Epernay
- Address:Epernay, France
- Hours:
Open daily
- Admission:Free
Where Dijon is a center for Burgundy's red wine production (and that of mustard), Epernay is the main entrepot for the wines of the Champagne region. Visitors from all over the world come to this small town to buy champagne and see how it is bottled. As it is the center for champagne production, its economy and tourism largely revolve around sparkling wines.
Like most other metropolitan areas in France, Epernay can trace its history to the last days of Rome. Indeed, the town is replete with the obligatory 16th-century church and Old Quarter; however, these quaint relics of long-gone eras have been somewhat overshadowed by a cheerily modern streak. This doesn't mean that the town's charm has disappeared under a bunch of apartments and malls; rather, Epernay's appeal spreads outside its limits to the surrounding countryside, where the wealthy wine merchants and champagne producers keep impressive maisons.
Also spread throughout the countryside are the region's many wineries, most of which offer tours and tastings. Driving around centuries-old vineyards is awe-inspiring in itself, and many producers offer tours of the champagne caves. Mined for chalk during Roman times, these caves were later found to be perfect for storing the effervescent wines that made the region famous.
Latest Reviews All Epernay Reviews »
Excellent trip with very informative guides. The added benefit of visiting the second Notre Dam in Reims was great as was the tour of Moet and Chandon. Plenty of time was allowed at each location. I highly recommend this tour to those wanting to "get out of Paris" and see some beautiful French countryside as well as learn something new.
Continue Reading »
It was a day we will never forget. We loved the private tasting at the small vineyard. Very nice for the owners to have us there and share how they make their champagne. Moet was interesting and the cellar was impressive.
Continue Reading »
This was a fabulous trip and highly recommended. The tour of the small champagne producer was particularly good and gave a great insight into the wine making process. Lunch at Epernay was very good quality. The Moet tour was very professional if somewhat formula driven. You didn't get to see anything of the wine making process although it was explained. Tasting at both places was good with the chance of having a glass of Moet a good way to finish the tour. Our driver/guide was not overly friendly but did know a lot about the region. The drive to and from Paris is through beautiful countryside. All up a very pleasant day
Continue Reading »L'Avenue de Champagne is probably one of the biggest tourist attractions in Epernay, as many of the most prominent champagne producers such as Moët et Chandon, Mercier and De Castellane keep their headquarters on this street. According to local hearsay, L'Avenue de Champagne is the most expensive street in the world, given all the bottles of champagne (numbering some 90 million) stored in the chalk cellars beneath the street.
