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There are an array of things to do in France, with Epernay sharing quite a few of those!
Epernay, the sparkling jewel of Champagne country, is a treasure trove of delightful activities waiting to be unveiled.
From immersing yourself in the rich history of champagne making to indulging in delectable French cuisine, Epernay promises an enchanting escape from the mundane.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Epernay:
1. Avenue de Champagne
Avenue de Champagne is a beautiful street in Epernay, France, world-famous for its prestigious champagne houses.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll down the tree-lined Avenue de Champagne and admire the grand, opulent mansions that belong to illustrious champagne producers.
Many of these producers offer guided tours and tastings of their exquisite champagnes.
Don’t miss: The Avenue de Champagne is really special during the holiday season when the street is adorned with beautiful fairy lights and decorations, turning it into a truly magical winter wonderland.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the summer months to make the most of the warm, sunny weather and to enjoy the stunning gardens that accompany the many champagne houses.
Additionally, it is best to book a tour in advance as many of the champagne houses can get quite busy, particularly during peak season.
2. Moët & Chandon Champagne House
A famous Champagne house located in the town of Épernay, France.
What to see or do: Take a tour of the Champagne cellars, learn about the history and production of Champagne, and taste some of the world-renowned Moët & Chandon Champagne.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to taste some of the rare and vintage Champagnes, such as Dom Pérignon.
Insider travel tips: Book your tour in advance to ensure availability and arrive a few minutes early to explore the beautiful grounds and take in the picturesque views of the French countryside.
Dress appropriately as the cellars can be chilly. Try to visit during the off-season to avoid crowds and the high tourist season prices.
3. Mercier Champagne House
Mercier Champagne House, located in Epernay, France, offers visitors the opportunity to explore the history and production of Champagne.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour through the underground Champagne cellars, which stretch for over 18 kilometers, and learn about the traditional techniques used in the production of Mercier Champagne.
The tour also includes a ride on a mini-train through the vineyards and a visit to the tasting room.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the tour is the impressive display of over 160,000 bottles, which form a 4-meter high pyramid. Visitors can witness the “disgorging” process, which involves the removal of sediment from the Champagne bottles.
Insider travel tips: Book a tour in advance to guarantee a spot, and don’t forget to bring a sweater as the cellars can be chilly.
Be sure to also check out the panoramic views of Epernay and the surrounding vineyards from the rooftop terrace.
4. Leclerc Briant Champagne House
Leclerc Briant Champagne House is a renowned champagne house located in the heart of Epernay, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can book a tour of the winery and cellar, and taste some of the house’s finest champagnes. The tour provides an insightful look into the traditional methods used to produce champagne at Leclerc Briant.
Don’t miss: The vintage champagnes, especially the Les Crayères, which is made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.
Insider travel tips: Book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly during peak tourist season.
It’s also worth checking out the on-site boutique where you can pick up a few bottles of champagne for the road.
5. Champagne Delamotte Cellar Tour
Champagne Delamotte is a historic Champagne house established in 1760. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cellar to learn about the Champagne-making process.
What to see or do: The cellar tour takes visitors through the underground caves to see where the bottles are stored and aged. The guide will explain the traditional method of Champagne-making, including riddling and disgorgement.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste some of the house’s best Champagne.
Don’t miss: Make sure you don’t miss the 18th-century chalkboard where record-keeping for the Champagne production has been kept for over 250 years.
Insider travel tips: – The cellar tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and is available in English and French.
6. Champagne de Castellane
Champagne de Castellane is a historic champagne house located in Epernay, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the facility to learn about the champagne production process and the history of the Castellane family.
The tour includes a visit to the underground cellars where the champagne is aged and a tasting of the different Castellane champagnes.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the panoramic view of Epernay from the top of the Castellane tower, which rises 66 meters above the city and is topped with a large golden statue of the Madonna and Child.
Insider travel tips: – Check the opening hours before you go, as they may vary depending on the season.
7. Champagne Boizel
A champagne house in Epernay, France that produces high-quality champagne using traditional methods.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the champagne cellars, learn about the history of the Boizel family and their champagne-making techniques, and taste some of their signature blends.
Don’t miss: The “Joyau de France” blend, a highly-regarded champagne that is a favorite among champagne connoisseurs.
Insider travel tips: Book a private tour for a more personalized experience and be sure to visit during harvest season in September for a glimpse into the winemaking process.
