Épernay is a French commune located in the department of Marne, in
the new region of Grand Est. The municipality is divided into two
cantons. Épernay is the capital and had 23,084 inhabitants in 2016. It
is the 3rd most populated city in the Marne behind Reims and
Châlons-en-Champagne. It is the center of the agglomeration community of
Epernay hillsides and plain of champagne.
City located in the
heart of a wine region, most of its modern history and its economy is
linked to champagne, whose production develops from the 18th century,
and which constitutes its main tourist attraction. The town also has
many buildings protected as historical monuments. Its inhabitants are
called Sparnacians.
Avenue de Champagne
This is Épernay’s iconic main attraction and
one of the most prestigious streets in the world, often called the
"richest avenue in the world." It stretches about 1 km from Place de la
République eastward.
Lined with magnificent 19th-century mansions,
châteaux, and private hotels built by champagne merchants, it showcases
Belle Époque and eclectic architecture reflecting the wealth of the
champagne industry. Many houses feature grand facades, courtyards, and
gardens.
Highlights:
Moët & Chandon (18 Avenue de Champagne):
One of the largest and most famous houses, with 28 km of underground
cellars. Tours explore the history (dating to 1743), production methods,
and end with tastings (e.g., Moët Impérial). Napoleon was a notable
client.
Mercier: Offers fun tours, including a small train ride
through extensive cellars.
De Castellane: Features a prominent 1905
tower with panoramic views over the town and vineyards.
Other notable
houses: Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger, Boizel, De Venoge, and more.
Beneath the avenue lie over 110 km of chalk cellars holding hundreds of
millions of bottles. The avenue itself is part of the UNESCO World
Heritage site. Strolling it, especially in the evening during events
like the Habits de Lumière festival (with illuminations and
performances), is magical.
Château Perrier and the Champagne Wine
and Regional Archaeology Museum
Located on the Avenue de Champagne,
this 19th-century château (built around 1854) once belonged to champagne
merchants and served as headquarters for various armies during WWII. It
is a classified historic monument.
The building features elegant
architecture, restored roofs, marquetry parquet floors, painted/sculpted
interiors, a courtyard, and a remarkable park. It now houses the Musée
du vin de Champagne et d’Archéologie régionale, displaying around 2,000
objects across geology/paleontology (chalk subsoil), regional
archaeology, and the history of champagne winemaking. It’s an excellent
complement to house visits for deeper context.
Town Hall (Hôtel
de Ville) and Gardens
Originally the Auban-Moët family mansion (built
in 1858), the Town Hall is an elegant building with beautiful public
gardens classified as a Jardin Remarquable (remarkable garden). The park
offers peaceful green space with formal layouts, ideal for relaxing
after avenue strolls.
Portail Saint-Martin
This
Renaissance-style stone portal, built in 1540 and attributed to Reims
sculptor Pierre Jacques, is the oldest monument in Épernay and a
classified historic site. It is the last remaining part of the former
Church of Saint-Martin (or Notre-Dame). The intricate carvings make it a
significant architectural relic from the 16th century.
Église
Notre-Dame
This late-19th-century church (construction started 1897,
on the site of a former Ursuline convent) dominates the skyline with its
83-meter spire (including tower and cross). It mixes Romanesque and
Gothic Revival styles, with a striking silver spire, rose window, and
beautiful 16th-century stained-glass windows (some depicting the Virgin
Mary). It also houses a historic Cavaillé-Coll organ. Despite war damage
over the years, it remains an impressive landmark.
Other Notable
Sights
Théâtre Gabrielle Dorziat: An elegant theater with a notable
facade, adding to the town’s cultural heritage.
Place de la
République and Town Center: Features charming streets, shops,
brasseries, markets, and Belle Époque architecture. Nearby are Art
Nouveau gems like Maison de la Lune (1896) and the Moorish-Byzantine
Synagogue (1890).
Mont Bernon: Offers views over the town and
vineyards.
Nearby/Complementary Experiences
Champagne Tourist
Route: Winds through UNESCO-listed vineyards and villages.
Hautvillers (short drive): Home to the Abbey where Dom Pérignon is
buried; key to the Champagne method.
Balloon flights or vineyard jeep
tours for scenic perspectives.
