La Cave aux Coquillages

Description

A hidden gem beneath the vineyards of the Champagne region, located in the village of Fleury-la-Rivière near Épernay. This unique underground site takes visitors into ancient chalk cellars carved into the hillside, where millions of fossilized seashells can be found embedded in the rock. These fossils date back around 45 million years, to a time when the region was covered by a warm, shallow sea. One of the most remarkable discoveries here is the abundance of large fossil shells known as Campanile giganteum, offering a rare glimpse into prehistoric marine life. The caves themselves were later used by local winegrowers, linking the geological history of the site with the region’s long-standing Champagne tradition. Today, La Cave aux Coquillages offers guided tours that combine science, history, and local heritage. It is an original and educational stop, revealing an unexpected side of Champagne—where vineyards meet ancient oceans beneath your feet.