak softly, and avoid walking in during services unless you’re attending.

7. Champagne Interpretation Center (Local Champagne Museum)

Épernay has been slowly improving how it tells the story of champagne beyond individual houses. The local interpretation center (or museum, depending on the current branding in 2026) is a great stop if you want to understand the region’s geology, history, and techniques before (or after) your tastings.

Good for: Wine geeks, curious travelers, and anyone visiting in winter or on a rainy afternoon.

Tip: Combine this with a stroll along Avenue de Champagne; it adds context to what you’re seeing and drinking.

8. Le Ballon d’Épernay (Tethered Hot Air Balloon)

On clear days, you can’t miss the sight of a large tethered balloon rising above Épernay. The ride is short but spectacular: you float above the town and the sea of vines surrounding it. I took the balloon at sunset once in late summer, and the view of the golden vineyards is still one of my favorite memories from all my trips here.

Practical info:

• Flights are weather‑dependent; windy or rainy conditions often cancel operations.
• It’s tethered, so you go up and down from the same spot — no worries about landing in a random field.
• Great for photos of the Avenue de Champagne from above.

Family‑friendly: Yes, kids usually love it, but check height/age restrictions at the ticket booth.

9. Marne River Walks & Boat Trips

The Marne softens Épernay’s edges. When I need a break from bubbles, I walk along the river, watching fishermen and cyclists. In warmer months, small boat trips operate from the Port de Plaisance, offering gentle cruises with commentary on the landscape and vineyards.

Tips:

• Bring a picnic from the market and sit by the water.
• Check schedules for boat trips; they’re often seasonal (April–October).
• Cycling paths run along sections of the river; consider renting a bike for half a day.

10. Épernay Market (Halles & Weekly Stalls)

The market is where Épernay feels most local. Depending on the day, you’ll find a covered market and open‑air stalls with produce, cheeses, charcuterie, and local specialties. I love coming here early, grabbing a still‑warm baguette, a wedge of cheese, and some fruit, then building a picnic for later.

Look for:

• Local cheeses from the Champagne and nearby regions.
• Charcuterie and pâtés — perfect to pair with a bottle from a small producer.
• Seasonal produce: white asparagus in spring, berries in summer, mushrooms in autumn.

Money‑saving tip: Markets are one of the best ways to eat well and cheaply in Épernay. A picnic from the market can cost less than one restaurant main course.

11. Hautvillers: Cradle of Champagne

Just a short drive (or bike ride) from Épernay, Hautvillers is often called the “cradle of champagne.” This is where Dom Pérignon, the Benedictine monk, refined techniques that helped shape the wine we know today.

The village sits on a hillside overlooking the Marne Valley, with narrow lanes, wrought‑iron shop signs, and a quiet, timeless feel. Every time I come here, I end up wandering aimlessly, taking far too many photos of doorways and vines creeping over stone walls.

Must‑see:

• Abbey of Saint‑Pierre d’Hautvillers and the tomb of Dom Pérignon.
• Small producer tasting rooms — many are family‑run and very welcoming.
• Viewpoints over the valley; there are designated lookouts with benches.

Getting there: 10–15 minutes by car or taxi from Épernay; around 30–45 minutes by bike (hilly but rewarding).

12. Ay‑Champagne & the Marne Valley Vineyards

Ay‑Champagne (often just “Ay”) is another historic wine village near Épernay, known for its Grand Cru vineyards. It has a slightly more workaday feel than Hautvillers but is equally rich in wine heritage.

Some of my most memorable tastings have been in unassuming courtyards here, where the winemaker pours directly from bottles that never leave the region. If you’re serious about champagne, exploring Ay and nearby villages like Mareuil‑sur‑Ay is essential.

Tip: Many small producers require appointments. Ask your Épernay hotel or the tourist office for up‑to‑date recommendations and help calling ahead.

