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 On
the left bank of the Marne, Epernay rivals Reims as a center for
champagne. Although it only has one-sixth of Reims's population,
Epernay produces nearly as much champagne as its larger sibling. It
boasts an estimated 322 Kms. (200 miles) or more of cellars and tunnels.
These caves are vast vaults cut into the chalk rock on which the
town is built. Represented in Epernay are such champagne companies
as Moët et Chandon (the largest), Pol Roger, Mercier, and de
Castellane.
Epernay's main boulevards are the elegant residential avenue de
Champagne, rue Mercier, and rue de Reims, all radiating from place
de la République. Two important squares in the narrow streets of the
commercial district are place Hughes-Plomb and place des Arcades.
Epernay has been destroyed or burned nearly two dozen times by
invading armies. Few of its buildings have survived. However, check
out avenue de Champagne for neoclassical villas and Victorian town
houses.
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 Epernay
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. |
