Le Foudre
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Mercier Cellars

4.3
·2k reviews·Épernay, France

Explore 18km of champagne cellars via a unique mini-train, followed by a delightful tasting. A must-visit in Epernay!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
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Le Foudre

Mercier Cellars

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore 18km of champagne cellars via a unique mini-train, followed by a delightful tasting. A must-visit in Epernay!

4.3
(2k reviews)

"The little train journey through the labyrinth of tunnels was super fun."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Tickets Online 🎟️

Secure your spot in advance, especially for popular times.

Train from Paris is Easy 🚆

Consider the train to Epernay for a hassle-free journey.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Underground Train Tour

The Underground Train Tour

Cellars

Ride a driverless train through 18km of vast chalk cellars, learning about champagne history and production.

TikTokInstagram+1
Champagne Tasting Experience

Champagne Tasting Experience

Tasting Room

Savor a selection of Mercier champagnes, often guided by a sommelier, to appreciate their unique flavors.

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Impressive Cellar Architecture

Impressive Cellar Architecture

Cellars

Marvel at the sheer scale of the cellars, carved from chalk, holding hundreds of thousands of bottles.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Mercier Cellars Tour in Advance

Tickets for Mercier Cellars, especially during peak season, can sell out quickly. Booking online ahead of time is highly recommended to secure your preferred tour slot and avoid disappointment. Many visitors suggest booking weeks or even months in advance for popular times. TikTokInstagram

Getting to Epernay: Train is Key

While driving is an option, many travelers find the train from Paris to Epernay to be the most convenient and stress-free way to reach Mercier Cellars. The journey is relatively short, and it allows you to fully enjoy the champagne tasting without worrying about driving. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, but busy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We took the train to Épernay and drank our weight in champagne🥂🌸 April in France is magical #paris #travel #champagne
@makkentt
21.9K likes • 146.1K views

Book Tickets Online 🎟️

Secure your spot in advance, especially for popular times. InstagramReddit

Train from Paris is Easy 🚆

Consider the train to Epernay for a hassle-free journey. TikTokInstagram

Girlstrip to Champagne 🥂 #riems #champagne #girls #eperney #france #daydrinking #fyp #ruinart #winetasting #ruinartchampagne
@dawyvantintelen_
3K likes • 98.7K views
Exploring 18km of underground cellars at Champagne Mercier via their underground train was so much fun. At just 1.5 hours from Paris I would highly recommend a visit to the Champagne region, and a visit to the cellars with a tasting afterwards is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. It’s also family friendly - we took our nearly 2 year old, and he absolutely loved the train ride and tasting ...
whichwinewith
12 likes • 360 views

Family-Friendly Fun 👨‍👩‍👧

The train tour is a hit with kids! Instagram+1

Don't Miss the Tasting 🥂

Enjoy sampling Mercier's signature and vintage champagnes. InstagramReddit

How can you cool off in Champagne? We have the solution: visit some cellars and discover the secrets of champagne production! - @ruinart, 📍Reims - @ChampagnePommery, 📍Reims - Champagne Mercier, 📍Epernay - @ChampagneVranken, 📍Reims Which of these cellars appeals to you the most? Comment se mettre au frais en Champagne ? On a la solution : visiter des caves et percer les secrets de fabrication du...
explorefrance
177 likes • 7.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Tickets Online 🎟️

Secure your spot in advance, especially for popular times. InstagramReddit

Train from Paris is Easy 🚆

Consider the train to Epernay for a hassle-free journey. TikTokInstagram

Family-Friendly Fun 👨‍👩‍👧

The train tour is a hit with kids! Instagram+1

Don't Miss the Tasting 🥂

Enjoy sampling Mercier's signature and vintage champagnes. InstagramReddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟

You'll be doing some walking and standing. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Mercier Cellars for its unique and engaging train tour through vast underground cellars, making it a fun experience for all ages. The champagne tasting is generally well-received, with many finding the quality excellent for the price. Some reviewers note that the champagne style is geared towards a broad audience, playing it safe with flavors, but overall, the experience is highly recommended for its historical insights and enjoyable atmosphere.

