La Bullecyclette - Retro bike ride in Champagne!
Experience a nostalgic bike tour through the picturesque vineyards of Champagne.
Plizio Visual Lab
Épernay
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Épernay
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Book your Champagne cellar tours well in advance, especially during the summer and harvest seasons.
- The famous Avenue de Champagne is completely walkable and is best explored on foot.
- Don't ignore smaller, independent producers located slightly off the main avenue for a more intimate tasting.
- Renting a bicycle is a fantastic way to explore the surrounding vineyards directly from the city.
- If arriving by car, look for parking near the train station or around Place de la République.
🍽 Food
🍽
Champagne
Taste different cuvées directly at the grand Champagne houses along the Avenue de Champagne.
🍽
Biscuits Roses de Reims
Pink, slightly sweet biscuits traditionally dipped in Champagne, available in local fine food shops.
🍽
Potée Champenoise
A hearty regional stew made with cabbage, root vegetables, and pork, served in traditional restaurants.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Avenue de Champagne Boutiques
Buy bottles directly from world-famous producers and find exclusive, hard-to-find vintages.
🛍
Halle Saint-Thibault
The local covered market offering regional cheeses, artisanal meats, and fresh local produce.
🧘
Mont Bernon
Hike up this hill to enjoy a dramatic panoramic viewpoint over Épernay and the vineyards.
🧘
Parc de l'Hôtel de Ville
A lovely 19th-century landscaped garden behind the town hall, offering a peaceful retreat right in the center.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
7
Triathlon "Champ'man"
A sporting challenge featuring 2 km swimming, 85 km cycling, and 21 km running.
Workshop with Yann-Alrick Mortreuil
Join an exclusive dance workshop in the heart of Epernay.
Flea Market in Damery
Browse for unique treasures at the traditional flea market in Damery.
Sparkling and Gourmet Getaway in Champagne
A culinary journey through the world of the famous Champagne sparkling wines.
Designers and Artists Market
Discover unique handmade crafts and paintings at Parc Pierre Cheval in Hautvillers.
Surrounded by gently rolling hills blanketed with meticulous vineyards, Épernay is internationally celebrated as the undisputed Capital of Champagne. Located in the Marne department, this elegant town is the commercial epicenter of the sparkling wine industry and an essential pilgrimage site for wine enthusiasts. The highlight of any visit is strolling down the prestigious Avenue de Champagne, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This magnificent boulevard is lined with opulent 19th-century mansions and châteaux that serve as the headquarters for world-renowned Champagne houses, including Moët & Chandon, Mercier, and De Castellane. However, Épernay's true wealth lies hidden underground. An astonishing labyrinth of over 100 kilometers of chalk cellars (caves) winds beneath the streets, providing the well-suited, constant temperature for millions of bottles slowly maturing in the dark. Taking a guided tour through these historic subterranean galleries, which invariably ends with a tasting session, is an unforgettable experience. Above ground, the town gives beautiful classical architecture, such as the grand City Hall. A short drive into the surrounding vineyards leads to the easy on the eye village of Hautvillers, offering sweeping views of the Marne Valley.
- Location: Grand Est, France
- Top sights: Avenue de Champagne · Moët & Chandon House · Notre-Dame Church of Épernay
- Nearby: Bezannes (20 km)
- Population: ~29.677
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 55 | 56 | 44 | 70 | 63 | 61 | 65 | 48 | 62 | 62 | 74 |
Geography
Facts
- Population: 29,677 (2021)
- Area: 22.69 km²
- Champagne storage capacity: approx. 200 million bottles
- Elevation: 68–251 m
- Postal code: 51200
- UNESCO Heritage since: 2015
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→16:292.5 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Morning begins with the historic Saint-Martin Portal and the elegant Gabrielle-Dorziat Theater. Midday brings you to the heart of champagne country with a visit to the iconic Moët & Chandon House. In the afternoon, enjoy the quiet reverence of Notre-Dame before strolling the opulent Avenue de Champagne. The evening wraps up at the Mercier House for a spectacular finish.
← swipe for more places →
🏛️
09:10 · 80'
Saint-Martin Portal
Admire the intricate stonework of this Renaissance relic, the only remnant of a former abbey, and visit early to catch the morning sunlight highlighting its carvings.
🚶 14'0.54 km
📍
10:44 · 45'
Gabrielle-Dorziat Theater
Notice the striking neoclassical facade of this historic theater, a cultural hub of the city, and take a moment to enjoy a coffee in the surrounding square.
🚶 8'0.27 km
📍
11:37 · 45'
Moët & Chandon House
Explore the vast underground cellars of this world-famous champagne producer, a true testament to French luxury, and book your tasting tour well in advance.
