Épernay, Champagne capital in Marne, France
Description
Épernay is a town in the Marne département that stretches along the left bank of the river through a gentle valley. The main avenue is lined with 19th-century buildings that sit above expansive chalk cellars.
History
The area belonged to the archbishops of Reims from the 5th to 10th century before passing to the counts of Champagne. The Hundred Years' War brought heavy destruction, but the town recovered in the 18th century with the rise of wine production.
Culture
The name comes from the Roman settlement Sparnacum, and the town evolved into a center of sparkling wine production during the 1800s. Many old mansions serve as company headquarters today, while the cellars below continue their original purpose.
Practical
The railway station links the town to Paris, Strasbourg and other major cities in the northeast. Visitors can tour the cellar tunnels at different producers, with guided visits usually offered in French and English.
Did you know?
More than 100 kilometers of chalk passages lie beneath the town, maintaining a constant temperature around 11 degrees Celsius (52 degrees Fahrenheit) and high humidity. These conditions proved perfect for slow bottle aging and have been used since the 18th century.
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Moët & Chandon
312 m
Avenue de Champagne
778 m
De Castellane
800 m
Château de la Marquetterie
2.8 km
Château Perrier
388 m
Fort Chabrol
1.6 km
Église Notre-Dame d'Épernay
620 m
Mercier
905 m
Town hall of Épernay
413 m
Abbaye Saint-Martin d'Epernay
554 m
Synagogue of Épernay
740 m
Ancienne église Saint-Martin
554 m
Théâtre Gabrielle-Dorziat
553 m
Temple de l'église réformée de France d'Épernay
788 m
Maison Les Aulnois
2.8 km
Pont d'Épernay
820 m
Église Saint-Julien de Pierry
2.8 km
Statue dom Perignon
340 m
Église Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul
643 m
Église Saint-Léger de Vauciennes
5.6 km
Château Perrier
408 m
Jardin de l'Hôtel de ville
439 m
Ballon captif
301 m
Immeubles "Les Pyramides"
810 m
Église Sainte-Marie de Magenta
1.4 km
Piqueur à cheval
385 m
Caves de l’avenue de Champagne
187 mOrgue de tribune de l'église Notre-Dame d'Épernay
557 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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