the Most Valuable Real Estate in the World
#1 Stroll down the avenue de Champagne in Epernay, the Capital of Champagne
Home to many prestigious Champagne Houses with spectacular architecture, it is believed to be the most valuable real estate in the world, because of what lies beneath – a network of 110kms of cellars where over 200 million bottles of Champagne are stored. Enjoy a romantic stroll down this beautiful avenue and stop off at any of the numerous chic Champagne bars along the way. Many of the Champagne houses provide guided tours of their cellars (in several languages) where you can learn about the history of Champagne, how it is produced and of course enjoy tastings of their wonderful Champagne. Be sure to book in advance as they are very popular !
former Château Home of the Perrier Family
#2 Visit the Champagne Wine and regional Archaeology Museum
A real treasure on the avenue de Champagne is the Champagne wine and regional Archaeology Museum. In the sumptuous setting of castle Perrier (the former home of the Perrier family), learn about the geology, archaeology, and history of the Champagne region. Included in the price of the ticket is a virtual reality tour where you can travel back in time to discover the La Grifaine hypogeum (subterranean chamber) of Chouilly, a collective burial site from the Neolithic period.
Relax in the museum’s garden with its various features, including a mirror pond, reflecting the beautiful architecture of the castle.
Vineyards, Mountains, Valleys and Pretty French Villages
#3 Explore the Champagne Tourist Route
The Champagne Tourist Route is the best way to discover the Champagne vineyards, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a total of 6 itineraries there are almost 600 kms of walks to enjoy! Three circuits are accessible from Epernay: the “Vallée de la Marne” (Marne Valley) and its breath-taking panoramas of the Marne River, the “Montagne de Reims” (Reims Mountain) which will lead you through mountains and forests to the prestigious “Cité des Sacres”, and finally to the “Côte des Blancs” (3,200 hectares of vines), with a bucolic and viticultural charm and the land of Chardonnay.
Take a Breath of Fresh Air
#5 Enjoy an Exploratory Nature Break in the Vineyards
After the hustle and bustle of the city, retreat to the soothing calm of nature! Visit the vineyard gardens that are dotted around Epernay and the surrounding villages and discover the network of open-air museums that showcase the methods of managing the vines throughout the ages. Interactive displays and life size illustrations of the vines at various stages are on show to provide information on the constraints and demands of Champagne growing and production.
a tour full of surprises
#6 Go Green and hike or bike in the luscious countryside
Slow the pace right down and take a hike or a bike (your own or rented) in the luscious landscape of an ocean of Champagne vines. There are numerous signposted hiking trails, itineraries, and cycle routes to choose from to discover Epernay, the picturesque surrounding villages and the stunning rolling countryside.
#7 Awaken your senses at Pressoria the Champagne Wine Sensory Interpretation Centre
The Pressoria, in the village of Aÿ-Champagne is an immersive 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!
#8 Explore our Magical, Panoramic, Scenic Viewpoints with Perfect Picnic Locations
Vines as far as the eye can see, landscapes of rare beauty, shaped both by the hand of man and by mother nature. Discover several panoramic viewpoints dotted around Epernay and enjoy breath-taking views of the Champagne vineyards. Accessible either by car or for a more leisurely experience follow several hiking and cycling routes and meander at your own pace to these beauty spots.
- Loge La Table
A linear portico structure of benches and a long table perched on a height. The perfect place for a romantic picnic while taking in the sweeping views of the vineyards and valley of Moussy.
- Loge Pinard
A seating area composed of upcycled old wine vats forming various shapes, encouraging you to take a moment to enjoy the surrounding vineyards of Moussy.
- Belvédère de Cramant
With unrivalled views over the fields of vines and charming villages of the Champagne region, the viewpoint at Cramant is a spectacular spot to take in the scenery whilst enjoying a romantic picnic with breath-taking views. A telescope and map table are provided to enhance the experience.
Viewpoints to discover via an itinerary suggested by the Office
The tourist office of Epernay, the capital of Champagne, has compiled a great list of unmissable locations for the most breath-taking viewpoints in the area. Perfect for capturing some great photographs as mementos of your visit to the Champagne region.
Celebrate in Style !
#9 Treat yourself to a Special Occasion, Romantic Getaway, or a Couple’s Retreat in the Capital of Romance!
A mecca for elegance and refinement, the Champagne region is the ideal setting for a romantic getaway with your other half! Perfect for a wedding proposal, celebrating an engagement or a wedding anniversary, or if you just want to escape for a romantic holiday with your loved one, this is truly the epitome of world class romantic destinations. Let yourself be charmed by the seductive atmosphere of the Champagne Capital!
#10 Venture Underground for a Geological Excursion to a Cellar Full of Ancient Fossils and Seashells
45 million years ago, the valley of the heart of Champagne was covered by a tropical sea. Today, in a Champagne cellar in Fleury-la-Rivière, discover an impressive collection of fossils of several species such as fish, reptiles, molluscs and shells, including a giant snail, the Campanile giganteum (40 to 60 cm), which once populated this area. A true palaeontologist’s dream!
For a fun, family friendly experience for budding palaeontologists, book a geological, underground tour and discover an abundance of ancient fossil shells (more than 300 species!) that have been uncovered in the limestone rock.
Visit Famous UNESCO World Heritage Listed Sites
To make the most of your trip to the Champagne region, visit any or all the UNESCO World Heritage sites and book a Champagne Tasting and Tour to maximise your experience of each location!