🚶 7'0.21 km
⛪
12:29 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
Take in the beautiful stained glass windows of this impressive church, a spiritual anchor for the town, and step inside for a quiet moment of reflection.
🚶 27'1.22 km
🏛️
13:46 · 80'
Avenue de Champagne
Walk along the most expensive street in the world, lined with magnificent mansions and champagne houses, and wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones.
🚶 8'0.23 km
📍
15:14 · 45'
Mercier Champagne House
Ride the laser-guided train through 18 kilometers of cellars at this innovative champagne house, and don't miss the giant wine barrel in the lobby.
09:00→16:292.5 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Start your wet morning at the portal, holding your umbrella tight. By noon, take shelter inside the grand theater and dry off. Spend the rainy afternoon exploring deep underground champagne cellars. End the evening safely, avoiding slippery cobblestones.
← swipe for more places →
🏛️
09:10 · 80'
Saint-Martin Portal
Admire the carved details under an umbrella; the stone gets slippery when wet.
🚶 14'0.54 km
📍
10:44 · 45'
Gabrielle-Dorziat Theater
A first-rate indoor refuge to marvel at the opulent ceiling while escaping the heavy downpour.
🚶 8'0.27 km
📍
11:37 · 45'
Moët & Chandon House
The vast underground cellars offer a completely dry, fascinating escape from the persistent rain.
🚶 7'0.21 km
⛪
12:29 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
Seek shelter in the nave and watch the stained glass windows darken with the rain clouds.
🚶 27'1.22 km
🏛️
13:46 · 80'
Avenue de Champagne
Hold your umbrella tight; the wide avenue gives little cover, but the mansions reflect beautifully on wet days.
🚶 8'0.23 km
📍
15:14 · 45'
Mercier Champagne House
The indoor train tour through the cellars is a good, entirely rain-proof and comfortable experience.
09:00→16:292.5 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Wrap up warm for a crisp morning walk by the historic portal. At noon, enjoy the elegant theater to escape the winter chill. The afternoon is perfect for exploring the consistently cool, but wind-free cellars. Admire the Avenue's early evening lights as the sun sets by 17:00.
← swipe for more places →
🏛️
09:10 · 80'
Saint-Martin Portal
Notice the portal's stark beauty in the winter light, but wear thick gloves as the wind bites.
🚶 14'0.54 km
📍
10:44 · 45'
Gabrielle-Dorziat Theater
Step inside this comfortably heated architectural gem to warm your hands before exploring further.
🚶 8'0.27 km
📍
11:37 · 45'
Moët & Chandon House
Cellars stay around 10-12°C all year, so definitely keep your thick winter coat on for the chilly tour.
🚶 7'0.21 km
⛪
12:29 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
The thick stone walls hold the deep winter cold, so keep your scarf wrapped tight while admiring the altar.
🚶 27'1.22 km
🏛️
13:46 · 80'
Avenue de Champagne
The avenue sparkles with early winter illuminations after 17:00, well-suited for a brisk, atmospheric stroll.
🚶 8'0.23 km
📍
15:14 · 45'
Mercier Champagne House
Enjoy the train ride through the cool cellars, but remember your warm winter jacket is still highly necessary.
09:00→15:593.3 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
Start the morning with a refreshing vibe at the Bassin sportif before cycling to the historic Saint-Martin Portal. Midday sees you discovering the religious heart at Notre-Dame Church and the luxury of Moët & Chandon. In the afternoon, pedal up to the Castellane Tower for stunning views. The evening concludes with a relaxed ride to the famous Mercier Champagne House.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Sports Pool
Relax by this modern sports pool area, a well-suited spot for families to unwind, and pack a swimsuit if you fancy a refreshing morning dip.
🚲 10'1.09 km
🏛️
10:05 · 80'
Saint-Martin Portal
Admire the intricate stonework of this Renaissance relic, the only remnant of a former abbey, and visit early to catch the morning sunlight highlighting its carvings.
🚲 6'0.58 km
⛪
11:31 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
Take in the beautiful stained glass windows of this impressive church, a spiritual anchor for the town, and step inside for a quiet moment of reflection.
🚲 4'0.21 km
📍
12:25 · 45'
Moët & Chandon House
Explore the vast underground cellars of this world-famous champagne producer, a true testament to French luxury, and book your tasting tour well in advance.
🚲 9'1.07 km
🏛️
13:19 · 80'
Castellane Tower
Climb the 237 steps of this striking tower for panoramic views of Épernay and the vineyards, and bring a camera to capture the panoramic scenery.
🚲 5'0.35 km
📍
14:44 · 45'
Mercier Champagne House
Ride the laser-guided train through 18 kilometers of cellars at this innovative champagne house, and don't miss the giant wine barrel in the lobby.
