A weekend in Épernay | Explore Grand Est

A weekend in and around Épernay: a sparkling city-trip!

While Reims is a must for all champagne lovers, Épernay remains the capital of the famous sparkling wine. Explore this elegant town and discover all the secrets of the Nectar of Kings during your stay in Champagne!

Start your weekend on a bubbly note with a guided tour of the famous Avenue de Champagne! From the historic facades of the greatest Champagne Houses to the cellars and underground galleries listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, learn all about the fascinating history of the "Champs Elysées of Champagne". Round off your visit with a tasting* in one of Épernay's prestigious cellars. Even the youngest visitors are welcome, as the tour is open to all! It's a fun, interactive tour that will fascinate young and old alike.

To continue your discovery of Champagne know-how, visit the Musée du Vin de Champagne et de l'Archéologie régionale, housed in the mansion of a famous wine merchant. Unless you opt for a day trip between Épernay and Reims... Either way, you'll know everything there is to know about the art of living in Champagne!

Finally, round off your discovery of Épernay by taking to the skies. Aboard a tethered balloon rising to 150 metres or at the top of the Castellane tower (and its 237 steps!), contemplate a unique panorama of the town and its vineyards. A city-trip to Épernay promises to put stars in your eyes... and in your glass!

Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa piscine extérieure

A night in the bubble in and around Épernay

The Avenue de Champagne isn't the only place with great houses! Prestigious hotels, charming gîtes and bed and breakfasts, the perfect cosy nest for your weekend is in Épernay!

Lovers visiting with your other half, enjoy two exceptional days in a Michelin-starred hotel in the heart of the town. Settle into a comfortable room, decorated with that touch of modernity that is the hallmark of Champagne elegance. While sipping your welcome drink*, enjoy the view of the "Champs Elysées of Champagne" from your balcony.

Prefer to stay in the countryside for your weekend in Épernay? In a prestigious hotel, enjoy a unique panorama of the Champagne vineyards while lounging in the outdoor swimming pool. Reconnect with your body during a session at the spa or a yoga class, before returning to your room for a well-deserved night's rest.

For families on holiday and friends out and about, a gîte in the centre of town is the perfect option! Enjoy cosy, spacious rooms that will welcome the whole tribe for a night (or more!). In the evening, sample the fine Champagne cuisine and take time to admire the sunset over the hills and rooftops of Épernay...

Finally, if you want to spend a weekend in a picture-postcard setting, head for a house just a few minutes from Épernay. In a typical millstone house, enjoy the welcome of a rustic and elegant bed and breakfast. Stroll through the vineyards and savour the art of living made in Champagne!

A weekend of wine tourism in and around Épernay

The reputation of Champagne's gastronomy is well established, but it's still full of surprises. Make the most of your weekend in Épernay to awaken your palate... and your senses!

Start your delicious stay with a visit to a Champagne House. Wander through the cellars and take part in a Grand Cru* tasting session (or a grape juice tasting session for the younger ones!). In Hautvillers, just a few kilometres from Epernay, complete your visit with an unusual discovery: the oldest wine press in the world, 125 years old. And that's not all!

To discover Epernay and the Champagne region at your own pace, opt for a tour of the hillsides by electric bike. With friends, a group or just the two of you, admire the view over the vineyards and enjoy a special Champagne gastronomy picnic. Nostalgic for the atmosphere of yesteryear? Swap your bike for a vintage van! Accompanied by a guide, enjoy a day's road trip around Épernay. And if you've got the bubbles in your glass, why not try your hand at champagne sabrage?

And to accompany it all, there's nothing better than a typical local dish! If you have a sweet tooth, treat yourself to a traditional meal in a hotel-restaurant in the centre of Épernay. You'll leave the weekend with an unbeatable knowledge of local gastronomy, thanks to the warm atmosphere and the discovery of champagne food pairings!

: Épernay is located in the north-east of France, in the Champagne region. It is close to Reims and Châlons-en-Champagne and borders the Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park.

: While the famous Avenue de Champagne is a must-see during your weekend in Épernay, there are plenty of other things to visit in and around the town!

Visit one of the great Champagne Houses, or the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims that border the town, and meet the local producers. Discover the secrets that have been passed down from generation to generation, and learn how to taste the Nectar des Rois in the proper way during a tasting session. You can also visit the Musée du Vin de Champagne et d'Archéologie régionale, housed in a former town house.

Not far from Epernay are the villages ofAÿ-Champagne and Hautvillers, both listed by UNESCO as "Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne". In Aÿ-Champagne, learn all about the art of living the Champagne way in an interpretation centre dedicated to Champagne ... and Champagne! In Hautvillers, discover the legends surrounding the village of Dom Pérignon on a fun and tasty walk!

: Champagne's reputation is renowned throughout France and even internationally. So it's hardly surprising that Epernay, the capital of the Nectar of Kings, is home to miles of cellars housing thousands of the finest vintages! On the Avenue de Champagne, the great Houses line up between Renaissance and Classical facades, just waiting to welcome the curious visitor!

: A weekend in Champagne means a sparkling cocoon. Whether you prefer the refined welcome of a hotel or the warm breakfast of a bed and breakfast, you're bound to find the ideal accommodation for a dream night's sleep!

Looking for a romantic break? Choose a hotel on the Avenue du Champagne for your weekend in the heart of Champagne's elegance. A delicious breakfast in your cosy room, a welcome glass of champagne and a tasting of the local gastronomy in the hotel restaurant... A delight!

For tribes or groups of friends with energy to spare, an exceptional gîte in the town centre or surrounding villages is a good option for an overnight stay. Stroll through the vineyards, explore the city or visit one of the great Champagne Houses - experience Champagne at your own pace! Finally, the ideal way to meet the locals is in a bed and breakfast. Immerse yourself in the life of the Champagne region and forget about everything for a weekend in Épernay!

Hotels, gîtes or bed and breakfasts... Whatever accommodation you choose to spend the night in Épernay, we advise you to book in advance, to guarantee your weekend and perhaps take advantage of special prices.

: The capital of champagne can be visited all year round.

In spring and summer, the atmosphere warms up and provides the perfect backdrop for cycling along the slopes of the Montagne de Reims, or the "Champs Elysées of Champagne"! You can also take advantage of the coolness of the cellars of one of the great Houses during a visit with tasting.

In autumn, the vines turn red and offer an unmissable spectacle, to be discovered in a vintage car or on foot. The grape harvest is in full swing, and you can help to pick the grapes! A friendly atmosphere guaranteed!

Finally, in winter, discover the Habits de Lumière show, a projection on the famous Avenue de Champagne. Tastings and cellar tours are also on offer. It's sure to be a memorable Christmas!