Avenue de Champagne

The Avenue de Champagne is often referred to as the most expensive street in the world, not because of its real estate, but due to the millions of bottles of vintage champagne resting in the chalk cellars beneath it. This historic thoroughfare in Epernay serves as the headquarters for some of the most prestigious Champagne houses, known as 'Grandes Marques'. The architecture above ground is a stunning display of 19th-century wealth, featuring Renaissance and Classical style mansions built by the original champagne barons. Below ground, the chalky soil provides the perfect constant temperature and humidity required for the secondary fermentation process that gives champagne its signature effervescence.

Reasons to Visit

• Explore over 110 kilometers of subterranean chalk cellars holding millions of champagne bottles.
• Participate in exclusive tasting sessions at world-renowned houses like Moët & Chandon and Pol Roger.
• Admire the stunning 19th-century architecture of the champagne mansions lining the avenue.
• Experience the rich culinary heritage of the Grand Est region through local food and wine pairings.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid visiting without booking cellar tours in advance, as they frequently sell out months ahead.
• Do not plan your visit on a Sunday or Monday during the off-season, as many smaller houses and restaurants close.
• Avoid wearing high heels; the underground cellars have uneven floors and require comfortable walking shoes.
• Do not forget to bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cellars remain at a chilly 10-12°C (50-54°F) year-round.

Local Transportation Tips

Epernay is highly walkable, and the Avenue de Champagne is best explored on foot to fully appreciate the architecture and easily hop between tasting rooms. The Epernay train station is just a short 10-minute walk from the start of the avenue, making it an easy day trip from Paris or Reims. For visiting vineyards outside the town center, renting a bicycle or hiring a local taxi is recommended, as public buses are limited in rural areas.

Travel Etiquette

• Always hold your champagne glass by the stem to prevent your body heat from warming the wine.
• Dress smart-casual when visiting the prestigious champagne houses; overly casual beachwear is frowned upon.
• Punctuality is crucial for guided tours; arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
• When tasting, it is acceptable to spit the wine into provided spittoons if you are visiting multiple houses in one day.

Recommended Age Group

Avenue de Champagne is primarily tailored towards adult visitors due to its focus on wine tasting and historical cellar tours.

• Babies (0-2 years): Not Recommended. The damp, chilly underground cellars and quiet tasting rooms are not suitable for infants.
• Kids (3-12 years): Neutral. While the Mercier cellar train tour might entertain younger children, the overall focus on alcohol and history lacks broad appeal for this age group.
• Teens (13-19 years): Neutral. Teens may appreciate the architectural beauty and the historical significance of the underground tunnels, but they cannot participate in the core tasting experiences.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Adults will fully appreciate the rich culinary heritage, exclusive tastings, and in-depth viticultural history offered by the champagne houses.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The avenue offers a slow-paced, luxurious experience with many houses providing elevators and accessible tour options for mature travelers.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Many of the major champagne houses, including Moët & Chandon and Mercier, offer wheelchair-accessible tours with elevators descending into the cellars.
• The avenue itself features wide, paved sidewalks with dropped curbs, making it easy to navigate for visitors with mobility aids.
• Some older, smaller houses may have steep stairs and lack elevators, so it is highly recommended to contact them in advance to confirm accessibility.
• Accessible restrooms are available in the larger visitor centers and modern tasting rooms along the street.

Did You Know?

The cellars beneath the Avenue de Champagne were used as shelters and hospitals during World War I, protecting the local population and soldiers from heavy bombardments while the champagne production miraculously continued underground.

Cool Statistics

• There are approximately 200 million bottles of champagne stored in the cellars beneath the avenue.
• The underground tunnel network stretches for more than 110 kilometers (68 miles).
• Avenue de Champagne was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.
• Moët & Chandon alone owns over 28 kilometers of cellars beneath Epernay.