Visiting the Avenue de Champagne: What to See and Do

The Avenue de Champagne in Epernay is far more than just a street. It is a living symbol of France’s winegrowing heritage. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, this one-kilometre-long avenue is home to the most renowned Champagne houses and a rich architectural legacy. Let us discover the unmissable highlights of this sparkling promenade.

History & Architectural Landscape

The history of the Avenue de Champagne dates back to the 18th century. Originally known as the Faubourg de la Folie, it was given its current name in 1925, reflecting its close ties with the rise of Champagne. Over the centuries, the avenue evolved into a showcase of viticultural prestige. Its architecture mirrors this wealth. Here, you will find majestic residences, private mansions, and buildings in Art Deco or Renaissance style. Among the landmark constructions are the Château Perrier, Hôtel Gallice, and the Moët & Chandon house, which has stood along the avenue since 1743.

What to See & Do on the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay

Cellar Tours & Tastings

The main attraction of the avenue lies in its prestigious Champagne houses. Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Perrier-Jouët, de Castellane, Boizel… Each offers guided tours, generally by reservation. These tours take you down into the “Crayères” – cellars carved more than 30 metres underground. You’ll discover miles of galleries where the finest vintages age. Each house reveals its history, its winemaking secrets, and offers a tasting to round off the experience.

Wine & Archaeology Museum (Château Perrier)

Housed in the former Château Perrier, this modern museum traces the history of Champagne and its terroirs. Renovated in 2021, it brings together over 100,000 items, from prehistoric times to the birth of viticulture. It’s a recommended stop to better understand the connection between soil, history, and wine.

Gardens & Green Spaces

The Avenue de Champagne is not only about its cellars. The garden of the Town Hall, labelled a “Remarkable Garden”, invites you to take a leisurely stroll. It features an artificial grotto, a vast lawn, and an orangery. The Château Perrier park complements this green offering with its century-old trees and sculptures. Perfect for enhancing your walk between tastings.

Entertainment & Festivities

All year round, the Avenue de Champagne comes to life. In December, the “Habits de Lumière” festival attracts thousands of visitors: illuminations, performances, food trucks, and family entertainment transform the avenue into a living stage. In summer, the White Night of 14 July offers a chic and relaxed atmosphere, with picnics, concerts, and fireworks. Other events, such as the Saint Vincent parade or the Tour de France passing through, punctuate local life.

Practical Tips & Suggested Itinerary

The avenue is easily accessible on foot from Épernay station (5 minutes). A full visit can last from 1 to 2 hours, not counting the tastings. For a change of pace, opt for a bike ride or hop aboard the little tourist train. Wi-Fi hotspots, public toilets, and a mobile app enhance the experience. Audioguides are also available for a fully independent visit.

Where to Stay on the Avenue de Champagne

To extend your stay in style, we recommend our five-star establishment, La Villa Eugène. Our elegant bourgeois residence, quietly located on the avenue, offers a luxurious setting, a garden with swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi, and attentive service. Perfect for a romantic or wine-themed getaway.

Epernay and the Champagne Identity

The Avenue de Champagne embodies the elegance, history, and winemaking expertise of the region. In a single stroll, you explore the heart of Champagne’s identity. Whether you are a lover of bubbles, history, or architecture, Epernay welcomes you with refinement. Don’t hesitate to continue your adventure in the town centre or the surrounding vineyards for a complete immersion.