The Avenue de Champagne in Épernay is the emblematic 1.5 km boulevard where the world's great Champagne houses — Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Perrier-Jouët, De Castellane and more — stand side by side in the heart of France's Champagne region. Beneath it run more than 100 km of chalk cellars where some 200 million bottles quietly age, and in 2015 it was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars.' Celebrations for the centenary of the avenue's 1925 renaming ran through 2025 and conclude with the December 2026 edition of the 'Habits de Lumière' light festival. The classic way to visit is to stroll the elegant mansions and gardens above ground, then book underground cellar tours and tastings at individual houses.
Moët & Chandon: the region's largest cellar network, a labyrinth of roughly 28 km of underground galleries
Mercier: a distinctive self-driving mini-train tour through 18 km of cellars about 30 m below the avenue
The De Castellane tower: a 66 m advertising tower completed in 1905; climb 237 steps for a 360° panorama of Épernay and the vineyards
Perrier-Jouët's Maison Belle Époque: an Art Nouveau jewel with an artistic heritage and contemporary-art collection
The avenue itself: 1.5 km of UNESCO-listed mansions, courtyards and gardens to admire simply on foot
Good to know
SafetyThe avenue is a working public road with traffic. Never drive or cycle after tasting — France enforces a strict 0.05% blood-alcohol limit — and if renting a car, designate a driver who abstains.
SeasonDuring the September harvest (vendanges) some houses limit visits or are busy, and the December 'Habits de Lumière' festival (11–13 Dec 2026) draws large crowds, so book accommodation and tours well ahead.
RulesThe chalk cellars stay at 10–12°C year-round, so bring a jacket or long sleeves even in summer. The legal drinking age in France is 18, so carry ID (passport) when tasting.
MannersMost tours and tastings are by advance reservation. Arrive on time for your slot, and when sampling several wines use the spittoon and pace yourself rather than overindulging.
CautionBe wary of unofficial 'guides' who approach you on the street or private tours priced far above the norm. Book through each house's official website or the Épernay tourist office to stay safe.
SeasonIf visiting as a day trip from Paris, check the last return train in advance — tastings easily run long, and the houses and tourist office close in the evening.
Practical info
Épernay is about 1h15 by train from Paris Gare de l'Est, and the Avenue de Champagne is walkable from the station. Strolling the avenue is free, but cellar tours and tastings are generally paid and require booking; because prices, opening hours and tour formats vary by house and change often, always confirm the latest details on each house's official website or with the tourist office.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
