1. Stay at Apartment Le Cubry in Épernay
Small but perfectly formed, Apartment Le Cubry is run by Agathe Clouet, the daughter of a Champagne-growing family. It’s well located, comes with a private parking space right outside the door, and has a rather delightful surprise waiting in the fridge: three chilled bottles from the family’s own label, Lavinista. Depending on the cuvée, they’re priced at €30, €38 or €50 – buy one, pop it straight away, and your weekend is officially underway.
The apartment can be booked via Booking.com and is simply yet stylishly furnished. Everything you might need is there, including a microwave and a Nespresso machine – practical comfort with a Champagne twist.
Not in the mood for breakfast at home? Start your day at Miblo Coffee Shop, a friendly, relaxed spot serving exactly what mornings call for: croissants and sweet pastries, eggs cooked to order and very good coffee. The perfect base for a day dedicated to Champagne.
2. Plan your pleasures – restaurant reservations are a MUST in Épernay
Épernay has some excellent restaurants, but without a reservation you may well find yourself going hungry. A few reliable favourites include La Table Kobus, L’OBEN, Why Not and Le Théâtre.
Whenever possible, pair your meals with Champagne – as an aperitif, with the menu or even with dessert. Champagne is wonderfully versatile and matches a surprising range of dishes.
3. Understand Champagne
Begin your stay with a visit to the Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology Museum, housed in the magnificent Château Perrier.
The multilingual audio guide takes you through the story of Champagne, from the geology of the chalky soils and the phylloxera crisis to the finer technical points of dosage and bottle fermentation. The building itself is worth lingering over, with its ornate décor, wood panelling and historic rooms.
Afterwards, it’s well worth joining a cellar tour at one of the great Champagne houses lining the UNESCO-listed Avenue de Champagne.
A classic introduction is Moët & Chandon, whose cellars stretch for kilometres beneath the city. Carved into chalk, they lie 30 to 40 metres underground, remain cool and evenly humid year-round, and feel almost cathedral-like in scale. Parts of this underground world are UNESCO World Heritage listed. Tours blend history and craftsmanship and end, naturally, with a tasting. A word to the wise: bring a jacket, even in summer, and book several months ahead.
4. Enjoy Champagne
On warm afternoons, lean back with a glass of Champagne – and where better than here? Along the Avenue de Champagne, elegant houses and contemporary bars invite you to linger.
A particular favourite is the Cellier Belle Époque by Perrier-Jouët, opposite the museum. Whether in the flower-filled garden (sadly closed in winter) or at the sleek bar inside, it’s always a pleasure. Champagne Pierre Mignon is another excellent stop, as is Besserat de Bellefon, founded in 1843 and famous for its creamy Cuvée des Moines.
For something more relaxed, head to Bar Brut, where the focus is on grower Champagnes, accompanied by sharing boards and a sunny terrace. Think of it as a sparkling alternative to coffee and cake.
5. Think of home – taste and buy
If you discover a Champagne in a restaurant that you particularly love, it’s worth visiting the producer directly. We tasted a Pinot Noir Champagne by Louis Casters at La Table Kobus, liked it immensely, and then visited the family estate in Damery. They have a tasting room, and during opening hours (Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 5 pm) you can drop in without an appointment and taste several cuvées free of charge.
If time allows, detours to Hautvillers or Aÿ are also highly recommended – many family producers there pour their Champagnes in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
Also worth picking up
- Maison Caffet, renowned for fine pâtés and luxurious macarons – perfect as gifts or indulgent treats.
- Rillettes de Champagne, local cheeses and apéritif nibbles from Le Pressoir or Boucherie Les Sarments on Place Léon Bourgeois.
- Au Bonheur des Papilles, an artisan bakery for crisp baguettes and delicate ficelles – ideal for breakfast or a park picnic. If you’re in Damery, Maison Jade & Lucy is simply irresistible.
- From the Carrefour supermarket: stock up on packets of salted butter and freeze them at home. A personal favourite is Grand Fermage, with its soft texture and little sea-salt crystals from Noirmoutier.
That way, a little piece of your weekend in Épernay will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
À la vôtre!
