Christmas and Champagne

Christmas and Champagne – the perfect pairing, says Janine Marsh as she treadsthe light fantastic along one of the world’s most famous and stylish streets.For most of the year, Épernay’s Avenuedu Champagne, one of the most famousthoroughfares in the world, is an elegant, andrather serene street. The long, wide avenuehosts some of the most famous Champagnenames from Moët to Pol Roger, based instately houses and maintaining an image ofsilky sophistication which we, the public geta glimpse of on polished tours of their cellarsand tasting rooms.But – once a year, for three days, therefined image goes out of the window asthe capital of the champagne-makingregion goes all out festive for its famouswinter festival – the Habits de Lumière.Don’t worry, there’s still plenty ofChampagne tasting, but there’s also music,an extraordinary street light show, pop upChampagne and food stalls, fireworks andshows, a parade and cooking contests.2024 celebrates the 24 th edition of thisunique Champagne light show. Just over anhour from Paris by train, Épernay’s winterfestival is easy to get to, and if you want tosee the very best of the event, go on Friday orSaturday and stay overnight so you can enjoythe night-time spectacle.Each day offers something different, onSaturday it’s gastronomy that’s highlightedwith chefs and winegrowers pairing up tooffer cooking demonstrations and tastingsessions. There are wine and food workshopsand cellar tours. On Sunday a parade ofvintage cars takes place.As dusk falls on Friday and Saturday, thestreet starts to transform into a sea of colour,light projections and luminous art. Pop upEffervescentÉPERNAY’SLuminousWinter Festival!18 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 19