Being a huge Champagne drinker (and lover) it’s probably no surprise that I absolutely loved spending a long weekend in the home of bubbles, France’s Epernay. While it was a stunning village with gorgeous architecture and gardens, it was also Champagne – so what else is a girl to do when faced with the best Champagne houses in the world and a plethora of French restaurants? Get amongst it, that’s what!
I guess its kind of a no brainer when figuring out what do on a weekend in Epernay, but if you’re like me then you love a good recommendation, so here are mine for a fabulous long weekend in Epernay!
Moet et Chandon Champagne House
While there are many well known Champagne houses in Epernay, I consider Moet et Chandon to be the best. Not only is it drank in bucket loads by the rich and famous, but it tastes pretty good too! The HQ in Epernay features an informative tour of the cellars and either one or two glasses of Champagne at the end – you can guess which option I went for! Get there early as this place gets very busy from lunchtime!
Cave de Champagne Restaurant
What better to go with a glass of delicious Champagne than some decadent French cuisine? Regularly voted as the best restaurant in Epernay this place was fantastic and didn’t break the bank either. You can choose from a selection of set menus, all featuring traditional French dishes like oysters, steaks and creamy sauces galore. Again, book early to avoid missing out!
C Comme Champagne Bar
We stumbled upon this very chic hangout while wandering through Epernay and settled in for a good few hours sampling our way through their Champagne menu – for around 35 Euros you get 6 glasses of Champagne and canapes – we were very tipsy by the time we left, but if you can’t do it in Champagne then when can you do it? Great for killing time after a long French lunch!
Hotel de la Cloche
Certainly not the best hotel in Epernay, but it was quaint, in a great location and at the right price. Located next to a village square and huge Gothic church you can walk to anywhere in the town from here and is stumbling distance to restaurants and bars
In addition to these recommendations you should also wander the streets of Epernay and potter through some of the patisseries and the market held each Sunday – the produce is great and the fresh air will help to soothe your head from the night before!
Epernay isn’t expensive, and you can also take the ferry to France to keep the weekend a more affordable one.
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I too am an Champagne and Sparkling Wine enthusiast! I live in a very special part of Canada where there are over 140 wineries within an hour or less. There is a great winery that over looks Lake Okanagan just around the corner from my house and they have a great Brut wine.
Although, I think I am the only 24 year-old girl in town who knows the difference between REAL Champagne and Sparkling Wine. You were lucky enough to have tried Champagne in the Champagne region!
I just wrote a post about a great winery 20 minutes from my house and it is once of the best in the region. You’re welcome to check it out! I am also on facebook now! I see you are too I will check you out!
http://canadianculinarytravel.blogspot.com/2011/07/desert-wine-oasis-okanagan-eats.html
The Wanderfull Traveler
I’m by no means a champagne enthusiast, but I wouldn’t pass up a long weekend drinking the stuff – and eating decadent French cuisine soaked in it, too! Mmmm! Hope you didn’t have a week-long hangover after your trip!
Looking very chic in your photo, btw 🙂
Thanks Tom! I was trying to blend in with all the stylish French people, although after a few champagnes I dont think i succeeded! : )
I think I could spend a week just at Moet et Chandon. I’m a huge fan of their White Star Champagne, and was very disappointed when they took it off the market this summer.