Discover dog-friendly Épernay. From vineyard tours to riverside walks
By Stacey Wittig
Plenty of visitors strolled their furry travel companions along the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, France, last month. I was there to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the chic boulevard, said to be the richest avenue in the world.
If you love bubbles, the place to be is in France’s Champagne region. But why is this wide boulevard with so much pedestrian space considered the richest in the world? The secret lies below.
Since the late 18th century, Avenue de Champagne has attracted renowned houses such as Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Perrier-Jouët, and others. Beyond the grand facades, iron gates, and manicured gardens, these maisons are famous for the chalk cellars stretching beneath the street. Millions of bottles of Champagne rest there, making the avenue the richest in the world.
Your pooch will love the green spaces and casual patio vibe at the Champagne Houses as much as you do. Wander in and out of the maisons for tastings and a peek inside. While dogs are generally welcome in outdoor spaces, most houses don’t allow them in underground cellars or tasting rooms.
One exception is Champagne Mercier, which welcomes canine friends on its vineyard-style tour. Their “Stroll by the Vineyards” experience includes a cellar visit, tasting, and a guided walk through the adjacent vineyard. Pets are also welcome in the boutique and tasting areas—though, for hygiene and safety, dogs may only enter the cellars if carried in a bag or carrier.
Dining Out with Your Dog
French restaurants and cafés are generally dog-friendly, often allowing pups inside as well as on terraces. Still, it’s polite to ask first. I recommend making reservations and mentioning your furry travel buddy when booking. Some eateries even set out a Toutou Bar (a water bowl for Fido).
Do note: while many spots in Champagne country are welcoming, museums, cathedrals, and historic monuments often have restrictions.
Easy Outdoor Time in Épernay
Take long walks in the surrounding parks, scenic areas, and along the Marne River that flows through town. The Halte Nautique (boat harbor) on the Marne makes a charming starting point for a peaceful riverside stroll or picnic with your four-legged pal.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
We enjoyed our stay at Le Relais Du Vigneron, a Best Western property in a typical Champagne village. The owners, fifth-generation winemakers, produce Charles Pougeoise Champagne, which you can taste at the hotel’s celebrated restaurant or in their maison in the medieval village of Vertus. Their woman-chef crafts inventive dishes with fresh, local produce. Pets are welcome for a supplement of only €15 per night.
La Briqueterie, a Beauvallon Hotel, accepts pets of any size (€50 per pet, per night). We enjoyed dinner there: both the service and the magical grounds were impeccable.
For a view of the vineyards, stay at Hôtel-Restaurant Château d’Étoges, a 17th-century castle classified as a Historic Monument. With your pooch on a leash, you can wander the château park together. Cats and dogs are welcome in bedrooms (€30 per night) and in the brasserie.
As in the U.S., let the hotel know at booking that you’re bringing a pet.
Épernay charmed us with its approachable, casual vibe in the heart of Champagne country. I can’t wait to return for the dazzling Habits de Lumière festival (December 12–14, 2025), with its illuminations, festive parades, gourmet delights, and, of course, champagne tastings. It’s one of Épernay’s most anticipated annual events.
So raise a glass—and a paw—because in Épernay, both you and your pup can savor the sparkle of Champagne country.
Stacey Wittig is a travel writer based outside Flagstaff. Follow her adventures at: UnstoppableStaceyTravel.com.
