You are in the right place!
You’ve come to the right place! Once you’ve settled in Epernay, there are countless ways to explore Champagne. Whether on foot or by bike through the vineyards, by car to the villages listed as part of the ‘Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne’ on the UNESCO World Heritage List, by train to Reims or by carpool to Lac du Der: here, you’ll find all the options you need to get around easily, both in Épernay and the surrounding area, and make the most of your stay.
Because Epernay in Champagne isn’t just a stop-off point: it’s the ideal base from which to explore the whole of Champagne. Just a few minutes away, you’ll find the cradle of Champagne in Hautvillers, the majestic Reims Cathedral, and the beaches of Lac du Der, perfect for a refreshing break. Follow the guide!
The town of Épernay has a bus network, Mouvéo, which operates in the town centre as well as further afield, reaching neighbouring towns. It allows you to get around with complete freedom.
The bicycle is also part of the game, and also contributes to sustainable development, without polluting the city. There is a network of more than 20 kilometers of bicycle paths in and around the city. In 2011, a code of the street was also communicated to the residents in order to allow cyclists and pedestrians to circulate in complete safety.
If you’d prefer to explore the Champagne region in a motorhome, that’s perfectly possible. The town has designated reception areas for this purpose.
In addition, for people with reduced mobility, there are various transport services available within the city, notably MOBILIBUS, part of the metropolitan area’s transport network. It offers on-demand public transport and requires advance booking.
From Épernay, set off to explore Champagne
The vineyards and Hautvillers, the cradle of Champagne
Just 6 km from Épernay, Hautvillers is a must-visit. This village, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, is where the legend of Champagne began: it was here, at Saint-Pierre Abbey, that Dom Pierre Pérignon is said to have helped develop champagne as we know it today. You can pay your respects at his grave, in the choir of the abbey church, before strolling through the flower-lined streets and stopping off at one of the village’s many winegrowers for a tasting.
To extend your walk, head towards the rest of the vineyards: Aÿ-Champagne, Champillon, Dizy or even the Montagne de Reims, with its panoramic views over the sea of vines and unmissable vantage points such as Mont Sinaï.
Reims, la Ville des Sacres
About thirty minutes away by car or train (‘the Line des Bulles’, see below), Reims is an unmissable day trip from Épernay. For over a thousand years, 34 kings of France were crowned here, in the majestic Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its stained-glass windows by Chagall, the Palais du Tau, prestigious champagne houses and its chalk cellars – also listed by UNESCO – the city offers a full day of cultural and culinary discoveries.
What to see in Reims? Our selection of must-see tourist attractions
Lac du Der – for a break in the great outdoors
Fancy some fresh air and wide open spaces? Head to Lac du Der, just over an hour’s drive from Épernay. As Europe’s largest man-made lake, it boasts lovely, well-maintained beaches, ideal for swimming, picnicking or enjoying water sports (sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, pedalos, etc.). It’s also an exceptional spot for birdwatching, particularly during the autumn migration of common cranes.
Museums and things to do from Épernay in Champagne
Without even leaving the town, Epernay has plenty to keep you occupied: the historic cellars on Avenue de Champagne (Moët & Chandon, Mercier, De Castellane, de Venoge, etc.), the Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology Museum, the Villa Piquart, and the many activities centred around the vineyards (trips in a 2CV, e-Mehari, fat bikes, hot-air balloon rides, wine tastings, and more…).
Electric vehicles
If you own an electric or hybrid vehicle, you’ll be pleased to know that the city has charging points! Find all the information you need on our dedicated page: Travelling by electric vehicle.
View the map of charging points on Chargemap
Car-sharing
You can also opt for the various sightseeing tours departing from Épernay for small-group tours, or make use of car-sharing to visit the surrounding towns and villages.
Don’t have a car, or would you prefer to share the costs and minimise your environmental impact? Car-sharing is the ideal solution for exploring the area around Épernay: to Hautvillers and the vineyards, to Reims and its cathedral, to Châlons-en-Champagne, or even further afield to Lac du Der and its beaches.
Located close to major transport routes, Epernay’s carpooling areas allow you to leave your car safely for the day and travel together with others. They are free to use and do not require a booking:
- Rue de Lorraine (5 spaces): just a stone’s throw from Avenue de Champagne, this is the ideal spot to set off for Châlons-en-Champagne or Reims;
- Square Raoul Chandon (10 spaces): situated close to the town centre and Avenue Foch, it provides easy access to the wine-growing villages south of Épernay and to the Montagne de Reims
Tip: Do remember to check out car-sharing platforms (such as Blablacar Daily or Mobicoop) to organise your journeys to Reims, Châlons-en-Champagne or Lac du Der and easily find a travel companion.
Cycling
To make cycling easier, Epernay has provided a range of facilities located throughout the town:
- tyre inflation stations so you can inflate your tyres yourself;
- bike racks for short-term parking;
- secure cycle parking facilities at the Parc de l’Horticulture, on Rue Saint-Thibault and at the Epernay Agglo Champagne Community Centre;
- covered cycle parking facilities at the Maison des Arts et de la Vie associative and Place Hugues-Plomb;
- parking spaces for bicycles and scooters at schools.
These facilities allow you to park your bike easily and securely, whether you’re just passing through Epernay or out for a ride through the Champagne vineyards.
Find a cycle parking facility: https://epernay.fr/carte-interactive (select a category to view cycle facilities)
Bicycle rental
Vehicle parking
The town of Épernay has three pay-and-display car parks (one above-ground and two underground), providing over 1,000 spaces.
- Jard car park (underground)
- Rempart Perrier car park (above-ground)
- Downtown (Centre-ville) car park (underground)
Rates :
Users get one hour of free parking in these 3 parking lots. The pricing is then progressive, counted by the 1/4 hour for a payment adjusted to the time actually spent.
Several subscription formulas can also be taken out according to your needs: day passes, weekly subscriptions…
Come aboard the "line of bubbles"!
This TER line links Reims and Epernay, two emblematic cities of the Champagne region. She invites you to discover the Montagne de Reims, which is full of riches that are just waiting to be revealed to you. Exceptional natural and patrimonial treasures.
Go and meet villages such as Ay-Champagne, Avenay-Val-d’Or, Germaine and Rilly-la-Montagne, the land and the landscapes 100% Champagne.
Let the “line of bubbles” take you to our sparkling destination!