My 2 Day Itinerary in the Champagne Centre of France
If you’re visiting France, I highly recommend you take time out to visit the Champagne region. Épernay is known as the ‘capital’ of the region. You will find it in the very heart of the rolling French Champagne vineyards.
It’s easy to get there from Paris either by train or car. You can hop on a direct train from Paris and be in Épernay in less than 1h 30mins. Alternatively, with a car, you’ll be there in 2 hours. Similary, if you’re touring through France, make sure you add this sparkling destination to your trip.
The time to visit is definitely between May-October. These summer months will allow you to enjoy the vineyards at their very best. Furthermore, this is the time the champagne houses open their doors to visitors. Therefore, allowing you to escape the world outside whilst enjoying their stunning courtyards and gardens.
Épernay is a Destination for Everyone
My 2 Day Itinerary will showcase one of the ‘must visit’ towns in the Champagne region. I will introduce you to the delights of this very stylish town and home to many of the grand Champagne houses of France.
For more information, please check out my page on Épernay in my Destinations menu.
There are lots of varied activities to enjoy whilst in Épernay. You can enjoy the Champagne, of course, but this city is overflowing with history, charm and wonderful landscapes. On its doorstep, you also have Riems which a beautiful cathedral town and full character and champagne too!
It is worth saying that Épernay is not a big town and 2 days is certainly enough time to get a good feel of the area. If you are short on time, this 2 Day Itinerary should make for a great starting point for you.
How to Spend 48 Hours in Épernay
Naturally, you will have your own preferences and interests so together with my Épernay page, I’m sure you will be able to personalise your trip as best suits you.
Finally, as Épernay is home to so much Champagne, this itinerary would not be complete without a long afternoon spent visiting the Champagne houses. Needs Must.
A wine tour and tasting is after all one of the main reasons visitors come to this part of France. Or is that just me?! If you just want to taste the golden liquid, look out for signs that say ‘degustation’ or ‘tasting’.
Just check the most up to date opening times and dates for each venue to ensure you are not disappointed.
Épernay Itinerary Day 1
The Town of Épernay
Start your day by a quick wander around the quaint town of Épernay. It’s not a large town despite being referred to as the ‘capital’ of the Champagne region. In this sense, Capital means its prominence in Champagne production rather than its size.
There are one or two local cafes to grab a coffee and croissant. Or visit a patisserie for a morning treat. They are largely self-service and very casual. My suggestions are:
The Eglise Notre-Dame
Pop your head into Eglise Notre-Dame to see the Gothic style architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. The church built in 1897 survived bombardments during the First World War.
Much of the church had to be restored after the war and today it holds its head high over Epernay. It is home to beautiful artwork, sculptures and a listed bell dating back from the end of the 14th century.
From there, make your way to the Ballon d’Epernay. As you do so, you’ll pass the amazing wine shops selling their luxurious wares. Do you know the difference between a Magnum and a Methuselah?
Ballon d’Épernay
Enjoy a ride on the Ballon d’Épernay and gain a true appreciation of the region from the air. This 150m high tethered balloon can be enjoyed with or without a glass of Champagne on board.
There is a good sized viewing area which you can walk around assuming it is not too crowded. The balloon can accommodate up to 30 people. The experience takes about 15 minutes.
It’s an inexpensive way to spend a short time hoisted above street level enjoying the panoramic views below. There is an informative audio guide too.
Following your descent, the Champagne houses beckon! You’ve done well if you’ve left them until the afternoon!! They are after all the reason everyone is drawn to Epernay.
Avenue to Champagne
So now you can make your way to the beautiful Avenue to Champagne, where you will be spending your afternoon. You will understand why this Avenue is often likened to the Champs-Elysee of Paris.
Revel in the splendour of these mansions and Champagne houses. Imagine the history and secrets behind their walls.
The Question is Which Champagne House to Tour
The architecture is amazing and indeed it is now a UNESCO site. Here, you will be faced with some 20 Champagne houses, one after the other, all enticing you in through their huge elaborate wrought iron gates.
My suggestion would be to go on a tour of one of the Champagne house cellars. This is a rather difficult choice given how many there are but it’s down to your personal preferences.
There are 2 that I am going to suggest here
- Moet & Chandon – an extremely popular tour. Best to book ahead
This is the largest Champagne house in the world. Dating back to 1743 this grand house also boasts a neo-classical style patio.
On your tour, you will visit part of the 28kms of cellars which run 10-30 metres below ground. You will see where the bottles are aged and learn about the history of Moet & Chandon..
Following this, you can choose a tasting activity. Please look on their website for current tours. The tours normally last 1.30hrs including the tasting.
Champagne lovers who prefer to enjoy just a few bubbles, without discovering the premises, can enjoy a tasting without a tour visit.