09:00→15:593.3 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
Start with an indoor swim to escape the morning rain. By noon, cycle carefully on wet roads towards the historical sights. Spend the wet afternoon exploring the massive, dry champagne cellars. Ride back slowly in the evening, watching out for slippery surfaces.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Sports Pool
A warm, entirely indoor start to your day while you wait for the heavy morning showers to safely pass.
🚲 10'1.09 km
🏛️
10:05 · 80'
Saint-Martin Portal
Keep a safe distance with your bike; the stone surfaces around the portal are extremely slippery when wet.
🚲 6'0.58 km
⛪
11:31 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
Park your bike in a sheltered spot and seek a dry refuge from the rain inside the spacious nave.
🚲 4'0.21 km
📍
12:25 · 45'
Moët & Chandon House
The vast underground cellars offer a completely dry, fascinating escape from cycling in the rain.
🚲 9'1.07 km
🏛️
13:19 · 80'
Castellane Tower
The stairs can be damp, but climbing the tower keeps you dry and gives a moody, misty view of the city.
🚲 5'0.35 km
📍
14:44 · 45'
Mercier Champagne House
Leave the wet bike outside; the indoor train tour through the cellars is a good, rain-proof experience.
09:00→15:593.3 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
Warm up with a morning swim before facing the cold air. By noon, wrap up in thick layers to cycle to the portal. Keep moving in the afternoon to stay warm between cellar tours. Plan to finish riding by 17:00 as the temperature drops very quickly after the early winter sunset.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Sports Pool
Plunge into the heated pool to thaw out and warm up entirely before hopping on your bike in the winter frost.
🚲 10'1.09 km
🏛️
10:05 · 80'
Saint-Martin Portal
Admire the portal, but keep your windproof cycling gloves on to protect your hands from the biting cold wind.
🚲 6'0.58 km
⛪
11:31 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
The thick stone walls hold the cold; keep your scarf on while you catch your breath from the ride by the altar.
🚲 4'0.21 km
📍
12:25 · 45'
Moët & Chandon House
Cellars stay firmly around 10-12°C; do not take off your cycling jacket during the long and chilly tour.
🚲 9'1.07 km
🏛️
13:19 · 80'
Castellane Tower
The observation deck is intensely windy in winter; zip your jacket all the way up before stepping outside.
🚲 5'0.35 km
📍
14:44 · 45'
Mercier Champagne House
Enjoy the train ride in the cellars, but keep your warm cycling gear on for the freezing ride back after dusk.
09:00→16:243.9 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 21–29 €Entries 24€ · Transport 1€
The day starts with a drive to the Bassin sportif, followed by the architectural beauty of the Gabrielle-Dorziat Theater. Midday takes you past the ancient Saint-Martin Portal to the legendary Moët & Chandon cellars. The afternoon is reserved for sweeping views from the Castellane Tower. As evening falls, cruise the magnificent Avenue de Champagne to complete your grand tour.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Sports Pool
Relax by this modern sports pool area, a well-suited spot for families to unwind, and pack a swimsuit if you fancy a refreshing morning dip.
🚗 8'1.48 km
📍
10:03 · 45'
Gabrielle-Dorziat Theater
Notice the striking neoclassical facade of this historic theater, a cultural hub of the city, and take a moment to enjoy a coffee in the surrounding square.
🚗 5'0.54 km
🏛️
10:53 · 80'
Saint-Martin Portal
Admire the intricate stonework of this Renaissance relic, the only remnant of a former abbey, and visit early to catch the morning sunlight highlighting its carvings.
🚗 5'0.61 km
📍
12:18 · 45'
Moët & Chandon House
Explore the vast underground cellars of this world-famous champagne producer, a true testament to French luxury, and book your tasting tour well in advance.
🚗 7'1.07 km
🏛️
13:10 · 80'
Castellane Tower
Climb the 237 steps of this striking tower for panoramic views of Épernay and the vineyards, and bring a camera to capture the panoramic scenery.
🚗 4'0.17 km
🏛️
14:34 · 80'
Avenue de Champagne
Walk along the most expensive street in the world, lined with magnificent mansions and champagne houses, and wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones.
09:00→16:243.9 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 21–29 €Entries 24€ · Transport 1€
Drive to the sports pool for a completely dry morning start. By noon, park near the theater to minimize walking in the rain. Spend the wet afternoon exploring the sheltered underground champagne cellars. In the evening, drive very carefully along the wet, illuminated avenue.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Sports Pool
Park right outside for a completely indoor start to your day, staying cozy until the heaviest morning showers pass.
🚗 8'1.48 km
📍
10:03 · 45'
Gabrielle-Dorziat Theater
After a short dash from the car, this is a perfectly elegant indoor refuge to completely escape the heavy downpour.
