Like most countries, France is diverse. The country is full of large cities and small towns, glamourous places and ordinary ones. It’s hard to compare any city to Paris, of course; the capital is in a league of its own in many ways. But there is so much more to France than just Paris, and when we visit, we always try to discover a little bit more of it.
On our most recent trip, we traveled to the champagne region to visit maison Perrier-Jouet in Epernay. I admit that I was mostly excited for the champagne tasting. In fact, I initially didn’t give much thought to what else Epernay might have to offer. Sometimes, visiting a new place with no preconceived notions of what or how it might be is actually a good thing – and this was one of those times. I expected nothing from Epernay, which allowed the town to both surprise and enchant me in one short afternoon.
We arrived in Epernay by train in the late morning. A lazy wander from the train station towards the main attraction in town, avenue de la Champagne, took us past the lovely town hall and a series of quaint, charming buildings. The beauty of the place captured my imagination immediately. With the sun shining and the leaves just beginning to turn colours for the season, it was a truly perfect day to be exploring a new place.
Champagne is, of course, the main attraction in the champagne region, and in Epernay itself. We didn’t stray too far from the main road except in the late afternoon, on our way back to the train station. But we did take a long walk down that glittering sidewalk in the sun, and the glimpses we caught of side streets, of blooming roses and pastel painted doorways. That walk convinced me that Epernay has more to offer than just the liquid gold – also known as champagne – produced there.
We don’t know exactly when we’ll be back in France. But there’s no doubt we will be. And on our next visit, another trip to Epernay is already on the agenda. This time, we plan to stay overnight. We’d like to tour the region a bit more, using the town as a lovely homebase. And, of course, the presence of my favourite champagne house will be a lovely bonus.
If you’re in the Champagne region of France, or even nearby, Epernay is worth the detour. While you’re there, take a tour of the town itself. But don’t miss out on the main attraction – champagne. Moet Chandon, Perrier Jouet and Pol Roger are all headquartered there. But it’s not just the big players who are worth visiting. Epernay is home to many small champagne houses whose products aren’t well known outside of France. The lack of international renown is nothing to do with the quality of their champagne, trust me. We particularly enjoyed our visit to Leclerc-Briant, and their rose saignant.
Equally, if you’re bored of Paris – although that seems unlikely – Epernay is a quick, easy and usually economical train ride away. I can’t think of a better place for a brief, relaxing day trip.
