An Ode to Romance in the Heart of Champagne
Where centuries of passion meet the world's most celebrated wine
In the luminous world of Champagne, where every bottle tells a story of patience, craftsmanship, and devotion, February transforms the region into something altogether more intimate. Here, amidst the storied cellars and frost-kissed vineyards, romance finds its most refined expression.
The Legend of Saint Valentine: Love's Eternal Ambassador
Before we immerse ourselves in Champagne's most enchanting celebration, let us raise a glass to the man whose courage two millennia ago would forever change how the world honours love. Saint Valentine—a name that has transcended time to become synonymous with romance itself—was far more than legend. He was a man of extraordinary conviction whose final act of devotion would echo through the centuries.
The story begins in Rome, around 270 AD, during the tumultuous reign of Emperor Claudius II. Rome was perpetually at war, and the Emperor, observing that young men showed reluctance to join his legions—whether from desertion or simple unwillingness—made a calculated decree: he outlawed marriage for young men, convinced that soldiers unburdened by thoughts of wives and children would fight with greater ferocity.
Into this environment of state-sanctioned loneliness stepped Valentine, a Christian priest whose faith commanded him to honour love above imperial edict. At considerable personal risk, Valentine continued to perform sacred marriage ceremonies in secret, uniting couples in clandestine locations throughout Rome. For years, he ministered in the shadows, preserving the sanctity of marriage and offering young lovers hope amidst an empire that had outlawed their devotion.
Discovery was inevitable. Valentine was arrested and brought before Emperor Claudius, who demanded renunciation of his Christian beliefs. Valentine refused. During his imprisonment, an extraordinary romance blossomed—he cured the blindness of his jailer's daughter, and the two fell deeply, impossibly in love. Theirs was truly love at first sight, though fate would grant them no future together.
Their romance was tragically short-lived. On February 14, 270 AD, Valentine was sentenced to death. On the eve of his execution, he sent a farewell letter to his beloved, a passionate message that he signed simply: "Your Valentine." These two words, penned by a condemned man to the woman he loved, would echo through the centuries.
For his acts of courage, compassion, and self-sacrifice in the name of love, Valentine was later declared a saint by Pope Gelasius I. The Church sought to Christianize the pagan Roman festival of Lupercalia—a fertility celebration held in mid-February—and Valentine's feast day was deliberately placed on February 14th to provide a Christian alternative to pagan love rituals.
From Ancient Rome to Modern Romance
The transformation of Valentine's Day from religious observance to celebration of romantic love is a fascinating journey through European history. In medieval England and France, the tradition evolved into elaborate courtship rituals. Young ladies would write the names of potential suitors on slips of paper, roll them in clay, and place them in bowls of water—whichever name floated to the surface first would be their Valentine.
In Scotland, names were drawn from a hat three times; if the same name appeared each time, marriage was believed to be destined. The chosen Valentine's name would then be worn on one's sleeve for the remainder of the day—the origin of our expression "wearing your heart on your sleeve."
The tradition even extended to the natural world. Medieval poets celebrated the belief that birds chose their mates on St. Valentine's Day, creating an enduring connection between lovebirds and human lovers. According to folklore, the type of bird a maiden spotted on Valentine's morning would predict her future husband: a robin meant she'd marry a sailor, a goldfinch foretold a wealthy match, while a blackbird indicated a clergyman.
Valentine's Day in France: The Art of Amour
France—that consummate keeper of romance—approaches Saint-Valentin with characteristic sophistication. Here, Valentine's Day has never succumbed to the democratic sentimentality found elsewhere. It remains, as it should, a celebration reserved exclusively for "les amoureux"—those bound by romantic love.
The French once practised "Lotterie d'Amour," an audacious matchmaking tradition where men and women would call to each other across streets to form couples for the day. Rejected women would gather around bonfires, burning effigies of faithless suitors in scenes of such theatrical passion that the government eventually intervened. How very French—to make even heartbreak an art form worthy of prohibition.
Today's observance is infinitely more refined. From early February, France transforms: florists compose symphonies in rose and peony, perfumeries unveil intimate fragrances, lingerie boutiques display delicate confections of silk and lace, whilst pâtisseries craft chocolate masterpieces that blur the line between confection and sculpture.
The French eschew the greeting card. Instead, they offer what matters: a single perfect rose discovered on a pillow at dawn, an unexpected bouquet delivered to one's workplace, perhaps a letter written by hand—that most intimate of gestures. And naturally, being France, celebration centres upon the table. Every restaurant worthy of the name presents a special Valentine's menu: Champagne, naturally, alongside the finest seafood, culminating in chocolate prepared with the reverence it deserves.
Épernay Mon Amour 2026: When Champagne Declares Its Love
This February, Champagne's most elegant town extends an invitation to those who understand that love, like fine wine, demands both celebration and reverence. From February 9th through 15th, 2026, Épernay hosts the fifth edition of "Épernay mon amour"—a week when the capital of Champagne transforms into a stage for romance in all its sophisticated forms.