"We had really good experience in Champagne House Mercier. Very interested tour on the train through the cellars with the tastjng afterwards.
The signature Champagne blanc de noirs quite good quality for the price and I would consider special attention.
I quite liked theirs vintage champagne as well, which I think massively under priced.
Overall definitely worth the visit."

Alex Smirnov

"Brilliant visit. Our guide Manon did a fantastic job showing us the cellars and explaining the process of champagne making. She was also very helpful in talking us through the area and giving us its rich history.

It was the first of many champagne houses we went to, but its charm stayed with us. The little train journey through the labyrinth of tunnels was super fun.

And best of all, was the tasting. The Mercier champagne, especially the brut reserve was brilliant. Hopefully we get to come back here again at some point. Highly recommended if you’re in Épernay."

Man Krall-Singh

"Very fun and extended tour. A big company with a large history and they use this nicesly in the tour. The champagne is okay. They make champagne for a large audience and you can tell. They play it safe with the flavours"

Arne Janssen

What People Like

Unique train tour
Vast underground cellars
Good value champagne

What People Dislike

Champagne flavors safe

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most popular way is by train from Paris to Epernay. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. From Epernay station, Mercier Cellars is a short walk or taxi ride away. TikTokInstagram

Yes, driving is possible, and there is parking available. However, many visitors prefer the train to Epernay to fully enjoy the champagne tasting experience without concerns about driving. TikTok

Absolutely! Mercier Cellars is a perfect destination for a day trip from Paris, especially by train, allowing you to experience the Champagne region and return to the city the same day. TikTokInstagram

Epernay is quite walkable, especially the Avenue de Champagne where Mercier is located. Taxis are also readily available for shorter distances or if you're visiting multiple houses. Instagram

Yes, tours at Mercier Cellars are typically offered in multiple languages, including English, to accommodate international visitors. It's always best to check their official website for specific language availability when booking. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but generally, a tour including a tasting can range from around €25-€30 per person. It's advisable to check the official Mercier website for the most up-to-date pricing and package options. Reddit

Yes, booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends, to guarantee your spot and preferred tour time. InstagramReddit

A standard ticket typically includes the guided tour of the cellars via the mini-train and a champagne tasting session, often with insights from a sommelier. InstagramReddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. Generally, they are open daily, but it's essential to check the official Mercier website for the most accurate and current operating hours before your visit. TikTok

Yes, Mercier Cellars is considered family-friendly. While the tasting is for adults, children can enjoy the unique train ride through the cellars. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The tour begins with an immersive experience, often in a panoramic elevator, followed by a ride on a driverless train through 18km of underground cellars. You'll learn about the history and production of champagne. TikTokInstagram+1

The entire experience, including the train tour and tasting, typically lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the group size and pace. Instagram

The train tour is generally accessible, but it's always best to contact Mercier Cellars directly in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs and ensure they can accommodate you comfortably. Instagram

Mercier is known for its accessible and crowd-pleasing champagne styles. Their Brut Reserve is often highlighted, and they also offer vintage options. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase bottles of Mercier champagne directly from the cellar shop after your tour and tasting. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Mercier Cellars primarily focuses on champagne tours and tastings. While they may offer small accompaniments during tastings, extensive food options are not typically available on-site. You'll find many restaurants and cafes in Epernay. Instagram

Outside food is generally not permitted within the tour or tasting areas of champagne houses like Mercier. It's best to enjoy your meals at local restaurants before or after your visit. TikTok

Epernay's Avenue de Champagne and surrounding streets offer a variety of dining options, from casual bistros to more upscale restaurants, perfect for enjoying French cuisine. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in most areas of Mercier Cellars, including the cellars and tasting rooms. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography restrictions. Instagram

The underground train, the vast cellar aisles, and the impressive bottle displays offer unique photographic opportunities. The entrance area with its large barrel is also a popular spot. Instagram+1

Yes, the cellars are underground and can be quite dimly lit. Using a phone with good low-light capabilities or a camera with appropriate settings will help capture better photos. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mercier Cellars is a fantastic option for families visiting the Champagne region. The highlight for children is undoubtedly the driverless mini-train tour through the vast underground cellars. It's an exciting and educational ride that keeps them engaged, making the experience far more enjoyable than a standard walking tour. Instagram+1