Getting There & Transportation
From Paris: The easiest and most
popular way is by train from Gare de l’Est. Direct trains take about
1h15–1h30. Book via SNCF Connect or Trainline; advance tickets can be as
low as €13–25. The Épernay station is a short walk (under 10 minutes) to
the Avenue de Champagne.
From Reims: Frequent TER trains (“La Ligne
des Bulles”) take ~25–30 minutes.
By car: ~1.5–2 hours from Paris (A4
highway). Parking in the center is paid; free options exist on the
outskirts, then walk or use local transport.
Getting around Épernay:
The town is very walkable, especially along the Avenue de Champagne. For
vineyards and nearby villages (e.g., Hautvillers), rent e-bikes, join a
guided tour, or use taxis/Uber. Balloon flights or scenic drives are
popular for views.
Tip: If doing multiple tastings, avoid driving
— designate a driver, use public transport, or book a guided tour with
transport.
Best Time to Visit
Ideal periods: May–June (lush
green vineyards, milder crowds) or late September–early October (harvest
vibes, golden leaves, though some houses may limit access).
Summer
(July–August): Great weather but busier; some locals vacation in August.
Avoid: Peak harvest (late Sept–Oct) if you want easy bookings; many
houses close or have restricted visits. Winter is quieter but some sites
have shorter hours.
Weather is temperate; cellars stay a cool
~10–12°C (50–54°F) year-round — bring a light jacket.
Top Things
to Do
Stroll the Avenue de Champagne — This UNESCO-listed street is
lined with elegant 19th-century mansions (many now champagne houses).
It's photogenic and leads to cellar entrances.
Champagne Cellar Tours
& Tastings (the highlight):
Moët & Chandon: Iconic, polished tours
with history and a tasting (book ahead).
Mercier: Fun,
tourist-friendly with a mini-train through vast cellars (very popular).
Others: Perrier-Jouët, Boizel, Alfred Gratien, or smaller growers for a
more personal experience.
Tip: Book 2–4 weeks in advance, especially
for English tours. Tours last 1–1.5 hours + tasting (€25–50+). Wear
comfortable shoes (cellars involve stairs/walking on uneven floors).
Limit to 2–3 per day to enjoy responsibly.
Visit nearby villages:
Hautvillers (Dom Pérignon’s abbey, vineyard views — ~10 min drive). Aÿ,
Cramant, or the Côte des Blancs for smaller producers.
Other
experiences: Hot-air balloon over vineyards, e-bike rentals, Musée du
Vin de Champagne et d’Archéologie Régionale, or Pressoria (interactive
sensory museum in Aÿ).
Where to Stay
Luxury: Royal Champagne
Hotel & Spa (stunning vineyard views, spa, excellent restaurant) or
Loisium Champagne (modern, wellness-focused).
Mid-range/Central:
Hotels or apartments near the Avenue de Champagne for walkability.
Charming: Chambres d’hôtes (B&Bs) in surrounding villages for an
authentic feel.
Tip: Stay 1–2 nights minimum to fully enjoy without
rushing. Book breakfast with champagne options!
Food & Dining
Tips
Champagne pairs beautifully with local cuisine: oysters, foie
gras, cheeses, and dishes like andouillette or poultry.
Recommendations: La Table Kobus (classic French), Sacré Bistro (modern,
great wine list), La Grillade Gourmande (grilled meats), or Brasserie de
la Banque.
Try champagne bars on the Avenue or the Tourist Office for
rotating grower tastings.
Markets: Local fresh produce and regional
specialties.
Pairing tip: Brut or Extra Brut with savory foods;
sweeter styles (Demi-Sec) with dessert. Start light and progress.
Practical Tips
Book ahead: Tours, restaurants, and popular
experiences fill up.
Budget: Expect €50–150+/person/day for tours +
meals (more for luxury). Many houses sell bottles on-site.
Language:
English widely spoken at major houses, but basic French helps in smaller
spots.
Sustainability: Support smaller growers (RM — Récoltant
Manipulant) for unique terroir expressions.
With kids: Some tours are
family-friendly (e.g., Mercier’s train); non-alcoholic options
available.
Rainy day: Cellars and museums are perfect indoor
alternatives.
