Champagne Mercier

Founded in 1858 by a visionary 20-year-old named Eugène Mercier, this champagne house was built on the radical idea that champagne should be an accessible pleasure for all, not just the elite. To achieve this, Mercier utilized groundbreaking marketing techniques, including the creation of the Foudre Mercier. This colossal wine barrel, which you will see in the lobby, was constructed from 150 oak trees and held the equivalent of 200,000 bottles. It was famously hauled to Paris for the 1889 Universal Exhibition by a team of 24 bulls and 18 horses, where it rivaled the newly built Eiffel Tower in popularity.

Today, the Mercier cellars are a marvel of 19th-century engineering. Carved directly into the chalky soil of Épernay, the 18 kilometers of tunnels are located 30 meters underground. The tour is uniquely conducted via an electric train, which glides past millions of aging bottles and massive bas-relief sculptures carved directly into the chalk walls by the sculptor Gustave Navlet. These artworks depict the various stages of champagne production, adding a museum-like quality to the subterranean journey.

Reasons to Visit

• The Foudre Mercier: See one of the largest wine barrels in the world, a true piece of 19th-century marketing history.
• The Train Tour: Enjoy a comfortable, laser-guided train ride through the cellars, perfect for those who prefer not to walk long distances underground.
• Chalk Sculptures: Admire the unique, large-scale bas-relief carvings by Gustave Navlet that decorate the tunnel walls.
• Accessibility: Experience one of the most wheelchair and stroller-friendly cellar tours in the Champagne region.

Things to Avoid

• Arriving Without a Reservation: Walk-ins are rarely accommodated during busy seasons; always book ahead.
• Wearing Summer Clothes Underground: Avoid wearing just a t-shirt and shorts, as the 10°C (50°F) cellars will quickly feel uncomfortably cold.
• Driving After Tastings: Avoid planning a driving route immediately after your visit if you plan to consume your full tasting flights.

Local Transportation Tips

Champagne Mercier is located at the eastern end of the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay. It is about a 15 to 20-minute walk from the Épernay train station, making it highly accessible for day-trippers coming from Paris or Reims. If you are driving, there is street parking available along the Avenue, as well as designated parking lots nearby. Taxis are also available at the train station for a quick ride to the estate.

Travel Etiquette

• Tasting Etiquette: Hold your champagne glass by the stem to prevent your hands from warming the wine.
• Pacing: Sip your champagne slowly to appreciate the aromas and flavors; it is not meant to be consumed quickly.
• Cellar Rules: Do not touch the aging bottles or the chalk walls while on the tour, as the environment is carefully controlled for the wine's development.

Recommended Age Group

Champagne Mercier offers a unique experience that caters to various age groups, though the core attraction is centered around wine.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. The facility is stroller-friendly with elevators, but the dark, cool cellars might not be ideal for very young infants.
• Kids (3-12 years): Neutral. Children often enjoy the underground train ride and the giant barrel, but the historical and tasting aspects are geared toward adults. Grape juice is provided.
• Teens (13-19 years): Neutral. Teens can appreciate the impressive engineering and history, but the legal drinking age in France is 18, so younger teens cannot participate in the tasting.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. The perfect demographic for enjoying the history, architecture, and the champagne tasting experience.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The panoramic elevator and the train tour make this one of the most physically accommodating cellar visits in the region, requiring minimal walking.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Wheelchair Access: The visitor center, tasting rooms, and cellars are fully accessible via a panoramic elevator.
• Train Accommodation: The underground train has specific cars designed to accommodate wheelchairs. It is highly recommended to inform the staff at the time of booking to ensure space is prepared.
• Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available on the ground floor.
• Terrain: The public areas are flat and well-paved, making navigation easy for those with mobility aids.

Did You Know?

Eugène Mercier was a master of publicity. In addition to the giant barrel, he once organized a hot air balloon ride over Paris during the 1900 Universal Exhibition, serving his champagne to guests in the sky. Unfortunately, the balloon blew off course and landed in Belgium, but the resulting press coverage only boosted the brand's fame!

Cool Statistics

• Cellar Length: 18 kilometers (approx. 11 miles) of underground tunnels.
• Depth: The cellars are located 30 meters (nearly 100 feet) below the surface.
• Barrel Capacity: The Foudre Mercier held 1,600 hectoliters, equivalent to 200,000 standard bottles of champagne.
• Founding Year: 1858, making it over 160 years old.