A Guide to the Best Things to do in Epernay, Champagne
Last Updated on 12th April 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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One of the biggest settlements in Champagne is the town of Epernay, a quintessentially French town with a twist: one that boasts some of the world’s greatest Champagne House headquarters. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Epernay, as well as what to know before you go.
Epernay is unofficially known as the ‘Capital of Champagne’ thanks to its abundance of Champagne Houses, as well as its enviable location to the South of Reims Natural Regional Park. Epernay is one of three main cities in Champagne, Eastern France (the other two being Reims (25 km away) and Troyes).
The city is best-known for its association with the sparkling wine of Champagne. It’s also served by a train station on the Paris–Strasbourg train line, making it one of the most accessible places to visit in Champagne without a car.
The best and most convenient way to get around the Champagne region is by car. Check car rental comparison prices here.
Though many people working in Epernay have a good grasp of English, it’s always a good idea to learn a few words of French to help you get by. Buy a French phrase book like this one to hep you get by.
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Best things to do in Epernay
Avenue de Champagne
Truth be told, the best thing to do in Epernay is to head along the Avenue de Champagne on foot. Both sides of this wide boulevard, which stretches 1 km in legnth, are lined with historic houses that house iconic Champagne brands.
Underground, there are 100 km worth of cellars in which millions of bottles of Champagne are stored. Thanks to the fact that they’re carved out of chalk and are underground, they maintain a constant temperature of 9-12°C throughout the year.
Champagne tasting
Of course, the top reason to visit Epernay is not only to learn about the history of Champagne, but also to taste the famous tipple for yourself. There are a number of places in town where it’s possible to taste the bubbly stuff.
While at some Champagne houses you’ll have to pay for a tasting (somewhere in the region of €10-20), other Champagne tastings are free. Typically, at the end of any tasting, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase any of the bottles you just tried.
Places to visit in Epernay include Mercier Champagne and Champagne de Castellane. For even more inspiration about the sparkling wine, be sure to check out our guide to the best facts about Champagne.
Church (Église Notre-Dame)
One of the most historic attractions still standing in Epernay today is the Church of Our Lady (Église Notre-Dame), which dates back to the beginning of the 19th-century, though the church looks much older.
The ecclesiastical building was constructed between 1898 and 1915 and is in the Roman and neo-Gothic architectural styles. Unfortunately the church was badly damaged during German bombardments in 1918 before it was repaired from 1922-25.
Hot air balloon
One of the more unique ways to get a bird’s eye view of the city is to go up in the hot air balloon in the centre of town, which is known in French as Le Ballon d’Epernay. Offering 360 degree panoramic views of the city, the balloon goes to a height of 150 metres above the ground.
As well as offering views of the Avenue de Champagne and other key highlights of Epernay, visitors can see further afield and enjoy a view of the Champagne vineyards from above. You can order a glass of Champagne for the ride for an extra fee.
In order to see a sea of green (as the vines don’t have leaves all year ’round), I recommend going on the balloon from any time between May through to September. Find out more details here.
Tower of Castellane
One of the more striking architectural features in the skyline of Epernay is the tower of Champagne de Castellane. The tower was constructed between 1903 and 1905 and is 66 metres tall. The tower was designed by Marius Toudoire, who designed the Gare de Lyon in Paris.
Much like the Phare de Verzenay, in the nearby Champagne town of Verzenay, the tower was built to serve as a giant advertisement to attract visitors to the Champagne house. Today, visitors to the champagne house can climb the 237 steps to reach the top of the tower and enjoy the view.
The tower is the highest point of Epernay and stands at 66 metres tall. Visits to the Tower of Castellane, as well as the cellars, and the opportunity for a tasting are priced between €15 and €35, and are available in French or English.
Le Salmanazar Theatre
One of the most beautiful buildings in the very centre of Epernay is the Le Salmanazar Theatre, which was built in the 19th-century. Today the entertainment venue is a popular location to watch local productions.
Château Perrier
For the history buffs out there, Château Perrier is an absolute must-see. The town’s museum is set against the backdrop of a former private mansion that was constructed in the middle of the 19th-century for Charles Perrier.
The museum covers a number of topics; exhibits all about Champagne the drink, the geography and geology of the Champagne region, the history of human inhabitation of Champagne, and exhibitions on the 19th-century and Belle Époque.
Portail Saint-Martin
Located in the heart of Epernay, the gate of Saint-Martin was created in the 1540s and is now one of the oldest surviving monuments in Epernay. Attributed to the sculptor Pierre Jacques, the door would once have been the entrance to the church of Saint-Martin.
Built in the Renaissance architectural style, the door has been classed as a historical monument since 1908. The rest of the church has since been demolished, disappeared, and lost to the ages, but the gate can be seen for free.
Head to Hautvillers
The charming nearby town of Hautvillers holds a claim as being where Dom Perignon (founder of the modern methods behind today’s Chamapgne) lived and died. Hautvillers is just a ten-minute drive away from Epernay and is well worth strolling around for a few hours.
Things to know before visiting Epernay
Though Epernay itself is not the most aesthetically pleasing town in the region (unfortunately large swathes of the town were destroyed during the First World War and the Second World War), it does make a great base from which to explore the wider Champagne region.
In the centre of town, there’s a tourist office where you can pick up free brochures and maps for Epernay and its surrounding region. Epernay also has one of the largest concentrations of restaurants and cafés in the area, meaning that it’s a great place to sample local cuisine. For more ideas for the local area, be sure to check out our suggested Champagne itinerary.
Where to stay in Epernay
Budget: For those looking for an affordable option in Epernay, this no frills two-star hotel includes amenities such as free parking and free Wi-Fi as well as breakfast for an extra charge. Check prices and availability here.
Mid-range: This guest house offers travellers the chance to stay in comfortable rooms against the backdrop of a 19th-century home. Check prices and availability here.
Luxury: Those who are in search of an extra luxurious place to stay in Epernay would do well to choose this accommodation which is set within walking distance of many of Epernay’s major attractions. Amenities include bicycle hire onsite and free Wi-Fi. Check prices and availability here.
What to wear when exploring Europe
In the summer, you can’t go wrong by pairing a cute midi dress with classic white tennis shoes for a laid-back smart casual look that’s just as chic for walking around a city’s cobbled lanes as it is for wandering coastal paths. I love this dress and have it in several colour ways. In terms of tennis shoes, this is my go-to shoe.
When it comes to winter in Europe, most places (with the exception of a few islands) can get pretty cold and so warm layers is a must. I find that cute ankle boots like these ones are the perfect mix of practical meets cute.
Shoulder seasons (spring and summer) in Europe tend to come with a mix of rainy and sunny days and so, again, layers are a must. Trench coats and sneakers are the best uniform to explore the continent in.
Finally, a cross-body bag like these ones is a must. I personally use a crossbody bag by this brand and love its shape, size, and versatility. As well as being convenient and compact, it’s one of the safest ways to transport your valuables, all the while looking chic. I also recommend bringing along a travel adapter like this one so you can charge all of your electronics during your stay!
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Thanks for this great information. We will be visiting Epernay in May as part of a tour of the Champagne region. Can you recommend restaurant that would have vegetarian options for lunch?
Many thanks,
Hello! Thanks for your comment 🙂 We ate at Sacré Bistro (address 2 Pl. Auban Moët, 51200 Épernay, France) and they serve traditional French food but also have a vegetarian option on the menu (I’m vegetarian so had this dish while my friends opted for the traditional options). They also have a fairly extensive wine list of French wines.