2 Avenue Maréchal JOFFRE, 51200 Épernay

Première Classe Epernay

Name: Première Classe Epernay
Address: 2 Avenue Maréchal JOFFRE, Épernay, 51200, fr
Price range: 32 EUR - 112 EUR

1-star hotel

Budget
With parking
Pets allowed
1 star
Accessible for disabled

Presentation

You walk along the avenue, and the light-colored building of the Hôtel Première Classe in Épernay appears, bordered by trees and parking spaces. As soon as you cross the threshold, a sense of well-thought-out simplicity takes over: everything seems designed to facilitate arrival, whether after a few minutes of walking from the train station or following a long journey on the A4.

Coming from the train, it only takes fifteen minutes on foot to reach the address; those who prefer to drive can leave their car in the closed, free parking lot, equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles. The immediate surroundings remain calm, close enough to the center to reach it on foot, yet far enough away to ensure peaceful nights.

The 24-hour reception desk removes any time constraints; a simple stop at the counter allows you to check your luggage, browse the day's newspapers, or ask for advice on a visit. The staff also provides practical items like a hairdryer, a microwave, or a baby kit, lightening the travel load.

Built on three levels accessible by elevator, the establishment was inaugurated in 2009 and features air-conditioned, sober, and bright common areas. Soundproof corridors lead to 79 rooms, offering a variety of options to meet different needs: a solo night, a couple’s getaway, a family stopover, or a group stay thanks to connecting room configurations.

In the double rooms, the bed occupies the center of the space, flanked by a discreet desk and a flat-screen TV. The triples are thoughtfully arranged to preserve privacy, while the family rooms accommodate up to four people without compromising on the sense of space.

All rooms are equipped with adjustable air conditioning and blackout curtains to ensure uninterrupted sleep. Unlimited Wi-Fi covers the entire building; the connection is established in seconds, ideal for planning a wine route or finalizing a professional dossier.

Each bathroom is private and includes a shower, sink, and toilet in a compact yet ergonomic layout. Eco-friendly toiletries are provided, and on request, a hairdryer can be brought to the room. Three units designed for people with reduced mobility feature expanded spaces and grab bars to facilitate daily movements.

Pets are welcome, so there’s no need to part with your loyal companion for a Champagne weekend. A vending machine in the lobby offers snacks and drinks at any hour, while free newspapers invite a relaxing reading break on the terrace.

Starting at six in the morning, the ground-floor dining room hosts the breakfast buffet. Pastries, assorted breads, fruit juices, hot beverages, and some local specialties await early risers as well as those who prefer to sleep in. Children under ten enjoy a reduced rate, a welcome perk for families.

When the weather allows, many extend their morning with a stroll to the Avenue de Champagne. Walking along its 19th-century facades, you’ll pass mansions and monumental gates, each an entrance to the underground cellars of renowned houses like Moët & Chandon or Mercier.

A bit further on, the Castellane Tower overlooks the town. From its viewpoint, the landscape stretches over slate rooftops and vineyard-covered slopes. At its base, the Champagne museum offers a modern scenography that retraces the steps of crafting the world’s most famous sparkling wine.

For an artistic heritage experience, the recent Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology Museum, housed in the restored Perrier Castle, features Gallo-Roman collections, artworks, and vineyard-related objects. The contrast between the eclectic architectural style and the contemporary museography is worth the visit alone.

Panorama enthusiasts can easily reach the heights of Mont Bernon on foot or by bike. From this verdant promontory, Épernay reveals itself from a different angle, framed by a carpet of vineyards that change color with the seasons. On the way back down, a stop at Notre-Dame Church offers a chance to admire its sculpted portal and colorful stained glass windows.

Three kilometers away, the Millesium hosts concerts, exhibitions, and sports events throughout the year. Staying at the Hôtel Première Classe makes access to this event space easy, with a quick drive or local bus service.

The vineyards of the southern Épernay slopes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer scenic routes combining viewpoints and wine-growing villages. A few minutes are all it takes to reach Hautvillers, the birthplace of Dom Pérignon, or Cumières, a departure point for river cruises on the Marne.

At the end of the day, returning to the hotel brings a sense of well-executed simplicity: the car awaits in the parking lot, the room retains the coolness of the air conditioning, and the Wi-Fi allows you to share the day’s discoveries. You set down your bags, and the Champagne capital quietly hums beyond the windows, ready to reveal new facets the next day.

Some activities and discoveries near this hotel

Walk along the Avenue de Champagne and visit the iconic cellars of houses like Moët & Chandon or Mercier to explore kilometers of underground galleries and taste renowned vintages
Climb to the top of the Castellane Tower to admire the panoramic view over Épernay's rooftops before exploring the museum dedicated to Champagne history
Visit the Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology Museum, housed in the Perrier Castle, where a modern museography reveals both archaeological treasures and the secrets of crafting sparkling wine
Follow the Champagne tourist route to the village of Hautvillers, the birthplace of Dom Pérignon, to enjoy viewpoints over the UNESCO-listed vineyards
Attend a concert or exhibition at the Millesium, an event venue less than three kilometers away, easily accessible from the hotel

Summary of some positive reviews found online

Rooms considered very clean and functional, with comfortable bedding ensuring a restful sleep.
Excellent value for money according to many travelers, who praise the consistency between price and services.
Staff described as welcoming and available, readily offering visit advice and logistical help.
Free and secure parking highly appreciated, especially by those traveling by car or motorbike.
Varied breakfast mentioned as a pleasant feature to start the day before sightseeing.