i 🍷 Vineyards & tastings
Champagne Tasting in Épernay
A cellar tour and tasting on the famous Avenue de Champagne, home to the most prestigious houses.
Overview
Some one and a half kilometres long, the Avenue de Champagne is lined with châteaux and grand mansions housing the headquarters of the great champagne houses. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, it's just a few minutes' walk from the station. Yet the most impressive part lies beneath the cobbles: more than 110 kilometres of tunnels dug into the chalk, where some 200 million bottles are ageing.
The classic visit begins in these cool cellars, with a guide from the house explaining how champagne is made. It ends with a tasting in a lounge or on a terrace. What's on offer varies widely from one address to the next: a little train through the tunnels at Mercier, historic cellars, storeroom and vat house at Boizel, a view over the vineyards from the Castellane tower, or tastings of growers' and cooperative cuvées at the Le 19 bar and shop. To round things off, the Museum of Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology, housed in the former Château Perrier, traces the history of the vineyards through interactive displays.
Where to do it
In Épernay (Marne (51)), in Champagne-Ardenne. Best season: 🗓️ All year round.
Good to know
Beneath the avenue and the town lie more than 110 km of cellars dug into the chalk, where around 200 million bottles are resting. The avenue has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015.
Tips
Book your cellar tours in advance, especially at weekends and in summer, and bring something warm: it's chilly underground. Coming by train means you won't have to drive after the tasting. If you do drive, the underground car park in the town centre offers the first hour free.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to book a champagne cellar tour in Épernay?
It's strongly recommended. Most houses run their tours by reservation, and some experiences (tasting workshops, private tours) are by appointment only. The tourist office, at 7 Avenue de Champagne, can also book tours and activities in person or online.
How much time do you need in Épernay?
Depending on the house, options range from a half-hour tasting workshop to experiences of around an hour and a half combining a cellar tour and tasting. To enjoy the avenue, the wine museum and one or two houses without rushing, allow a full day.
How do you get to the Avenue de Champagne and where can you park?
The Avenue de Champagne is about five minutes' walk from Épernay station. By car, there's an underground car park with more than 400 spaces in the town centre, with the first hour free, as in the town's other covered car parks. Make sure you have a designated driver who isn't drinking.
Are there any events on the Avenue de Champagne?
Yes. On 14 July, the Soirée Blanche brings the avenue to life. In December, the Habits de Lumière weekend features a sound and light show, a parade, fireworks and tastings – announced from 11 December in 2026. These dates draw big crowds, so book accommodation and tours early.
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, prices and conditions may change: check the official website before you travel.
Nearby (within 20 km)
Weekend idea around Épernay
- 1Champagne Tasting in ÉpernayStarting point · Épernay
- 2HautvillersMust-see place · 4 km away
- 3Basilica of Saint-RemiMust-see place · 23 km away
Looking for more ideas in the area?