Épernay

Epernay Travel Guide (Champagne, France)

Epernay is known to be the Champagne Capital of the world. The town is located at approximately 45 minute drive from Reims and is set in the heart of the Champagne vineyards. The town makes for a perfect base for exploring the Champagne region and taking part in a tasting tour of the famous sparkling wines in town or on a day trip.

A bit of history

The first ever Champagne house to open in Epernay took place in 1729 and was founded by Nicolas Ruinart. Other Champagne houses began to arrive and would set themselves on the now world famous Avenue de Champagne previously known as Rue du Commerce.

Moët & Chandon arrived in 1743 followed by Perrier Jouët, de Venoge or Mercier. During your stay in Epernay, don't hesitate to stroll down the Avenue to admire the 18th and 19th century buildings and experience a Champagne tasting session in one of the many Champagne wineries.

The Champagne region of France

Outside Epernay there are quite a number things to do and places to visit. On all our private tours departing from Epernay we will come and pick you up at your hotel or accommodation. You will then spend the day with your English speaking driver guide, who is an expert in Champagne wines, to discover the Unesco world heritage site of Champagne Hillsides, Houses & Cellars.

It is also possible to visit the town of Reims and visit the famous Notre Dame Cathedral & its stained glass windows and other important landmarks of the city.

Can Champagne be considered as Wine?

Yes, absolutely! Champagne is considered as wine (sparkling, though) as it is made from non fermented grapes such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier of Chardonnay. Other varietals that are authorized include lesser known Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.

The most planted varietal is Pinot Noir that makes up for more than 38% of planting. The Champagne wine producing region is composed of 4 different "terroirs" or territories: Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, the Marne Valley and the Côte des Bar located near the town of Troyes.

Champagne day trips from Reims or Epernay?

Both towns make for ideal locations if you want to experience a Champagne wine tour. Typically, on a full day tour of the Champagne region we will take you to the Marne Valley or the Montagne de Reims wine producing areas.

During your journey through the vineyards, meet with a prestigious figure: Dom Perignon. He finalized the process to elaborate Champagne. He highly contributed to the fame of Champagne and is now buried in the church of the former Benedictine Abbey in the village of Hautvillers.

Your Champagne tour will include visits and commented guided tours in several Champagne Wineries of the area. We carefully select our Champagne winery visits and usually include a prestigious name with a visit to a family owned estate so that you can make the comparaison for yourself. All visits are followed by tastings that include one or several glasses of champagne.

Is is possible to visit a Champagne House like Moët & Chandon?

Of course, Moët & Chandon will be happy to welcome you. This is even more the case if you are based in Epernay as the Champagne House is located here. Founded in 1743 by Claude Möet, it became within 40 years the first international brand in the world.

Its history is linked to some famous figures such as The Marquise de Pompadour and Napoleon 1st. This Champagne is also sold to many important historical events among which King Edwards VII’s coronation, Cannes Film Festival, the 120th anniversary of the Liberty Statue. It is probably nowadays the most famous Champagne brand around the world.

Let us take you on a tour in Moët & Chandon winery and follow the Grand Vintage Tour. Every Vintage is the free and personal interpretation of the cellar-master, revealing the identity of the harvest. Following the visit of the cellars, fall in love with the smoothness and freshness of the Grand Vintage white and rosé by Moët & Chandon.

All our small group Champagne tours have been crafted to fit expectations of wine lovers and our travel designers will be most happy to include wineries that you would like to visit (depending on availability). All tours are also available on a day trip from Paris to Reims or Epernay. It is also possible for you to take the train from Paris and we will include pickup.