Packing: Comfortable walking shoes, light layers,
reusable water bottle (hydrate between tastings!).
One-day
itinerary example: Morning train from Paris → Avenue stroll + one major
tour (e.g., Mercier) → Lunch → Second tasting or museum → Late afternoon
return or overnight.
No documents concerning the founding of the city have been found,
but we know that in Gallo-Roman times, the Marne served as the
boundary between Celtic Gaul and Belgian Gaul. Épernay, being on the
left bank, belongs to Celtic Gaul. It appears in certain writings
from the fifth century, the date generally considered to be that of
the founding of the city. It is generally accepted that the founding
of Épernay dates back to 418, the place being already considerable
in 445. However, it seems that the founding of Épernay predates the
installation of the tanners as legend has it. Tombs dating from the
5th century BC have been found there, notably rue de Bernon.
After the Germanic invasions, the city came under the domination of
the Franks and it was Euloge, an officer of Clovis, who was assigned
it. He is, according to tradition, the first lord of Épernay. Euloge
is guilty of a crime for which Clovis condemns him to death. It was
then that he asked for the help of Saint Remi, who succeeded in
convincing the king of Franks to pardon him. Legend has it that to
thank the bishop of Reims, Euloge cedes the city to him. Remi, who
refuses this donation, buys the city for 5,000 pounds of silver. It
would seem, however, that in reality Remi wanted to own the castle
of Epernay and that Euloge could not refuse him. Saint Remi will
confirm in his will the appropriation of Épernay to the Church of
Reims.
The city's position on the banks of the Marne means that it has
often found itself caught up in battles:
In 533, Childebert
I, King of Paris, took the city and put all the inhabitants to the
sword.
In 562, Chilpéric Ier besieged it, and from 565, demanded
such high taxes on the vines to finance his incessant wars that the
inhabitants preferred to flee by abandoning their land.
In 593,
it was Frédégonde who had it looted.
In 720 and then in 765, the
region suffered from the wars of Charles Martel who invaded the city
in 765.
Épernay was returned to the Church of Reims in 846, at
the request of Archbishop Hincmar.
In
1024, the city entered the domain of the Counts of Champagne
following a treaty between the Archbishop of Reims Eble de Roucy and
Eudes II, Count of Champagne. She remained under their influence
until 1284 when Joan I of Navarre, last countess of Champagne,
married King Philippe IV le Bel, bringing her the seigneury of
Épernay. During this period, Count Eudes II had the castle rebuilt,
near Cubry.
Around 1145, Hermentorix, a wealthy inhabitant of
the city, financed the construction of a first hospital then called
"leprosarium" or "sickroom", although it was not only treated for
leprosy. In 1166, Henri le Large, Count of Champagne, established
the “foire de la Madeleine” in a franchise. In 1205, Pope Innocent
III recalls with a bull that the Counts of Champagne are the vassals
of the Archbishop of Reims, for Épernay, Fismes,
Châtillon-sur-Marne, Vertus, and Vitry-en-Perthois As for Count
Thibault IV , he granted the city a municipal charter in 1231 as
well as the right to organize a company of archers which
subsequently gave its name to the rue des Archers. In 1229, the city
was set on fire during the conflict between Count Thibault IV and
Hugues de Lusignan over the rights claimed by Alix, Queen of Cyprus
in the county of Champagne. During the Hundred Years War, Épernay
was pillaged several times: by Edward III of England in 1359, then
by his son in 1366.
Although returning to the Crown, the city
still changed hands in 1388 when King Charles VI gave the seigneury
of Épernay to his brother, Louis of Orleans. His memory remains in
the names of certain localities and surrounding woods, such as the
Orléans pond or the Enghien forest, named after his mistress
Mariette d'Enghien. In 1398, Louis I of Orleans, count of
Château-Thierry, de Vertus and lord of many places including
Épernay, received the king of the Romans Wenceslas there.