13. Vineyard Walking & Cycling Trails

One of the best things to do in Épernay that many visitors overlook is simply walking in the vineyards. There are well‑marked trails radiating out from town and nearby villages. In 2024–2025, more signage was added, and by 2026 routes are better mapped and maintained.

I like to start in the late afternoon, when the sun is lower and the light is kind to both skin and photos. Walking through the vines, you understand just how much manual work goes into every bottle.

Good to know:

• Stay on marked paths; don’t trample vines or private property.
• Bring water, especially in summer — there’s very little shade.
• Wear proper shoes; even “easy” trails can be muddy after rain.

14. Visiting Small Grower Champagne Houses

The big names are fun, but the soul of Champagne lies with the vignerons indépendants — the small family growers. Around Épernay, there are dozens of these, some with simple tasting rooms, others welcoming guests into their homes or courtyards.

Some of my most personal champagne memories are here: a rainy afternoon tasting in a tiny cellar while the winemaker’s dog slept by the barrel, or a spontaneous barbecue that started because we “happened to be around at lunchtime.”

How to do it:

• Ask the tourist office for a current list of growers open to visitors.
• Always call or email ahead if possible; many are working in the vines.
• Be prepared to buy at least a bottle or two; tastings are often inexpensive or free when you purchase.

15. Parc de l’Horticulture & Other Green Spaces

Beyond the town hall gardens, Épernay has a few small parks and green spaces that are perfect for a breather. Parc de l’Horticulture is a local favorite: nothing flashy, just lawns, trees, and room to breathe.

I like to bring a book and a bottle of water here after a late lunch, especially in summer when the town can feel warm and sleepy in the early afternoon.

16. Artisan Bakeries & Pâtisseries

This might not appear on a typical list of things to do in Épernay, but for me, exploring local bakeries is essential. There are several excellent spots in the center where you can pick up croissants, pains au chocolat, and elegant pastries.

Personal ritual: Every morning in Épernay, I walk to the same bakery near my usual hotel, order a croissant and an espresso, and take them to a bench in the town hall gardens. It’s a simple pleasure that sets the tone for the day.

17. Champagne Bars & Wine Bars in Town

Not every tasting has to be in a cellar or formal house. Épernay has a handful of excellent champagne bars where you can try a rotating selection of houses by the glass. This is one of my favorite ways to sample small producers without driving all over the countryside.

Good for: Evenings when you want a relaxed tasting, people‑watching, and maybe some charcuterie or small plates.

18. Bistros & Gastronomic Restaurants

Épernay punches above its weight in food. From rustic bistros serving hearty regional dishes to refined gastronomic restaurants with intricate tasting menus, you’ll eat very well here.

I tend to mix it up: one night at a classic bistro where the menu is written on a chalkboard, another night at a more upscale spot with careful wine pairings. Both are essential parts of the Épernay experience.

19. Cultural Events, Concerts & Exhibitions

Throughout the year, Épernay hosts small concerts, art exhibitions, and local festivals. These won’t always show up on international tourism websites, but they’re often advertised in the tourist office, local papers, or posters around town.

I’ve stumbled into everything from open‑air jazz by the river to photography exhibitions in repurposed industrial spaces. Keep your eyes open and stay flexible — some of the best cultural experiences in Épernay are serendipitous.

20. Épernay by Night: Illuminated Avenue & Quiet Streets

Épernay isn’t a late‑night party town, but it has a gentle charm after dark. Avenue de Champagne is often softly lit, and many houses illuminate their façades. I love taking a slow walk here after dinner, when the tour buses are gone and it’s mostly just locals and a few lingering visitors.

This is also when the city feels most romantic — ideal for couples on a weekend escape.

3 Day Itinerary for Épernay

4 Day Itinerary for Épernay

With 4 days in Épernay, you can add a deeper vineyard day or a nearby city.

5 Day Itinerary for Épernay

A 5 day itinerary for Épernay lets you slow down, add nature, and avoid “tasting fatigue.”