Place de Champagne Travel Guide

Place de Champagne, situated on the famous Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, is at the heart of the Champagne region's allure. This celebrated avenue is home to many leading champagne producers, including Moët & Chandon, Mercier, and De Castellane. The avenue's historical significance stems from its location on a major trade route between France and Germany, attracting champagne merchants as early as the 18th century.Residents often claim that the Avenue de Champagne is the 'most expensive avenue in the world', surpassing even the Champs-Élysées in Paris, due to the immense value of the millions of champagne bottles aging in the extensive chalk cellars beneath it. These cellars, stretching over 100km, contribute to a hidden 'town beneath the town'. Both the cellars and the above-ground architecture earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015, recognizing their vital role in the history, production, and commerce of champagne.The Avenue showcases a blend of architectural styles, with magnificent private dwellings and grand buildings reflecting the prestige of the Champagne Houses. Today, Place de Champagne and the Avenue are major tourist attractions, offering visitors the chance to explore the champagne-making process through tours and tastings. The area also hosts events such as the Habits de Lumière festival in December, adding to its cultural appeal.