Avenue de Champagne
11th November 2021
Not quite as famous as the Mall leading to Buckingham Palace or Sunset Boulevard taking in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, but nonetheless a most amazing avenue to walk or drive down – Avenue de Champagne is famous in the world of wine, a 1km stretch containing photogenic grand mansions and headquarters of legendary Champagne houses including Pol Roger, Moet et Chandon, De Venoge and Mercier.
Not only is the wonder of Avenue de Champagne above for you to admire, the real treasures are in fact underground were countless old chalk cellars cross beneath you containing over 200 million bottles. As you take a walk up the well maintained streets you will get the chance to admire a fine selection of architectural delights with many famous Champagne houses having chosen this location for their head office, many will be open to public visitors and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a glass of Champagne with many providing table and chairs for guests in their grounds.
“It is said that the Avenue de Champagne is one of the most expensive locations to insure thanks to not only the glorious buildings on the street level, but also the storage of millions of bottles of Champagne beneath with many cellars under lock and key containing rare older vintages“.
Stood in the grounds of the Moet et Chandon building (one of the first you come to as you start your journey up Avenue de Champagne) you will find the statue of Dom Perignon which is one of the most photographed spots and especially for selfies with the great man himself.
Each side of the street you will find Champagne houses alongside some private apartments, offices, hotels and private homes.
“I have many great memories of visits to Epernay and Avenue de Champagne with pre booked private tastings and dinners. Even on days that I have not planned anything, a walk up the avenue I often see and speak to some of the Champagne house owners – I remember a great afternoon sat exploring vintages with the now deceased head of Champagne Michel Gonet, Mr Michel Gonet himself.” Christopher Walkey
Not only are fabulous Champagne houses located on the Avenue de Champagne, many side streets leading off and beyond contain great labels and equally as impressive to visit.
One of my drives down the Avenue de Champagne – Enjoy this memory with me!
Located in what many say is the capital of the Champagne region, Epernay, Avenue de Champagne is well worth a visit and offers great wine tourism opportunities from guided tours of the area to private tastings in the cellars. The town holds many hotels, restaurants, bars and is easily accessible by road and train.
Christopher Walkey
Co-founder of Glass of Bubbly. Journalist and author focused on Champagne & Sparkling Wines and pairing them with foods.