Visit Epernay in 1 day: the 10 must-sees
Are you passing through Epernay and would like to see the essentials? Discover the sparkling charm of the Champagne Capital! From cellar tours on the famous avenue de Champagne to balloon flights over the vineyards and other unforgettable rides, here’s a selection of the must-sees in a day… well spent!
Stroll down the avenue de Champagne
An incredible succession of mansions, each more beautiful than the last, welcome to the avenue de Champagne! Take time to stroll along this mythical route, home to over 110 km of chalk-cut caves. On a visit to the cellars of a prestigious champagne house, plunge into the heart of the galleries that house millions of bottles. Don’t hesitate to stop off at one of the avenue’s elegant champagne bars to sample the finest cuvées, perfect reflections of the terroir.
Visit the Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology Museum
The other treasure on the avenue de Champagne is the Musée du Vin de Champagne et d’Archéologie Régionale. In the sumptuous setting of castle Perrier, the former home of Champagne wine merchants, the tour unveils a fascinating scenography. Archaeology, Champagne wine, geology, collectors and patrons… find out all about the history of the Champagne region. Don’t miss a stroll through the museum’s garden, with its charming water mirror right in the center of town.
Explore the Champagne Tourist Route
The Champagne Tourist Route is the best way to discover the Champagne vineyards and their UNESCO World Heritage landscapes. A total of 6 itineraries and almost 600 km of walks await you! Three circuits are accessible from Epernay: the Marne Valley and its breathtaking panoramas, the Montagne de Reims, between slopes and forests, and the Côte des Blancs, the land of Chardonnay.
Take to the skies in the tethered Ballon
How about a bird’s eye view of the vineyards? Climb aboard the tethered Ballon for a unique experience, 150 metres up in the air! In this tethered balloon, you can enjoy a 360° panorama of a postcard landscape, from the straight avenue de Champagne to the historic hillsides that embrace the city. To make this moment even more special, you can enjoy a flute during your ascent!
Enjoy a nature break in the vineyards
After the hustle and bustle of the city, the calm of nature! Visit the vineyard gardens that dot Epernay and the surrounding villages. In these open-air museums, you can discover the wealth of Champagne’s terroir and know-how through interactive displays. In Chouilly or Mesnil-sur-Oger, from the Mont Bernon or Cramant lookouts, let yourself be charmed by these immersive walks through the vineyards.
Cycling and walking in Champagne
How about exploring Epernay and its neighboring villages on foot or by bike? Numerous itineraries invite you to get off the beaten track and plunge into the heart of an ocean of vines! Whether you choose to follow signposted footpaths, hiking trails or cycle routes, you can choose the option that suits you best to explore the picturesque villages and rolling countryside of the Epernay basin. Many treasures await you along the way!
Awaken your senses at Pressoria
Pressoria is the Champagne Wine Sensory Interpretation Center. Above all, it’s a museum like no other! Here, all your senses will be called upon to reveal the secrets of the king of wines. Innovative and fun, the scenography is superbly well thought-out for a visit with friends or family. At the end of the tour, extend this unique experience by sharing a glass of champagne on the magnificent panoramic terrace!
Explore one of our magical viewpoints
Vines as far as the eye can see, landscapes of rare beauty, shaped both by the hand of man and the grace of nature… Discover one of the magical viewpoints hidden around Epernay and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Champagne vineyards. You can reach it via the Tourist Route or by pleasant hiking trails, so you can appreciate the panorama even more when you arrive!
Treat yourself to a romantic date
A mecca for elegance and refinement, Epernay is also home to a generous art of living. The ideal setting for a romantic getaway with your other half! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing moment, a wellness break, an intimate tasting or a gourmet dinner, let yourself be charmed by the seductive atmosphere of the Champagne Capital!
Visit the cellar with seashells
There’s a unique and magical place just a few kilometers from Epernay… In the village of Fleury-la-Rivière, push open the door of the cellar with seashells and discover an impressive natural heritage. This fascinating underground gallery hides an extraordinary abundance of fossil shells, precious witnesses to a time when Champagne was nothing more than a tropical beach, 45 million years ago! Enjoy an unusual paleontological experience in the midst of this exceptional collection.