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Street · Épernay, Grande Leste
Avenue de Champagne
Avenue of about 1.5 km with the headquarters of the major champagne houses in 19th-century mansions. Underground, galleries hold millions of bottles. UNESCO World Heritage.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Avenue de Champagne
The Avenue de Champagne is Épernay's best-known street. Along about 1.5 km from the center, it brings together mansions, hôtels particuliers (urban townhouses), cobbled courtyards and gardens, almost all linked to the champagne houses that settled here mainly in the second half of the 19th century, with the arrival of the railway.
In the Middle Ages, the route was a road outside the town. It became a royal road in the 18th century, changed names several times and received its current name in 1925. Two buildings are historic monuments: the Hôtel de Ville de Épernay, the town hall, and Château Perrier, which houses the Musée du Vin de Champagne et d'Archéologie régionale.
What you don't see from the pavement is below: the caves and galleries carved into the chalk beneath the avenue hold about 200 million bottles. Several houses, such as Moët & Chandon and Mercier, open their caves for guided visits by reservation.
Since 2015, the avenue has been part of the Banks, Houses and Caves of Champagne UNESCO World Heritage site. It can be explored on foot or by bicycle, and it is the most natural way to get to know the town.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 to 45 minutes to walk the avenue. Add 1 to 2 hours per cellar visit.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, with soft light on the facades. From May to October the gardens are in bloom. In winter the days are short: plan cellar visits for midday.
How to get there
It starts in the center of Épernay, about a 5-minute walk from Gare d'Épernay. Those coming from Reims take the regional train, in around half an hour, and walk from there.
Tip
Walk the entire avenue to the end and return along the other side to see all the facades. Book the caves in advance and save the visit to the Musée du Vin de Champagne et d'Archéologie régionale for the middle of the route.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Avenue de Champagne
How long does it take to walk the Avenue de Champagne?
On foot, about 30 to 45 minutes round trip at a leisurely pace. With cellar visits and the museum, allow half a day or more.
Is the avenue near the station?
Yes. It begins about a 5-minute walk from Gare d'Épernay.
Can you enter the champagne houses without a reservation?
Some shops and tasting bars accept walk-ins, but cellar tours are guided and almost always require a reservation. Book before you go.