Champagne Mercier

Cellar tour by little electric train

Champagne Mercier was founded in 1858 by Eugene Mercier, who set out to bring champagne within reach of the middle classes rather than reserve it for kings. The 18-kilometre cellar network beneath the property is one of the largest in Epernay, and Mercier's signature tour takes visitors through it by little electric train rather than on foot — a slightly kitsch but genuinely fun experience.

The cellars are decorated with carved-chalk reliefs commissioned by Mercier himself in the late 19th century. Tours include a glass of brut at the end; longer tastings and food pairings can be booked.

things to do sight
A story
For the 1889 Paris Exhibition, founder Eugene Mercier built the biggest oak barrel in the world — 20 tonnes, holding the equivalent of 200,000 bottles. To move it the 35 kilometres to Paris, walls had to be demolished and two houses pulled down along the route. The cask is still on display at the entrance to the cellars.