- Avenue de Champagne in Epernay. Cycling along the Véloroute de la Marne, don’t miss the main, famed Champagne-producing town of Epernay. Its majestic Avenue de Champagne is a listed French Site Remarquable du Goût, in recognition of the broad street’s exceptional wine history. This avenue is lined with the grand headquarters of many of the most renowned Champagne producers and traders, while underneath stretch some 110km of subterranean cellars.
- Hautvillers :
As the word ‘haut’ (‘high’ in English) indicates, the village of Hautvillers is perched above the Champagne vineyards, with forests rising above its houses and famed abbey. The latter is closely associated with the original creation of sparkling Champagne wine. The splendid vine-covered slopes extending far and wide below the village form part of the recently designated UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars.
- Villa BISSINGER: Set in the heart of the Champagne region’s vineyards, the Villa Bissinger is now home to the Institut International des Vins de Champagne (or International Institute of Champagne Wines). This centre is dedicated to imparting greater knowledge about Champagne, organizing activities and courses to educate or even introduce participants to the region’s famed wines.
- The Musée des Métiers du Champagne is a museum in the village of Ay (just east of Epernay) that pays homage to all the different trades and crafts involved in the creation of Champagne wine. It also emphasizes the Champagne region’s unique natural characteristics and the exceptional importance of the local wine-growing areas (or terroirs) around here. All told, this museum takes you on a voyage of discovery of the varied professions involved in making Champagne wine, from the vineyards to the wineries and cellars.
- Bateau Champagne Vallée
After discovering vineyards on terra firma, board the Champagne Vallée paddle boat for a cruise through Champagne landscapes, with commentary provided. |
