Gabrielle Dorziat Theatre

To your right is Épernay’s theater, proudly named after Gabrielle Dorziat, a celebrated actress born right here in town. Born in 1880, Dorziat became one of the most influential actresses of the 20th century. A feminist and fiercely independent woman, she began her career on stage and only turned to cinema at the age of 56. From then on, she appeared in over 70 films, often portraying strong, complex female characters, and worked alongside some of the greatest actors and directors of her time. In 1949, she received the award for Best Female Performance in cinema and was later named an Officer of the Legion of Honor for her extraordinary career. On stage, she starred in plays by Henri Bernstein, Jean Giraudoux, and even Jean Cocteau, notably in Les Parents terribles. On screen, you can spot her in Mayerling, Manon, La Ronde, and Le Plaisir. She enjoyed a long, successful life, passing away in 1979 just shy of her 100th birthday. That’s why this theater now bears her name—a tribute to her legacy. The theater itself was inaugurated in 1902, after two years of construction led by architect Stanislas Loison. Many artists contributed to its design and decoration, including Georges Clairin, who also worked on the Opéra Garnier in Paris. Inside, the theater boasts a stunning Italian-style hall, blending Louis XV and rococo styles. It offers locals and visitors a vibrant cultural program, with plays, concerts, and artistic events all held in this gorgeous setting. The building was listed as a Historic Monument in 1988. It faces Place Mendès France, a charming little park. And if you look just across the street from the theater’s façade, you’ll notice a small stele commemorating the liberation of Épernay from German occupation on August 28, 1944, after four long years. It also honors American General George Patton, who played a key role in freeing many French towns during World War II. Alright, let’s move on and take a stroll through the park.