De Castellane Cellars & Tower
Ascend the colorful tower and explore historic cellars at De Castellane, a renowned champagne house in Epernay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
De Castellane Cellars & Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend the colorful tower and explore historic cellars at De Castellane, a renowned champagne house in Epernay.
"Loved every minute of it. Great champagne. Totally recommend."
🎯 Book Tours Online
Secure your spot by booking tours in advance, especially for the tower experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so comfortable footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic De Castellane Tower
Epernay
Ascend the colorful tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Epernay and the Avenue de Champagne.
Underground Champagne Caves
Epernay
Explore the historic cellars where champagne is aged, learning about the intricate production process.
Champagne Tasting Experience
Epernay
Savor a selection of De Castellane's finest champagnes after your tour, a perfect end to the visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Champagne Tour in Advance
Prepare for the Tower Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Online
Secure your spot by booking tours in advance, especially for the tower experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so comfortable footwear is a must!
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera for the stunning vistas from the tower!
🥂 Enjoy the Tasting
Savor the delicious champagne offered during the tasting session.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Online
Secure your spot by booking tours in advance, especially for the tower experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so comfortable footwear is a must!
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera for the stunning vistas from the tower!
🥂 Enjoy the Tasting
Savor the delicious champagne offered during the tasting session.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the informative and engaging tours at De Castellane Cellars & Tower, highlighting the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the champagne tasting. The iconic tower climb is a frequent favorite, offering stunning views, though the steps can be a challenge. Some note the cellars are not as extensive as other houses, but the overall experience is highly recommended.
"Did the Tower Tour and tasting. Loved every minute of it. Guide was great; very helpful and informative. Great champagne. Totally recommend."
Paul Toomer
"We did the heritage tour and it was really nice. Our guide Stefanie did a wonderful job and knew a lot about the champagne house. She was very welcoming and the tasting after was great as well."
Isis Jansen
"Delightful’ describes our experience at Champagne de Castellane. Coming from Australia, we had not had any exposure to the brand, however when you arrive in Epernay by train the tower on the property calls out “come and explore”.
We did the English speaking tour and were able to climb the 200 steps to the highest part of Epernay looking over the Avenue de Champagne and the sprawling county side, even seeing the village where Dom Perignon lived. This fabulous tour ends with several glasses of really yummy Champagne, we loved it."
Adam Baldwin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach De Castellane Cellars & Tower from Paris is by taking a train to Epernay. The journey typically takes about 1.5 hours. From the Epernay train station, the cellars are a short walk or a quick taxi ride away.
While specific parking details can vary, many visitors find street parking or public parking lots near the Avenue de Champagne. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date parking information.
Absolutely! Epernay, home to De Castellane Cellars & Tower, is a popular and feasible day trip from Paris, offering a fantastic taste of the Champagne region. +1
Walking along the Avenue de Champagne is the most immersive way to experience it. You can also rent bikes or use local transport to hop between the various champagne houses.
Yes, Epernay is renowned for its numerous champagne houses along the Avenue de Champagne, including Moët & Chandon and Mercier. De Castellane is just one of many excellent options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices can vary depending on the package chosen (e.g., caves only, caves + tower, tasting options). It's best to check the official De Castellane website for current pricing and to book your tickets in advance.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets for the tower tour in advance, as these tours can fill up quickly.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official De Castellane website for the most accurate and up-to-date opening hours before your visit.
De Castellane offers various tours, often including a visit to the cellars and a champagne tasting. Some tours also include a climb up the iconic tower for panoramic views.
Yes, you can typically purchase bottles of De Castellane champagne directly from the cellar after your tour or tasting.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tower tour involves climbing approximately 200 steps to reach the top, offering spectacular views over Epernay and the surrounding countryside. The guide shares historical insights about the tower and the champagne house.
A standard tour, including the cellars and tasting, usually lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours. If you opt for the tower climb, it might add a little extra time.
The cellar tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and may have some stairs. The tower climb is not accessible for those with mobility issues due to the numerous steps. It's advisable to contact the cellar directly for specific accessibility information.
Riddling is a crucial step in traditional champagne making where bottles are gradually rotated and tilted to move the sediment towards the neck of the bottle, preparing it for disgorgement.
You can expect to taste a selection of De Castellane's signature champagnes, often including their Brut and Rosé varieties, allowing you to experience their distinct style.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
De Castellane Cellars & Tower primarily focuses on champagne tours and tastings. While they may offer light snacks or accompaniments with tastings, it's not a full-service restaurant. You'll find many dining options in Epernay town.
Generally, outside food is not permitted within the tour or tasting areas of champagne houses. It's best to enjoy your meals in Epernay before or after your visit.
Epernay offers a range of dining experiences, from casual bistros to more upscale restaurants. Popular choices often include establishments along the Avenue de Champagne or in the town center, serving French cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of De Castellane Cellars, especially in the caves and from the tower. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage indicating restricted areas.
The top of the De Castellane Tower offers incredible panoramic shots of Epernay and the vineyards. The colorful exterior of the tower itself is also a very photogenic subject.
Yes, you can usually take photos during the champagne tasting, but it's polite to be discreet and not disrupt the experience for others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to check with the cellar directly about age restrictions for tours and tastings. Epernay itself offers parks and other attractions that can complement a family visit to the region.
🥂 Champagne Connoisseurs
While some may seek out more niche or exclusive producers in the region, De Castellane provides a solid and accessible experience on the famous Avenue de Champagne. The tower climb offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the scale of the vineyards that supply these esteemed houses.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside the cellars, the atmospheric lighting and rows of aging champagne bottles create unique photographic opportunities. While flash photography might be restricted in some areas, the natural light and textures within the caves offer a moody and compelling visual narrative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of De Castellane
Founded in 1895, the house of De Castellane has a long-standing tradition of producing quality champagne. The cellars themselves are extensive, stretching for at least a kilometer underground, and are where the magic of champagne aging takes place. Visitors often remark on the unique character of these caves, noting they might not be as deep as some other houses but are nonetheless impressive.
Exploring De Castellane offers a glimpse into both the industrial and artistic heritage of the Champagne region. The blend of historical architecture and the ongoing craft of champagne making makes for a compelling visit, appealing to both history buffs and champagne enthusiasts alike.
Experiencing the Tower and Views
Many visitors describe the view from the top as the highlight of their visit, providing a unique perspective on the champagne capital. It's a fantastic opportunity for photography, capturing the sprawling vineyards and the charming town below. The guide often shares interesting facts about the region and the history of the tower during the climb, making the ascent both informative and scenic.
Given the physical nature of the climb, it's essential to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the exertion. However, for those who make the climb, the stunning vistas and the sense of accomplishment are well worth the effort.
The Champagne Making Process at De Castellane
A key aspect often highlighted is the 'riddling' process, a traditional method where bottles are gradually rotated and tilted to consolidate the sediment. This technique is crucial for achieving the clarity and quality of the final champagne. The cellars, while extensive, are noted by some to be less deep than those of other houses, but still offer a fascinating insight into the aging and maturation of the sparkling wine.
Of course, no champagne tour is complete without a tasting. After exploring the cellars, guests have the opportunity to sample a selection of De Castellane's champagnes, experiencing firsthand the fruits of their labor and the distinct characteristics of the house's style.
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