Visit Hautvillers: top 5 things to do in the cradle of champagne
Want to discover the village where champagne was born? Head to Hautvillers, a name that resonates throughout Champagne as a place apart.
On the hillsides above the tranquil bends of the Marne River, this village exudes authenticity. Stone walls, surrounding vineyards, air steeped in history: here, everything recalls the strong link between wine and time. It was in Hautvillers Abbey that Dom Pérignon left his mark on the history of Champagne. Even today, the village remains faithful to this tradition of excellence and discretion. You only need to walk around a little, push open a few doors, to feel this living link between heritage, wine and landscape.
Hautvillers, a jewel of Champagne's heritage near Épernay
Just five kilometres from Épernay, Hautvillers overlooks the Marne Valley. The view alone is worth the detour. Vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, soft light on the hills, and in the centre, this village that has remained true to its roots.
Hautvillers charms without needing to try too hard. The houses are simple, the streets quiet, the stones ancient. There is a real sense of consistency here, a respect for the place and its history. Dom Pérignon lived here, and his spirit still lingers in the corridors of the abbey and the surrounding cellars. Yet nothing is set in stone: here, people live with wine, sharing a glass, a story, a plot of vineyard.
Visit Saint-Sindulphe Church and the tomb of Dom Pierre Pérignon
The abbey dominates the village. This is where it all began. Founded in the 7th century, it became the home of Dom Pierre Pérignon in the 17th century. Here he worked the vines, refined his blends and sought to stabilise the wines. He may not have “invented” Champagne, but he gave it its soul.
His tomb lies in the abbey church. A simple stone slab, without any embellishment. Every year, visitors come to pay their respects, sometimes without saying a word, just to be there. The church is open to visitors, but guided tours provide insights that cannot be found in brochures. Parking is easy, with a car park right next door. The abbey, meanwhile, is private.
Admire the wrought iron signs in the village's narrow streets
In Hautvillers, you have to look up. Around forty wrought iron signs adorn the façades. Cooper, blacksmith, cellar master, carpenter… Each symbol tells the story of a trade, a memory.
These works, installed since the 1960s, add a discreet poetry to the walk. They do not indicate shops or museums, but identities. Some are old, others more recent, but all tell a story. They give the village a unique, endearing character. A map is available at the reception point, but nothing beats a leisurely stroll to discover surprises along the way.
Taste exceptional champagnes at local wineries
Here, Champagne is not sold: it is described, tasted and shared. Hautvillers has dozens of producers, mainly family-run businesses. These are winegrowers who know their plots, their history and their wine.
Some houses open their cellars by appointment only. Others welcome visitors without formalities. The setting varies: a quiet courtyard, a vaulted room, a terrace overlooking the vineyards. What remains unchanged is the sincerity of the welcome.
Here you can taste rare vintages, far removed from the standardised circuits. Some houses work organically, others biodynamically. All defend a vision of Champagne as a wine of place, not of brand. Taking the time to chat and ask questions is already immersing yourself in the local culture.
Explore the cellars and vineyards around Hautvillers
As soon as you leave the village, vineyards take over. The terrain varies, the views open up, and paths cross. Here, vineyards have shaped the landscape for centuries.
Several wineries offer cellar tours. You descend underground, listen to the muffled sound of bottles resting, and follow the journey of wine, from grape to glass. Others offer more unexpected experiences: sabrage, sensory workshops, blind tastings.
For those who enjoy exploring, providers such as Ay Champagne Experience and My Vintage Tour offer a different way to discover the vineyards: in a vintage car, on an electric bike or even in a buggy. Leave the village behind, breathe in the fresh air and take in the beauty of the region.
To organise your exploration of the vineyards:
Hiking and walking in the Marne Valley
The paths lead off in all directions. Towards the woods, towards the ridges, towards the river. Some climb steeply, others wind gently between the vines. All offer a sensitive interpretation of the landscape.
The Hautvillers viewpoint remains a must-see. It overlooks the valley, the village rooftops and the vineyards stretching towards Épernay. Further away, the cliffs of Cumières reveal a magnificent panorama.
The Low Carbon Road, the vineyard lodges and sunken paths encourage visitors to take a leisurely stroll. Here, tourism takes its time. It respects the rhythms of the land. It is sustainable, accessible and authentic.
Preparing for your visit to Hautvillers: useful information
Hautvillers is easily accessible from Épernay. It is a ten-minute drive or a slightly longer ride by bicycle. Parking is not a problem, as there is a car park for visitors near the abbey.
The village is best explored on foot. You’ll need good shoes, a little curiosity, and above all, the desire to linger. There are a few places to eat lunch, discreet accommodation for an overnight stay, and always a glass of Champagne within reach.
For those wishing to organise a stay lasting several days, Hautvillers is an excellent starting point for exploring the region. Reims, Châlons-en-Champagne and even Lac du Der can be reached in less than an hour. You can also follow one of the three Champagne Tourist Routes that start in Épernay and pass through Hautvillers. These routes take you through villages, vineyards, UNESCO sites and family homes.