Moët & Chandon

Moët & Chandon is one of the world's most recognizable champagne houses, headquartered on the famous Avenue de Champagne in Épernay. Founded in 1743 by Claude Moët, the house is now part of the LVMH group and holds the largest vineyard area in all of Champagne. Beneath the streets of the town stretches an impressive network of cellars running more than 28 kilometers, where millions of bottles age before being shipped to more than 150 countries.

Why visit Moët & Chandon?

A visit here is more than a tasting — it's a journey through the history of one of the oldest and most influential names in the wine industry. The chalk cellars where the champagne rests keep a constant temperature and humidity year-round, which has made them ideal for traditional-method production for centuries. Visitors get to walk through part of these vast underground galleries and learn how the house's flagship cuvée, Moët Impérial, comes together.

What will you see on the tour?

The cellars and the house's history

The tour route winds through sections of the underground corridors where bottles rest at different stages of aging. Guides walk you through nearly three centuries of the house's story, its ties to Napoleon's court, and how Moët & Chandon became a globally recognized symbol of luxury.

The champagne-making process

Along the way you'll learn about each stage of production — from the harvest in the Champagne vineyards, through the second fermentation in the bottle, to hand riddling and final dosage. It's a chance to understand why the champagne method demands so much time and precision.

Tasting

The standard tour ends with a tasting of at least one cuvée, most commonly Moët Impérial, though extended tour options also include premium vintages.

How to get to Moët & Chandon

The house sits directly on Avenue de Champagne in central Épernay, an easy walk from the train station. Épernay lies about 130 km east of Paris and is well served by rail, with direct trains from Paris typically taking a little over an hour. Visitors arriving by car will find public parking nearby.

When to visit

Épernay and Avenue de Champagne can be visited year-round, since the cellars hold a constant temperature regardless of the weather above ground. Summer (June–September) is ideal for strolling the avenue and the surrounding vineyards, though it also brings heavier tourist traffic. Autumn marks harvest season — the harvest itself isn't usually open to visitors, but the town takes on a distinctive atmosphere during this time.

Practical tips

Cellar tours run only in guided groups and require advance booking, especially during peak season. The route includes walking on uneven, cool underground surfaces, so bringing something warm is a good idea even in summer. An on-site shop sells bottles not typically found through standard retail channels.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Moët & Chandon cellar tour last? A standard visit with tasting usually takes around 60–90 minutes, depending on the tour option chosen.

Do I need to book tickets in advance? Yes, booking online ahead of time is strongly recommended, particularly during summer months and holiday periods.

Is the tour suitable for children? Children can join the cellar tour, but the champagne tasting is reserved for adults.

Can other champagne houses in Épernay be visited too? Yes, Avenue de Champagne is home to the headquarters of several well-known producers, making it easy to combine multiple visits during a single stay in town.