🚗 5'0.54 km
🏛️
10:53 · 80'
Saint-Martin Portal
Step out briefly with your umbrella; the cobblestones around the historical portal become extremely slick in the rain.
🚗 5'0.61 km
📍
12:18 · 45'
Moët & Chandon House
Use the nearby parking and dive into the massive, entirely dry underground cellars to escape the persistent rain.
🚗 7'1.07 km
🏛️
13:10 · 80'
Castellane Tower
The tower stairs can be damp, but it gives a dry experience with a wonderfully moody, misty view of the wet city.
🚗 4'0.17 km
🏛️
14:34 · 80'
Avenue de Champagne
Stay cozy in your dry car and slowly drive by to admire the beautiful reflections of the mansions on the wet road.
09:00→16:243.9 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 21–29 €Entries 24€ · Transport 1€
Start your winter morning warmly at the indoor sports pool. By noon, drive to the elegant theater, enjoying your heated car. Spend the afternoon taking guided tours in the cellars away from the biting wind. Enjoy the holiday lights from your car as it gets dark rapidly by 17:00.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Sports Pool
Plunge into the comfortably heated pool to completely thaw out and warm up before facing the harsh winter frost.
🚗 8'1.48 km
📍
10:03 · 45'
Gabrielle-Dorziat Theater
Leave the warm car briefly to comfortably step inside and admire this beautifully heated architectural gem.
🚗 5'0.54 km
🏛️
10:53 · 80'
Saint-Martin Portal
A quick photo stop is plenty; the wind whipping around the exposed, freestanding portal is often painfully biting in winter.
🚗 5'0.61 km
📍
12:18 · 45'
Moët & Chandon House
Cellars stay firmly at 10-12°C all year; definitely keep your thick winter jacket on after leaving the heated car.
🚗 7'1.07 km
🏛️
13:10 · 80'
Castellane Tower
The observation deck is intensely windy in winter; wrap yourself up very warmly before you even leave the vehicle.
🚗 4'0.17 km
🏛️
14:34 · 80'
Avenue de Champagne
Drive slowly down the avenue after 17:00 to fully enjoy the early winter holiday lights from your comfortably heated car.
Sights in the town Épernay (8)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Épernay called the 'Capital of Champagne'?
It hosts the most famous Champagne houses along the Avenue de Champagne and over 110 kilometers of underground cellars.
What is the Avenue de Champagne?
A magnificent avenue lined with the villas of famous brands like Moët & Chandon, with millions of bottles stored beneath it.
Can you visit the champagne cellars?
Yes, almost all major houses offer guided tours followed by tastings. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Which house has the most impressive cellars?
House Mercier is famous for its cellar tours by mini electric train and the world's largest wine barrel (the 'Foudre').
How do I get from Paris to Épernay?
By TER regional train from Paris-Est station, the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Épernay: where is it located?
Épernay is located in Grand Est, France.
Épernay: what is there to see?
Highlights include Avenue de Champagne, Moët & Chandon House, Notre-Dame Church of Épernay.
Épernay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Épernay: why is it worth visiting?
Surrounded by gently rolling hills blanketed with meticulous vineyards, Épernay is internationally celebrated as the undisputed Capital of Champagne.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →
Nearby cities
Reims
Reims, a city in the Grand Est region, is closely linked to French royal history and Champagne.
Reims Cathedral
Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims) is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and a site of immense historical importance.
Metz-Centre
Metz-Centre is the historic area of the Lorraine city.
Metz
Metz is an elegant city on the Moselle with a grand cathedral, plenty of green space, and a long military and border history.
Le Sablon
A historic district of Metz with a distinct character and a rich Roman past.
Nancy-Nord
The northern area of Nancy offers urban infrastructure and access to parks within the city.
Nancy
Nancy is famous for Place Stanislas and for its elegant Art Nouveau-era architecture.
Nancy-Sud
The southern area of Nancy offers urban development and residential quarters.
Troyes
Troyes is a pretty Champagne city with half-timbered houses, churches, and a long craft tradition.
Mohon
A historic district and former municipality of Charleville-Mézières, famous for its major railway workshops and industrial heritage.
Mézières
The historical heart of Charleville-Mézières, a fortified town set in a loop of the Meuse river in the Ardennes.
Charleville-Mézières
Charleville-Mézières is an Ardennes city on the Meuse, known for its elegant square and puppet theater.
Charleville
Charleville is the historic heart of Charleville-Mézières, famous for the magnificent Place Ducale and as the birthplace of poet Arthur R…
Châlons-en-Champagne
Historical capital of Champagne, known for its canals, churches, and military heritage.
Thionville
Thionville sits on the Moselle near Luxembourg and combines a border location, industrial history, and daily commuting.