Épernay (Sparnacum) belonged to the archbishops of Reims from the 5th until the 10th century, when it came into the possession of the counts of Champagne. It was badly damaged during the Hundred Years' War, and was burned by Francis I in 1544. It resisted Henry of Navarre in 1592, and Marshal Biron fell in the attack which preceded its eventual capture. In 1642 it was, along with Château-Thierry, named as a duchy and assigned to the duc de Bouillon.
In the central and oldest quarter of the town, the streets are narrow and irregular; the surrounding suburbs, however, are modern and more spacious, with La Folie to the East, for example, containing many handsome villas belonging to rich wine merchants. The town has also spread to the right bank of the Marne.
One of its churches retains a portal and stained-glass windows from the 16th century, but the other public buildings are of modern construction.
Épernay is a wealthy looking town, because of the expensive townhouses and mansions constructed (mostly 19th century) based on the wealth from champagne.
Above all it is THE place to visit if champagne drinking is your thing. The town sits below vine-covered hills, and is well placed to discover various of the well known champagne producers. The Avenue de Champagne is the place to start your tour of the grand champagne houses. Moet et Chandon and Mercier are the most popular champagne houses for a quick taster (degustation), although many smaller producers are also available to visit in the town.
At Castellane - you can't miss it because their 1905 tower dominates the town (see photo below) you get good views across the town included in your visit!
Other monuments you will see as you pass around the town include the 'Portail Saint Martin' (an impressive doorway, all that remains of an earlier church); the town hall; and the Château-Perrier - notable as being the headquarters for the British, the Germans and then the Americans all during the Second World War.
Several pretty, well-maintained parks will provide your resting places as you wander around Epernay - alternatively there are various marked paths passing through the town that show off the splendours of the flowers and parks.
