Epernay is the ‘second capital’ of Champagne. It is a pleasing town, with many green open spaces and.- most importantly - Champagne. There are more than 100 km of underground caves or cellars, where thousands of bottles are turned by hand every day as the champagne is gently aged.
Five kilometers north of Epernay, on the ‘Montagne de Reims’, is the village of Hautvillers and its ancient Benedictine Abbey where a monk called Dom Pierre Pérignon perfected naturally sparkling wines. The village of Hautvillers is particularly picturesque.
For more tourist information and history, see Premier Pages (Wine Regions, Places of Interest)