The Capital of Champagne
Epernay is the smaller of the two main Champagne towns (population approximately 23,000) but arguably the one more completely defined by wine. The Avenue de Champagne — a single boulevard lined with the headquarters of Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger, and other houses, with an estimated billion bottles maturing in the cellars beneath — is the most concentrated expression of the Champagne industry anywhere in the region. If Reims is a city that also produces Champagne, Epernay is a town that exists because of Champagne.
What Departs From Epernay
Moët & Chandon cellar tours depart from the house’s visitor centre on the Avenue de Champagne. The most visited attraction in Epernay and one of the essential Champagne experiences.
Avenue de Champagne walking tours cover the boulevard’s houses, their histories, and the cellars beneath the street — with tastings at stops along the way.
Vineyard tours to the surrounding Côte des Blancs (Chardonnay vineyards south of Epernay), the Marne Valley (Pinot Meunier, along the river), and Hautvillers (Dom Pérignon’s abbey, 6 kilometres north) depart from Epernay.
Guided day tours covering the wider Champagne region — including Reims houses, the Montagne de Reims, and grower-producers — also depart from Epernay for visitors based there.
Getting to Epernay
From Paris: Train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Epernay, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (direct or with a change at Reims). Less frequent than the Reims TGV but entirely practical.
From Reims: approximately 30 minutes by road or 25 minutes by regional train. Most guided tours from Reims include Epernay as part of the day.
By car from Paris: approximately 1.5–2 hours via the A4 and A26 motorways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Avenue de Champagne?
The Avenue de Champagne is the main boulevard in Epernay, lined with the headquarters of major Champagne houses including Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger, Boizel, and De Castellane. The cellars beneath the avenue contain an estimated one billion bottles of Champagne maturing underground. It is UNESCO World Heritage listed.
Can I walk the Avenue de Champagne independently?
Yes. The avenue is a public street and the house exteriors are visible to anyone. Entering the houses for cellar tours requires booking. Walking the avenue, admiring the architecture, and visiting 1–2 houses is a comfortable half-day activity.
Is Epernay worth visiting if I am already visiting Reims?
Yes. The two towns offer different experiences — Reims has the grand cathedral and larger city, Epernay has the Avenue de Champagne and a more intimate wine-town character. Most full-day Champagne tours visit both. If you are choosing one, Reims has more beyond wine; Epernay is more purely about Champagne.