Pair your champagne tasting with some local cheeses and charcuterie for a truly authentic French experience.
8. Champagne Collard-Picard
Champagne house in Epernay, France known for producing quality and unique champagnes.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the cellars to learn about the history and process of making champagne.
Don’t miss: Tasting their popular and award-winning champagne blends such as the Esprit de Craie and the Selection.
Insider travel tips: Book a private tour for a more personalized and intimate experience. Make sure to also check out their boutique to purchase a bottle or two to take home as a souvenir.
9. Champagne Pol Roger
Champagne House known for producing high-quality sparkling wine in Epernay, France.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the historic cellars where you can learn about the champagne-making process and sample some of their signature blends.
Don’t miss: The chance to try the famed Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill, a champagne that was created in honor of the British Prime Minister who was a loyal fan of Pol Roger champagne.
Insider travel tips: Book your tour in advance as they tend to fill up quickly, also consider visiting during the quieter months of the year for a more intimate experience.
Be sure to check out their gift shop where you can purchase Pol Roger champagne to take home as a souvenir.
10. Champagne de Venoge
A champagne house in the heart of Epernay founded in 1837.
What to see or do: Take a tour of the cellars and learn about the champagne-making process. Taste some of the delicious champagne produced by the house, including their award-winning Louis XV.
Don’t miss: The stunning Art Deco tasting room, which features a beautiful stained-glass ceiling and original architectural details.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season. If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, consider booking a private tasting or cellar tour.
And don’t forget to bring home a bottle or two of Champagne de Venoge as a souvenir!
11. Champagne Georges Cartier
Champagne Georges Cartier is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Champagne region in Epernay, France.
What to see or do: Take a tour of the vineyards and winery to learn about the production of Champagne, see the bottling process, and taste different varieties of the famous drink.
You can also purchase bottles of Champagne on site.
Don’t miss: The highlight of visiting Champagne Georges Cartier is the opportunity to taste their exceptional blends of Champagne.
The Cartier family has been producing Champagne for over 100 years, so you can expect only the best from their selection.
Insider travel tips: Book a tour in advance to ensure availability, and arrive on time to ensure a full experience. Dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, as some parts of the tour may be outdoors.
Consider bringing a designated driver or using public transportation, as drinking and driving is strictly prohibited.
12. Auban-Moët Hospital Museum
Auban-Moët Hospital Museum is a former hospital turned into a museum showcasing the history of medicine and healthcare.
What to see or do: Explore the exhibits dating back to the 18th century including surgical instruments, apothecary jars, medical textbooks and much more. Get a glimpse into the life of patients and nurses during that era.
Don’t miss: The impressive dissection table in the surgical room and the collection of pharmacy objects.
Insider travel tips: The museum is not wheelchair accessible and there are stairs to climb. Visitors with mobility issues may want to consider visiting only the ground floor, which features the pharmacy and medical objects.
The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
13. Musée de Épernay
Musée de Épernay is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Champagne region in Epernay, France.
What to see or do: The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts related to the production and consumption of champagne. Visitors can explore the cellars and learn about the various stages of champagne production.
The museum also houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks related to the champagne industry.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the tasting rooms, where visitors can sample some of the finest champagnes from the region. The museum also hosts regular events and exhibitions, so be sure to check the schedule before you go.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
14. Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Church
Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Church is a historic Catholic church located in the heart of Epernay, a popular destination in the Champagne region of France.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful architecture of the church, which dates back to the 19th century and showcases a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
The stained glass windows are especially impressive, featuring intricate designs and vivid colors.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a moment to appreciate the serene atmosphere inside the church and to light a candle if you wish.
Additionally, there are several statues and religious artifacts on display that are worth a closer look.
Insider travel tips: – Plan your visit to coincide with a church service or choir performance to experience the acoustics of the space and fully appreciate the spiritual ambiance.
15. Château de Pierry
A stunning château located in the Champagne region of France, only a short distance from Epernay.
What to see or do: Take a tour of the beautiful grounds and vineyards, and indulge in a glass of their award-winning Champagne. Learn about the history of the property and the Champagne-making process through their guided tours.
Don’t miss: The chance to taste their signature Champagne in the luxurious and historic ambiance of the château. The property also features a boutique where you can purchase their Champagne and other local products.
Insider travel tips: Book your tour in advance to secure your spot, and consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds.
The château is only a short drive from Epernay, so combine it with a visit to some of the other notable Champagne houses in the area.