You're now standing on Place de la République, one of the main squares in Épernay. It’s a busy crossroads that branches out into five different streets, including the famous Avenue de Champagne. Because of all the traffic, it’s not really a place where people stop and linger, but it’s still an important hub in the city. Right in the middle, you’ll see a war memorial dedicated to the heroes of the French Resistance. It was unveiled in 1950, thanks to Pierre Servagnat, a local resistance leader during World War II. The monument honors the memory of 176 residents of Épernay who gave their lives fighting for France. By the way, the locals here are called “Sparnaciens”—a little fun fact you might not have known. It’s a touching tribute, right at the heart of a square that connects some of the town’s busiest shopping streets.