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Epernay, not far (10 Km) from the Royal Champagne, boasts the best assortment of champagne cellars in the whole region.
Due to its large number of world famous champagne houses, Epernay also boasts the highest per capita income in the whole of France. The region’s wealth can also be seen in the elegant Renaissance residences which can be admired along the Avenue de Champagne; however the champagne cellars are main town.
Visitors can see how champagne is produced and kept by taking a cellar tour. The tours include exhibitions which are on par with those of museums, explanations regarding local history, and a final tasting of the “local bubbly”. Mercier, where the French’s favourite champagne is produced, is practically a must. The cellar has one of the largest champagne barrels in France (it can hold over 200,000 bottles). Among the other cellars worth visiting are those of Moët and De Castellane.
A stretch of the “wine route”, called Route Vallée de Marne, which leads to Hautvillers, Ay, Dizy, Cumières, Chatillon and Vincennes, passes through Epernay. Along the Route Côte de Blancs, which goes from Epernay towards the south, to Verus and Villenauxe la Grande, the white grape vineyards where Chardonnay is produced may also be visited.
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