Most travelers fail to realize that visiting champagne, the region in France that gives its name to the sparkling beverage produced here, is not only easy and affordable from Paris but also makes for a great day trip. From my experience, the best place to visit on a day trip to Champagne country is Epernay.

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 an excellent 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; therefore, many 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 will take you 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 will explore 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 France.

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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 than just fancy tasting rooms. After you arrive in Epernay by train, follow the signs for the Avenue de Champagne. It is a 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 I’ve compiled a 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 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 flourished 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 open to the public. Today, more than 68 miles (110 kilometers) of underground cellars run beneath the city streets, storing hundreds of millions of bottles of champagne. 

The Avenue de Champagne was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. The UNESCO World Heritage Site also encompasses some of the historic vineyards in the area, as well as Fort Chabrol, a viticulture research center owned by Moët & Chandon, located in Epernay. As such, no visit to Epernay is complete without a 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 visible monuments and sculptures along the way.

Sites to See Along the Avenue de Champagne

The start of the Avenue de Champagne is marked by a large monument in the center of the roundabout, the Monument aux Morts. The memorial 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 the 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 initially 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 monument includes a large statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, and the names of those from Epernay who perished fighting for France during World War I and World War II. The surrounding park is open to visitors, as is the ground floor of the Town Hall. The park area and Town Hall are worth visiting if you have 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 largely credited (albeit incorrectly) for discovering champagne, stands outside. Although Dom Pérignon did not 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 owns the trademark to Dom Pérignon’s name and honors him with both a statue out front and luxury vintages produced under the Dom Pérignon name. However, 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. (Trust me, I 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. I think it is the most exquisite building on the Avenue de Champagne.

Henri Gallice, an avid hunter, took over the residence (and the Perrier-Jouët company) towards the end of the 19th century. He commissioned the statue in the courtyard today: Le Veneur (or The Huntsman in English) by the French sculptor 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 marking one of the champagne houses in Epernay: Champagne de Castellane. This large tower, which stands 216 feet (66 meters) in height, is open to the public on a guided tour (featuring, of course, a champagne tasting) and offers 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 region’s most vital and historically significant towns, housing some of the world’s most renowned champagne houses. At the same time, there are a few more vineyards just past this point on the Avenue de Champagne; for all intents and purposes, this sculpture marks the end of the grand avenue.

Tour Champagne Houses & Cellars

Walking down the Avenue de Champagne, you will pass numerous champagne houses, some of which are open 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 embark on a tour of the champagne cellars. And I believe there is no better place to take a cellar tour in Epernay than at Moët & Chandon.

Moët & Chandon is the world’s largest champagne producer; as such, they have the 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 witnessing the work that goes into such a large operation.

The tour and overall experience at Moët & Chandon feel very corporate compared to Epernay’s smaller boutique champagne producers. 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 allow you to taste a vintage, you are better off spending that money at a smaller champagne producer within Epernay, where you will get far better champagne for the money.

Other Champagne Houses Worth Visiting in Epernay

While Moët & Chandon is the most famous champagne house in Epernay, plenty of other producers are 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 by 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. While tours at De Venoge do not include typical cellar visits, the tour focuses on the company’s history, brand, and house. 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, even though they do not offer tours. Their chic tasting room plays into the Belle Epoque era that defines the brand and its 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 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 its beautiful tasting room. Château Comtesse Lafond also allows visitors 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 home 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 its 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 before you visit 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 reservations. Other experiences, whether a sabrage lesson or a gastronomic experience, typically require advanced 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 gives you a good feel for the various styles, histories, and personalities that define Epernay and the Champagne region.

Taking a cellar tour? Dress accordingly!

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, 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, I think 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, consider visiting 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 in the family until 1943 when the town of Epernay acquired the building to turn 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 collection’s highlights include incredible jewelry, including 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, you must gain a bit more of an understanding of the beverage that shaped the town’s identity. The museum underscores the development of champagne and antique tools used in champagne production and dives into some of the influential figures who 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 visit with children.

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, I recommend checking a couple of other things to do in Epernay.

Horticulture Park

Horticulture Park is a peaceful green space in Epernay, about a 20-minute walk from Moët & Chandon. The park is an excellent spot for a relaxing stroll or picnic, with well-maintained gardens, shaded walking paths, and seasonal flowers. It makes 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 when the church took 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 extra time on your day trip to Epernay. Its beautiful stained-glass windows fill the church’s interior in colorful light, offering a peaceful, cool refuge on a warm summer day in Epernay.

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! Remember that during the harvest season, some champagne houses may close their doors to tours and tastings as they harvest their grapes. If you visit Epernay during the harvest, double-check the opening hours with each 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 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 like De Venoge remain open. If you want to visit Epernay in the winter, I recommend checking with each champagne house to confirm their opening hours and tour schedule.

Festivals in Epernay

Suppose you have ever visited Napa Valley in California. In that case, 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 it a great day trip destination.

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 daily trains linking the two cities. Trains from Reims to Epernay take only 27 minutes and depart from Reims Maison Blanche Station. The train between Reims and Epernay is a local TER train, which makes several 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 online before your trip, using the SNCF Connect website or Rail Europe, since trains can fill up in advance. When booking your train tickets, make sure you select a direct train 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 bubbly. For a dose of local culture, the Champagne Wine & Regional Archeology Museum (Musée du vin de Champagne et d’Archéologie régionale) offers 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 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 provide an enjoyable change of scenery from the busy Paris.

Cheers to discovering the best things to do in Epernay!