Charles VI will
give it to his brother Louis I of Orleans. His son Charles inherited
it but being prisoners in England for twenty-five years gave it to
his brother Jean and in 1467 it returned to Charles de
Valois-Angoûlème then in 1496 to François. In 1508, François
instituted the Company of the Knights of the Arquebus there, while
Louis XII reigned, it was made up of notables from Sparnacians in
order to allow them to practice using this weapon, then new, to
defend the town. This company leaves its name to the rue de
l'Arquebuse. Sacred king, the seigneury of Épernay was given to
Louise of Savoy in 1515; she had new fortifications built because
her son was at war against Charles V and the city was a gateway to
France, these constructions forced the course of the Le Cubry stream
to be diverted from its original bed to the one it still has today
'hui, but it is thus used to bathe the ramparts. She also paved the
central street, from Châlons to Paris, in 1522 had three free fairs
in mid-Lent, Sainte-Croix and All Saints, confirmed by royal edict.
Louise of Savoy died in 1532 and the city was reunited with the
crown until 1536, which gave it in usufruct to Claude de Lorraine,
Duke of Guise. He died in 1550 and the city returned in usufruct to
Pierre Strozzi who died in 1558; it then passes to Philippe Strozi,
then Diane de Castro, François de Montmorency.
Despite the
protection of these ramparts and arquebusiers, the city suffered the
ravages of wars. Thus in September 1544, François Ier, then at war
against Charles V, will set fire to the city to delay the march of
the latter who, after having burned Vitry-en-Perthois, tries to take
Épernay to threaten Paris. Pierre de Ronsard alludes to these
military facts in The Hymn of Henri II.
Because you are very
clever, and of valiant courage:
Tesmoing is of your heart this
young fury
Whom you wanted near Marne to assault the Emperor,
Which having crossed the boundaries of the Meuse
Menassoit your
Paris, your great famous city
However, the technique of the "scorched earth" of François Ier
forces Charles V to sign the peace and the king helps in the
reconstruction of the city, in particular by exempting the
inhabitants of taxes and by allowing them to sell the marshes around
the city.
Religious quarrels turned into real wars of religion
around 1560 when the city was under the protection of Mary I of
Scotland. On September 14, 1567, the Prince of Condé seized Épernay
and the Huguenots overturned the baptismal font, which was raised in
1583 by the inhabitants, and smashed organs, bells and statues. They
only withdraw from the city after having disarmed it and against a
ransom of 10,500 pounds.
In 1591, the city fell into the
hands of Baron de Rosne; Henri IV then decided to take it back and
Marshal de Biron, faithful to the king, died during the siege of the
city on July 26, 1592. The city was finally taken over by Henri IV
on August 9, 1592.
On October 1, 1615, the Prince of Condé
seized the city. He finally obtained it by treaty in 1616. He ceded
the city to Henri II of Orleans-Longueville, Count of Saint-Pol, who
kept it until his death in 1631.
Being on the route of many
invasions, the city has long and regularly served as a garrison.
Thus in 1629, tired of accommodating troops because of the incessant
wars taking Épernay to part, the inhabitants of the city threw many
cavaliers of the Saint-Simon regiment into the public wells; the
municipality had to pay a fine over 80 years in compensation.
In 1634, it is the nobiliary revolt against Richelieu, led by
the count of Soissons, which seizes Epernay. In 1635, Louis XIII
presented himself in front of the city and the sum to surrender,
which he did on September 1, 1635. At the end of the year, the
plague struck the city and left it ruined.
Under the minority
of Louis XIV, in 1646, Épernay and other estates such as
Château-Thierry or Évreux were traded to the Duke of Bouillon with
Sedan, Rocroi and Raucourt, in order to consolidate the
north-eastern markets. The city remained in the hands of the Dukes
of Bouillon until 1789. This period of relative calm, during which
Hercule-Meriadec, prince of Rohan-Soubise was governor of Champagne,
allowed technical developments and developments. Thus in 1725, work
was undertaken to open the mountain of Mardeuil and take the road
from Châlons-sur-Marne to Paris there. In 1750, the streets of the
city were paved for the first time and in 1790, Thomas-Isidore
Paroissien established the first printing press in the city.
From the French Revolution to the present day
During the
Revolution, the history of France merges with that of Épernay when
on June 23, 1791, Louis XVI, arrested during his escape attempt at
Varennes-en-Argonne, made a stop in the city on the way back to
Paris. The royal family stays at the Hôtel de Rohan where they have
dinner and stay for about an hour before continuing their journey to
Dormans. Three Sparnacians are victims of revolutionary
denunciations during the Terror. The end of the century was however
calm and allowed new developments in the city.