While the tasting is for adults, the overall atmosphere and the novelty of the train journey make it a memorable outing for the whole family. It's also a great way to escape the heat on a summer day, as the cellars maintain a cool, consistent temperature. Remember to book tickets in advance to ensure availability for your family. Instagram+1

🥂 Champagne Enthusiasts

For true champagne aficionados, Mercier offers a compelling look into a historic house with a unique approach to cellar tours. While some may seek out smaller, boutique producers for more niche experiences, Mercier provides an excellent opportunity to understand the scale of production and the historical significance of a major champagne brand. The guided tasting with a sommelier offers valuable insights into appreciating their range, from the signature brut to vintage selections. InstagramReddit

Don't overlook the value proposition; reviews often mention that Mercier's vintage champagnes are massively underpriced for their quality, making it a smart choice for those looking to enjoy excellent champagne without breaking the bank. Exploring their extensive cellars provides context for the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. Reddit

✈️ Day-Trippers from Paris

Mercier Cellars is an ideal destination for a day trip from Paris, easily accessible by train to Epernay. The journey is short, allowing ample time to explore the cellars and enjoy a tasting without feeling rushed. The train tour is a unique and efficient way to see the extensive cellars, making it perfect for a limited timeframe. TikTokInstagram

Combine your visit to Mercier with a stroll down Epernay's Avenue de Champagne to soak in the atmosphere of the region. This makes for a fulfilling and memorable day out, offering a taste of the world-renowned champagne culture without requiring an overnight stay. Remember to book your tour tickets in advance to maximize your time. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mercier Cellars Experience: More Than Just a Tasting

Mercier Cellars offers a unique and immersive journey into the world of champagne. Unlike some other houses that focus solely on intimate tastings, Mercier provides a grander experience, highlighted by its extensive underground cellars and the iconic mini-train tour. This approach makes it particularly appealing for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to champagne production and history. The sheer scale of the 18km of cellars, carved deep into the chalky soil, is a testament to the house's legacy and its commitment to aging its wines. TikTokInstagram+1

The tour begins with an engaging introduction, often featuring a panoramic elevator that descends into the subterranean world. From there, visitors board a driverless train that winds through the labyrinthine tunnels. This mode of transport is not only practical for covering the vast distances but also adds a sense of adventure and wonder, especially for families. Along the way, you'll learn about the historical significance of the cellars, the meticulous process of champagne making, and the artistry involved in creating each bottle. Instagram+1

Following the cellar exploration, the experience culminates in a tasting session. Here, you have the opportunity to sample Mercier's range of champagnes, often guided by a sommelier who can offer insights into the tasting notes and the characteristics of each wine. Visitors frequently praise the quality of the champagne for its price point, noting that it offers excellent value. This combination of an engaging tour and a satisfying tasting makes Mercier Cellars a highly recommended stop for anyone visiting the Champagne region. InstagramReddit

Navigating the Champagne Region: Epernay vs. Reims

When planning a trip to the Champagne region, visitors often debate between focusing on Epernay or Reims. Epernay, particularly its Avenue de Champagne, is home to many of the most prestigious champagne houses, including Mercier, Moët & Chandon, and Perrier-Jouët. It offers a more concentrated experience of grand champagne estates and their cellars. The town itself is charming and provides a direct gateway to exploring these iconic producers. Instagram+1

Reims, on the other hand, is a larger city with a rich history, most notably its magnificent cathedral, which has hosted coronations of French kings for centuries. Reims also boasts numerous renowned champagne houses, such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Pommery, each with its own distinct cellar tours and tasting experiences. The city offers a broader range of attractions beyond champagne, including museums and historical sites, making it a good base for those who want a more varied itinerary. Instagram+1

Ultimately, the choice between Epernay and Reims often depends on personal preference. For a deep dive into the heart of champagne production and a focus on cellar tours, Epernay, with its concentration of houses like Mercier, is an excellent choice. For a blend of champagne exploration with historical and cultural sightseeing, Reims might be more appealing. Many visitors opt to visit both, as they are relatively close and offer complementary experiences of the region. TikTokInstagram

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