In 1900, on the occasion of the Universal Exhibition held in Paris, Eugène Mercier imagined an unusual flying bar in a captive balloon. Attached to the foot of the Château de Vincennes, the balloon took visitors to an altitude of 300 meters. A Mercier flute and an admirable panorama of Paris were offered to them. But a strange twist of fate would transform this beautiful ascent into an unexpected adventure… The wind took hold of this flying attraction, pushed it to Epernay and far beyond, to end its mad race in Belgium. Despite everything, the unlucky travelers returned safe and sound!
Although the Mercier house is located in Epernay, it has always maintained a close link with Paris. Since the construction of the cellars in 1871, a direct rail link has ensured the transport of champagne to the City of Light.
The reverse is also true, Mercier's reputation has always welcomed lovers of fine bubbles in its hilly vineyards. As early as 1904, a car rally took place between Paris and Epernay with a remarkable arrival on the Avenue de Champagne, in front of the doors of the Mercier house.