Orchestrated by the Office de Tourisme Épernay en Champagne alongside the region's most distinguished houses and artisans, this celebration offers experiences for every expression of love: the newly enamoured and the long devoted, intimate gatherings of dear friends, cherished family moments, even the profound pleasure of solitude in beautiful surroundings.
The Champagne Imperative
Coco Chanel, that arbiter of elegance, declared: "I only drink Champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not."
Her wisdom reveals a fundamental truth: Champagne transcends mere beverage to become an essential component of life's most meaningful moments. Its effervescence mirrors the quickening pulse of new romance; its complexity reflects the layered depth of enduring love. For Valentine's Day, Champagne is not simply appropriate—it is indispensable.
The terroir itself conspires toward romance. Rolling hillsides carpeted in dormant vines create a landscape of austere beauty, punctuated by villages that seem carved from honeyed stone. The legendary Avenue de Champagne—often called the world's most expensive street, given the millions of bottles aging in chalk cellars beneath its elegant façade—offers a setting where even a simple promenade becomes an occasion for enchantment.
The Épernay Mon Amour Experience: A Symphony of Sensations
The 2026 program offers an enchanting variety of experiences designed to delight all the senses and celebrate love in all its forms:
Romantic or Breathtaking Encounters Events that will make hearts race, whether from the thrill of romance or the excitement of new experiences.
Entertainment with Bubbles Experiences that flirt with Champagne, combining the region's effervescent wine with music, art, and celebration.
Sensory Feasts Food and wine pairings that create harmonies on the palate, proving that gastronomy is indeed a form of love.
Champagne Revelations Discover fifty shades (or almost!) of Champagne through tastings and educational experiences that reveal the depth and diversity of these exceptional wines.
Artisanal Secrets Intimate glimpses into traditional craftsmanship, from corsetry to chocolate-making, where passion and skill create works of art.
Creative Workshops Hands-on experiences combining Champagne with flowers, perfumes, and chocolate—crafting your own tokens of affection.
Wellness & Relaxation Spa experiences and relaxation activities designed for couples or solo indulgence, because self-love matters too.
Featured Events (Program Highlights)
While the full program offers dozens of experiences, here are some of the highlights you won't want to miss:
Bubble Tour: St-Valentin en Champagne
Date: February 14, 2026 An exclusive tour celebrating Valentine's Day in the heart of Champagne, featuring visits to prestigious houses and intimate tastings designed for couples.
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Guided Visit: Town Hall and Park on the Theme of Love
Explore Épernay's historic Town Hall and its romantic gardens through the lens of love stories past and present.
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Concerts at the Theatre
Special Valentine-themed performances bringing music and romance together in Épernay's beautiful theatre.
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Immersion in Chantelle Corsetier Savoir-Faire
Discover the art and sensuality of French corsetry in this unique behind-the-scenes experience.
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Blind Tasting: Le Rosé Se Dévoile (The Rosé Reveals Itself)
A sensory journey through rosé Champagnes, where wines reveal their secrets in the dark.
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Evening by Candlelight: Soirée à la Lueur des Bulles
A romantic candlelit evening where Champagne bubbles provide the only illumination for an unforgettable night.
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Workshop: Champagne, Flowers, Perfumes, and Chocolate
Combine the region's greatest pleasures in a creative workshop that engages all the senses.
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Beyond Épernay: Romance Across the Region
The celebration extends beyond Épernay itself to encompass the Côte des Blancs & Coteaux Sud, the Grande Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims, and even Reims itself. Each area offers its own romantic experiences, from intimate Champagne house visits to candlelit dinners in Michelin-starred restaurants.
Special romantic meal packages and overnight stays are available throughout the region, allowing couples to extend their Valentine's celebration into a true romantic getaway. Many Champagne houses have created special Valentine cuvées and tasting experiences exclusive to this week.
Partnership with Ici Champagne Ardenne
This year, Épernay mon amour has partnered with the regional radio station Ici Champagne Ardenne for a special Valentine's Day operation. Listeners have the chance to win wonderful prizes, including two complete romantic stays with champagne, gourmet dining, and unique experiences—plus many other surprises.
The radio partnership also features interviews and features showcasing the diverse romantic experiences available during Épernay mon amour week, ensuring that no one has an excuse not to celebrate love this February.
Arriving at Your Champagne Sanctuary
For guests of Maison Vejoll in Monthurel (02330), Épernay's romantic celebrations await just moments from your door—a mere 30 kilometers through the picturesque Champagne countryside. The drive, taking approximately 25-30 minutes, carries you through rolling vineyards and charming villages, serving as an enchanting prelude to the festivities ahead.
This proximity transforms Épernay mon amour from a destination event into an extension of your everyday luxury—near enough for spontaneous evening soirées, yet positioned to feel like a true escape. Your Monthurel residence becomes the perfect haven from which to explore the celebration, offering the comfort of returning each evening to your own refined retreat rather than the anonymity of a hotel.
For international arrivals, Maison Vejoll maintains excellent accessibility:
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: Approximately 90 minutes by car
Paris city centre: Less than 90 minutes via the A4 autoroute
Reims: 45 minutes through the Champagne heartland
The region's renowned Champagne houses and villages: within easy reach for daily exploration