On May 23,
1797, the municipality adopted the provisions concerning the city
library, including, for the first time, its public character. In
1806, a company of firefighters was created.
During the
French Campaign, the city suffered the ravages of the coalition
armies. After the fall of the Empire, Épernay settled in a period of
calm which allowed him to devote himself to its organization (in
1837, the streets of the city were named and its houses numbered)
and its facilities. On December 26, 1846, public gas lighting was
installed. The Meaux - Épernay section of the Paris-Strasbourg
railway line was inaugurated on September 2, 1849 by
Prince-President Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, the future emperor. The
entire line was opened on August 12, 1852. In 1849, an epidemic of
cholera pushed to enlarge the cemetery. Five years later, the
Épernay - Reims railway line was put into service.
With the
war of 1870, the territory was occupied by the Prussians on
September 8 and multiple constraints were put in place such as the
suppression of hunting. In the meantime, the railway line between
Épernay and Romilly-sur-Seine is inaugurated. November 1, 1872 marks
the end of the occupation.
Despite these torments, the city
grew and, in 1900, the first electrical plant was built, modernized
in 1912 to provide alternating current; it was no longer sufficient
for demand from 1934.
In 1878, the 26th Hunter Battalion left the city. However, the
city quickly called for a new military presence to protect it, but
despite its insistence, the 31st Dragon Regiment did not settle
until April 15, 1896 on land at a place called Terres Rouges. In
1907, it is the 9th regiment of dragoons which settles down until
the Second World War. Then followed the 8th battalion of chasseurs
portés, a special artillery unit (7th artillery regiment), two
engineer regiments (34th engineer regiment then after the
dissolution of this one, the 13th engineer regiment) before that the
land is not allocated to the community of communes due to the
reduction in military personnel.
On July 27, 1903, the city
was linked to Montmirail by the C.B.R train, then to Ambonnay on
April 8, 1904 to be able to go to Reims or Châlons.
In the
twentieth century, Épernay was severely affected by the two world
wars.
During the First World War, the city was destroyed
two-thirds. It was occupied, during the retreat from the Marne, from
September 4 to 11, 1914, by the German army which blew up the Marne
bridge during its retreat. On the morning of September 5, 1914, the
mayor, Maurice Pol Roger, was taken hostage and taken by car to Cuis
to be questioned about the disappearance of German parliamentarians.
He was finally released in the evening and returned to his town hall
on foot.
It subsequently became a rear-front town, the front
stabilizing from the end of 1914 to May 1918 towards Reims, 35 km to
the north. As such, it is a crossing point for troops stationed
there in large numbers; thus Épernay becomes an important hospital
center. Its proximity to the front made it undergo numerous
bombardments, especially from 1917, and made it fear it would fall
into enemy hands during the German offensive of May 1918.
On May
27, General von Boehn's German army crossed the Aisne then the Vesle
and entered the Tardenois. From June 2 to 18, 1918, Épernay was
bombarded by artillery and air force, then again from July 14 to 25.
The bombings of July destroyed a large part of the rue du Commerce
(now avenue de Champagne): the buildings of the champagne houses
Chanoine Frères, Mercier, Moët & Chandon and Raoul Chandon were
devastated. The rue du Paulmier and the Notre-Dame church were also
seriously damaged.
Between 1916 and 1918, 1,422 shells or bombs
fell on the city, killing 63 Sparnacians and injuring 84 others.
On July 15, a new German offensive began from Bligny to
Château-Thierry and from Massiges to Fort de la Pompelle with the
main objective of Épernay and Montmirail, which must be taken from
the start. Von Boehn's troops managed to cross the Marne and a
murderous engagement took place towards Montvoisin, in the commune
of Œuilly. Attacked on the flank by General Mitry's troops, von
Boehn's troops crossed the Marne again and retreated, thus freeing
Épernay for good.
The city was decorated with the Croix de
Guerre on February 8, 1920, by the President of the Republic Raymond
Poincaré, for its resistance to the sufferings of war. He took the
opportunity to inaugurate the new town hall, the former Auban-Moët
hotel.
