Épernay

Épernay is a commune in the Marne department in the Grand Est region of northeastern France. It sits on the Marne river in the Champagne wine region, at the eastern end of the valley of the Marne. The town developed as a center of sparkling-wine commerce in the 18th century and grew into a focal point for the production and aging of Champagne.

A defining feature is the Avenue de Champagne, a historic street where many champagne houses established offices and showrooms. Visitors can tour the houses’ cellars, many built in chalk caverns beneath the town, and learn about the aging and production processes that define Champagne. The street and its façades reflect the town’s long association with the wine trade, contributing to Épernay’s identity as a tourism and cultural hub.

Economy and tourism: Champagne production remains central to Épernay’s economy, supported by tourism, hospitality, and related services. The town serves as a gateway to the surrounding vineyards, offering cellar visits, tastings, and multimedia displays that illustrate viticulture and winemaking traditions.

Demographics and transport: The commune has around 23,000 residents. It is connected by rail to Paris and Reims and is accessible by regional roads, with local public transport serving residents and visitors. Épernay thus functions as both an administrative center and a commercial hub within the Champagne region.