Before you go

Your trip to Épernay.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Épernay – Grande Leste Destination Champagne about 365 km from Estrasburgo

How to get there

Aéroport Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Roissy-en-France · 150 km
Gare d'Épernay 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Reims, the regional train reaches Gare d'Épernay in about thirty minutes. From Paris-Est there are direct trains in just over 1 hour. From Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, take the TGV to Gare de Champagne-Ardenne TGV and continue by regional train. Confirm before buying.

How many days

One day is enough for the Avenue de Champagne, one or two cellar visits, the museum and Hautvillers. Many people make a day trip from Reims. Staying overnight in Épernay or in the vineyards is worthwhile for those who want to explore the villages of the Marne valley at a relaxed pace.

When to go

From May to October the vineyards are green and the days are long; the harvest usually takes place in September. In the European winter, from December to February, it is cold and the days are short, but the caves operate with a stable temperature. Some visiting hours are reduced in the low season: check in advance.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Not for the town: the Avenue de Champagne starts about a 5-minute walk from the station. For Hautvillers and the vineyard villages, a car, taxi or guided tour makes things easier, as public transport is limited. Anyone planning to taste should leave the driving to someone else.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Épernay

Morning
Avenue de Champagne and museum
Walk from Gare d'Épernay to the Avenue de Champagne. Walk along the avenue and visit the Musée du Vin de Champagne et d'Archéologie régionale, located in Château Perrier.
Afternoon
Lunch and cellar visit
Have lunch in the center between 12:00 and 14:00. Afterwards take the reserved visit to the caves of Maison Moët & Chandon or Maison Mercier, on the avenue itself.
Late afternoon
Hautvillers
Drive or take a taxi to Hautvillers, 6 km away. See Dom Pérignon's tombstone in the church of Saint-Sindulphe, the wrought-iron plaques and the view from the Belvédère Dom Pérignon.
Evening
Dinner and return
Dine in Épernay from 19:30 or take the regional train back to Reims, in about half an hour.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Reims to Épernay?

By regional train, in about thirty minutes, between Gare de Reims and Gare d'Épernay. By car, the road crosses the Montagne de Reims and takes about 35 minutes.

Can you do Épernay as a day trip from Paris?

Yes. There are direct trains from Gare de l'Est in just over 1 hour. In one day you can cover the Avenue de Champagne, a cellar visit and the museum.

Épernay or Reims: where to stay?

Reims has more accommodation and restaurant options and more trains. Épernay is smaller and sits amid the vineyards, closer to Hautvillers and the Marne valley. Many people stay in Reims and make day trips to Épernay.

Do I need to book visits to the caves in Épernay?

Yes. Visits are guided and have limited availability, especially from May to October. Book on each house's website before traveling.

What is the local language and what does maison mean?

French is spoken. Maison means 'house' and, in the region, refers to the champagne-producing houses. Cave is the underground cellar, and gare is the train station.

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