There is also a beautiful boutique that you must visit if you choose to come to this house. The shop is open to all and you can just walk in from the street.
- Mercier – be transported around the cellars on a little train and finish off with a sommelier who hosts a guided tastings
Some 30 metres below ground you will be transported through a maze of tunnels. A multilingual audio guide will inform you about the history and production of Champagne Mercier. You will travel through a section of the 18 metres of underground cellars. In the high vaults you can see the famous giant barrel, which contains 213,000 bottles of champagne
As with Moët & Chandon, you can just pop in for a drink if you don’t want to go on the tour.
The Most Amazing Lunch Spot or Place to Relax
Amongst your sauntering in between Champagne houses, you may have forgotten lunch but I have you covered. Perrier-Jouët’s Maison Belle Epoque is the place to be. Of all the outdoor gardens and courtyards, please visit this beautiful garden and pergola filled patio.
This is such a picturesque outside sitting area with soft music playing to create a really chilled vibe. It oozes style and serenity .
It is one of the few houses where I was actually able to order lunch. Many of the houses do offer nibbles with their Champagne but it’s really not a lot.
Close of Day 1
After a long day of walking and tasting, you are probably ready to wander back to your very comfortable accommodation for a siesta or swim. Below, you’ll find a few lovely accommodation spots around Épernay.
During my visit, I stayed at Villa Eugene on Avenue De Champagne. This allowed me to stumble home without much fuss. I also managed to get in my steps as I walked to and from Epernay town.
I have also linked below a number of very nice restaurants for dinner. Depending on your preference, I’m sure you’ll find something for your evenings in Epernay.
Épernay Itinerary Day 2
Early Morning Cultural Fix
Find your way to the prestigious Museum of Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology in the heart of Avenue de Champagne.
Chateau Perrier, as it is also known, was commissioned by Charles Perrier (1813-1878), owner of the Perrier-Jouët Champagne House. It became known as ‘chateau’ because of its size, ostentatious style and decorative features.
Here, you will learn about the history of the building itself and the very creation and history of wine in Champagne heritage. An audio guide will give you an in depth understanding of everything you have seen and experienced so far.
There are also a number of fun and interactive multimedia games and touchscreen devices for you to learn more. They have tried hard to offer visitors of all ages a 100% immersive experience.
Nonetheless, If that’s not for you, wander outside to enjoy the beautiful gardens and courtyard.
Fresh Air in Le Jardin de l’Hôtel de Ville
Looking for more fresh air and beauty. Take a walk around the impressive parklands of Le Jardin de l’Hôtel de Ville (theTown Hall). It was awarded with the label of “The Remarkable Garden” due to its impressive overall standard and the fact it includes historical and botanical interest.
It was designed in the mid 19 Century to accompany the Auban-Moët family’s mansion. The gardens combine styles from both England and France. It is inspired by gardens of the Palace de Versailles
To end your Champagne experience, I have 2 different experiences:
My Vintage Tour Company
Take a private (or not) trip with this family run company. They have a fleet of vintage vehicles ranging from 1989 Renault’s to 1970’s Citroën 2CV.
The company offers a number of different rides and services. You can enjoy this unique experience on a day trip, ½ day or even a sunset trip. You can even personalise it upon request.
During your trip you will sit back and enjoy lots of stunning scenery. You’ll have the opportunity to stop for photographs or to just enjoy the magnificent landscape.
On your trip, you will visit some smaller champagne producers. You’ll enjoy tastings amongst the vines and even have a picnic if you so wish.
This unique vintage Champagne tour is a delightful way to visit the vineyards. My Vintage Tours will work with you to provide the right experience for you.
They have a central meeting point in Epernay but can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel too by prior arrangement.
Bullet 1927
Take a private cruise on the river Marne. The Bullet 1927, built in the same year, is a sweet little timber boat. The pilot will take you through the villages on the banks of the river.
This 90 minute cruise is a serene way to spend the afternoon. You’ll experience the landscape from the water as you saunter down the river, passing through locks en route.
All of this whilst enjoying a bottle of Champagne and some tasty local produce. You can also arrange for a picnic hamper on board or bring your own.
This stylish vintage vessel has all the modern conveniences on board as well as having cover for sun and rain.
The Bullet disembarks from Ay, a 5 minute journey from Epernay.
French Gastronomy at it best
My top picks:
- La Sardigne
- La Grillade Gourmande
- Why Not
- Symbiose Restaurant
- Martin Gourmand (brunch)
Where to stay
- Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa – Very luxurious LINK. Michelin restaurant. You may never want to leave.15 mins drive from Av de Champagne
- Villa Eugene -boutique hotel. Big plus on the Av de Ch. Private parking
- Hotel Jean Moët – in the centre of Epernay. Parking on street
Useful links to Épernay, Tours and Activities
Only thing left to say is “À Votre Santé”!
