After spending a great deal of time in a city as big as Paris, not to mention living in NYC, I’m pretty accustomed to huge cities, I love being in a metropolis but sometimes it’s nice to slow down. To go somewhere that the agenda is primarily to sit, sip and breathe. Up until now the only part of France I had ever visited is Paris. I was curious to see what the French country side was all about so I took a train ride to the Champagne Region. I discovered expansive vineyards, pristine streets, perfect blue skies and endless bubbly. If you want the richest country side vacation experience of your life (or you just want to drink at 9am without judgement) Epernay, France should be at the top of your bucket list.

The town of Epernay, France within the Champagne region is headquarters to many of the largest Champagne makers in the world. This town is synonymous with Champagne. Practically the entire town is built upon rock that is used as cellars to contain a behemoth load of the world’s best Champagne. In fact, it is most of the world’s only authentic Champagne. If it isn’t grown in The Champagne Region of France it isn’t even allowed to carry the title, “Champagne”. You’re just drinking Sparkling Wine if it’s made anywhere else.

If you’re a lover of wine and sparkling wine you may want to visit Epernay pronto. As I stated, the world’s leading champagne companies are based here and they all open their factories to the public for champagne tasting. Including but not limited to: Moët and Chandon, Perrier-Jouët and Dom Perignon. All along Champagne Avenue these champagne headquarters sit like ducks in a row with their vineyards right in the backyard. The perfect leisurely get away location for some day drinking.

The vineyards of Epernay are considered to be amongst the best in world. It is located between the Côte des Blancs and the Marne Valley of France. The grapes here are coveted as being of the highest quality. In fact, Moët took up shop here in 1743. Champagne was born here and for centuries these vineyards have produced the world’s most flavorful grapes. Next time you buy a bottle of bubbly look at the tiny print, it may say, “Made in Epernay”. If it does, you’re drinking the good stuff.

Other than drinking delicious champagne there is a great variety of pastry shops, ice cream parlors and crepe stands. Seeing the artistic detail that goes into every cake, cupcake, macaron and cookie almost makes you want to stare rather than eat. If dessert is an art then the French are the masters. Epernay takes a certain pride is dessert. In my mind, it’s even better than the champagne. But, the combination of the two is a glutton’s dream.

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My name is Shannon. I am a travel photographer and I have made it my mission to spread my joy of wanderlust to the masses. Through my lens I see the world and all its beauty and want to inspire others to get on that plane and fly. It's just me and my camera. My name is Shannon. I am a travel photographer and I have made it my mission to spread my joy of wanderlust to the masses. Through my lens I see the world and all its beauty and want to inspire others to get on that plane and fly. It's just me and my camera.