History of the Avenue de Champagne

The present-day Avenue de Champagne has not always borne this prestigious name. As early as the Middle Ages, it was known as the “chemin de l’Hôpital” (“Hospital Path”), due to the presence of a nearby hospice. Later, it became known as “rue de la Folie” — likely in reference to the opulent estates, “madly” luxurious, lining the outskirts of the town. During the Revolution, it was renamed “rue du Commerce”, reflecting its growing role in trade and commerce. Finally, in 1925, it was officially given the name “Avenue de Champagne”, a tribute to the industry that made it world-renowned. Thus, these successive name changes chart the transformation of the street — from a modest path to a bustling commercial hub, and ultimately to a symbol of the world’s most prestigious sparkling wine.

The birth of Champagne Houses and the rise of viticulture

It was in the 18th century that the first Champagne houses were established in Epernay — often alongside those in Reims — marking the dawn of Champagne trading. The existence of high-quality cellars beneath the avenue (dug into the region’s chalky subsoil) gradually attracted these merchants, eager to store and age their wines under optimal conditions.

With the arrival of the railway — especially the line between Paris and Epernay inaugurated in 1849 — the export of Champagne became easier and faster. This infrastructural transformation gave decisive momentum to the trade of sparkling wine, fostering the growth of the houses established along the avenue.

Architecture, mansions, and architectural heritage

Throughout the 19th century, the great Champagne houses erected magnificent mansions, grand residences, and prestigious buildings along the avenue. These properties — often adorned with ornate wrought-iron gates, cobbled courtyards, and elegant gardens — embody the luxury and prestige of Champagne.

Beneath them stretches an extraordinary network of underground cellars — extending over 110 km — where hundreds of millions of bottles are stored. This remarkable built and subterranean heritage has earned the avenue the nickname “the richest avenue in the world”.

Great houses and iconic brands

To this day, the Avenue de Champagne remains home to some of the most celebrated Champagne houses in the world. Among them: Moët & Chandon, Mercier, De Castellane, Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger, Boizel, De Venoge, Collard-Picard… and many others.

For instance, Moët & Chandon — founded in 1743 — owns extensive cellars beneath numbers 19, 21, and 23 of the avenue, properties that belonged to Count Paul Chandon de Briailles in the 19th century. These houses are more than production sites: they are the soul, the heritage, and the international face of Champagne.

World heritage status and wine tourism

Since 2015, the Avenue de Champagne — with its buildings, houses, and cellars — has been part of the UNESCO-listed site “Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars”. This designation celebrates the historical, cultural, and architectural importance of the location.

Today, the avenue is a major tourist destination. Visitors can stroll its elegant streets, venture into historic cellars, marvel at the grand architecture of 5-star hotels, and enjoy tastings in iconic Champagne houses.

Avenue de Champagne: a testament to the Art of Living in Champagne

The Avenue de Champagne is a living chronicle of the history of Champagne — from its modest beginnings along a hospital path to the grandeur of international houses. It embodies the unique union of terroir, architecture, history, and expertise. Today, it remains a vibrant symbol of the Champagne art de vivre.