During the Second World War, Épernay was evacuated on
June 12, 1940 using rail convoys. She suffered the arrival of the
Nazis from June 14 in a dead city where only a few rare inhabitants
remained despite the warnings. The capture was without massive
bombardment, with the exception of the road bridge over the Marne
quickly replaced by a wooden bridge.
Épernay was liberated on
August 28, 1944 by the 7th Armored Division, led by General
Silvester, of General Patton's 3rd Army. During this war, the city
deplores the loss of 34 executed, 88 deportees who died in the camps
and 137 various victims and decorated with the Croix de Guerre
1939-1945.
Location and Coordinates
Épernay lies approximately 130 km (80
miles) northeast of Paris and about 25–28 km (15–17 miles)
south-southwest of Reims. It sits at roughly 49.0403° N, 3.96° E. The
town occupies a strategic position in the Marne River valley, making it
a natural hub for the surrounding viticultural areas.
Topography and
Terrain
The town sits primarily on the left (southern) bank of the
Marne River, at the extremity of the Cubry valley. Its elevation
averages around 129 meters (about 423 feet) above sea level, with gently
undulating terrain. Much of the built-up area is on relatively flat or
low-lying ground along the river, while the surrounding landscape rises
into vine-covered hillsides (known as côtes or slopes).
Key
features include:
Chalky subsoil — The geology is dominated by
Cretaceous chalk (belemnite chalk) deposited by ancient oceans, with
limestone escarpments. This porous, well-draining soil is ideal for
viticulture and has been excavated into extensive underground cellars
(over 110 km / 68 miles in the area).
Rolling hills and valleys —
Épernay lies at the convergence of several key Champagne sub-regions:
the Vallée de la Marne (along the river), the southern slopes leading
toward the Côte des Blancs, and proximity to the Montagne de Reims to
the north.
The town has expanded to the right bank of the Marne and
includes modern suburbs, with older, narrower streets in the historic
center.
Hydrology
The Marne River is the dominant geographical
feature. It flows through or past the town, providing historical
transport links (once important for shipping wine to Paris) and
contributing to the mild microclimate. The area is part of a broader
network of rivers and valleys that shape the Champagne landscape.
Nearby, the Cubry valley cuts through the town.
Climate
Épernay has a temperate oceanic climate with continental influences,
typical of the northern edges of the wine-growing world (near the 49th
parallel). Summers are short and comfortable, while winters are long,
cold, and often overcast.
Annual average temperature: Around 11°C
(51.9°F).
Temperature range: Typically from about 0–1°C (32–34°F) in
winter lows to 24–26°C (75–79°F) in summer highs, with extremes rarely
below -7°C (20°F) or above 31°C (87°F).
Precipitation: Evenly
distributed throughout the year, averaging 630–815 mm (25–32 inches)
annually. No strong dry season, though April tends to be drier.
Growing season characteristics: Cool temperatures help retain high
acidity in grapes (essential for sparkling wine). Forests help stabilize
temperatures and retain soil moisture. Hazards include spring frost and
fungal diseases due to humidity.
The dual oceanic-continental
influence creates a "rugged" climate well-suited to the region's unique
terroir.
Surrounding Viticultural Landscape
Épernay is
encircled by vineyards across key Champagne appellation zones:
Vallée
de la Marne — Steep hillsides along the river, often planted with Pinot
Meunier.
Côte des Blancs — To the south, renowned for Chardonnay on
chalky slopes.
Proximity to Montagne de Reims — Wooded headland with
Pinot Noir.
The broader Champagne region features flat plains
interrupted by low hills, chalk exposures ("white country"), and a
patchwork of soils (mostly chalk with marl). This creates excellent
drainage and heat retention, with south-facing slopes optimizing
sunlight.
Human and Economic Geography
The geography has
profoundly shaped the town: the chalk enabled vast underground cellars
(a "town beneath the town"), while the river valley and hills supported
viticulture and trade. The Avenue de Champagne runs through the town,
lined with grand champagne houses (e.g., Moët & Chandon) whose cellars
extend deep into the hillsides. Vineyards cover much of the surrounding
countryside, creating a landscape of rolling, vine-clad slopes
interspersed with villages, small forests, and agricultural plains.