Visiting Hautvillers,
the birthplace of Champagne
History, panoramas, best tasting houses, restaurants and practical information: the complete guide from Reims.
Perched 200 metres above the Marne valley, just 30 km from Reims, Hautvillers is one of the most historically significant villages in the whole of Champagne. Its name comes from the Latin Alta Villa — the high village — and it lives up to that name from the very first bend in the road that reveals the vineyards below. The village and its vines have been UNESCO World Heritage listed since 2015.
The Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Pierre was founded in 650 AD by Saint Nivard, Archbishop of Reims. Destroyed by the Normans in 882, set ablaze by the English in 1449, rebuilt, razed by the Huguenots in 1564, then reconstructed thanks to donations from Catherine de' Medici: the abbey has survived everything.
In 1668, everything changed. A young monk of 29, Dom Pierre Pérignon, arrived at the abbey. For 47 years, he refined the art of blending — combining grapes from different plots to elevate the quality of the wine. His genius was not in inventing the bubbles, but in creating the blending method that underpins Champagne as we know it. His wine would be served at Versailles. He died in 1715, the same year as Louis XIV.
What to see and do in Hautvillers
The Église Saint-Sindulphe & Dom Pérignon's tomb
The historical and emotional heart of the visit. The monk's funeral slab is simple, almost austere — which only adds to its impact. Best visited early in the morning, before the crowds arrive.
📍 21 Rue de l'Abbaye, 51160 Hautvillers · Open daily 9am–6pm · Free entry
The Dom Pérignon Viewpoint
Probably the finest viewpoint on the Montagne de Reims: a sweeping view over the sea of vines and the entire Marne valley. Accessible on foot in 20 minutes from the village via the Circuit du Piédestal (3 km, easy). Best in the early morning, when the light is low and golden.
The wrought-iron signs
Unique in France: around forty signs adorn the façades, depicting coopers, blacksmiths, cellar masters, carpenters… A living tradition discovered by wandering the lanes for 30 minutes. Entirely free.
Les Enfants de Bacchus Vinegar House
The village's unexpected address. Founded in 2021 by four brothers and sisters from Hautvillers, this artisan vinegar producer transforms surplus Champagne quotas into exceptional vinegars, aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year. The guided visit by the master vinegar-maker concludes with a Champagne tasting. The fine food shop offers a selection of local products — an ideal souvenir of the terroir.
167 Rue de Bacchus · Open Apr–Dec, Fri to Mon, 10am–5pm · Free self-guided visit · Guided visit €10 · Champagne tasting €15 · +33 6 28 81 12 87
Walking trails around Hautvillers
Three waymarked circuits to suit your mood: Sentier du Pic Noir (2.5 km, woodland, all abilities), Circuit des Moines (3.5 km, vineyards and forest, fine valley views), and the Hautvillers–Cumières loop (12 km, along the Marne) for seasoned walkers.
Vintage Estafette van & electric buggy through the vines
Operators such as Aÿ Champagne Expérience and My Vintage Tour offer tours of the vineyard paths in a vintage van or electric buggy, with a tasting among the vines. An unforgettable experience for groups or couples.
The best Champagne houses in Hautvillers
Champagne Joseph Desruets
The village's highest-rated house. A farm in organic conversion, with a 130-year-old press still in use. The Cuvée Nature (zero dosage) is a revelation. If the door looks closed, ring the bell.
Champagne Marion-Bosser
The most intimate house in the village, steps from the church. The daughter of the family now runs it. A warm welcome and precise wines. The trio of cuvées is particularly recommended.
Le Berceau du Champagne
The village growers' cooperative. Guided cellar tour, commented tasting and a magnificent view over the vineyards. Booking recommended.
Caveau Gobillard & Fils
The most accessible house. Open 7 days a week without a reservation. Tasting at €15, reimbursed on purchase. A good introduction for first-time visitors.
Where to eat in Hautvillers
Clotaire
The best table in the village. Creative seasonal cooking, elegant plating, a fine list of Champagnes by the glass. Book several days in advance.
Le Beau Lieu
The village's surprise. Market-led menu, daily arrivals. Unique concept: bring your own bottle bought from a local grower and pay only a modest corkage fee.
Au 36...
On the main square. A tasting of 6 Champagnes with local sharing boards at €44. Ideal for a relaxed afternoon between walks. Shop across the road.
L'Atelier des Moines
Set in a converted monastic outbuilding. Champagne by the glass, Champagne cocktails, a thoughtful menu. The ideal place to round off the day.
How to visit Hautvillers from Reims
What to know before you go
FAQs about Hautvillers and Champagne
Did Dom Pérignon invent Champagne?
No — legend often credits him with inventing the bubbles, but this is inaccurate. His genius lay in the art of blending: combining grapes from different plots to produce a wine of unrivalled quality and consistency. He also popularised the use of the cork stopper. It is this expertise that underpins the Champagne method as we know it today.
Can you visit the Hautvillers Abbey?
The abbey is private property belonging to Moët & Chandon and is not open to visitors. However, the abbey church of Saint-Sindulphe, which houses the tomb of Dom Pérignon, is open to the public every day, free of charge.
Do you need to book tastings in advance in Hautvillers?
For the smaller family-run houses (Joseph Desruets, Marion-Bosser), booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially at weekends. Gobillard & Fils welcomes visitors without an appointment. The restaurants Clotaire and Le Beau Lieu require a reservation, ideally several days in advance.
Can you reach Hautvillers from Reims without a car?
The village has no railway station. From Reims, the best option without a car is the TER "Ligne des Bulles" train to Épernay (34 minutes), then a taxi to the village (7 minutes, approx. €20). Private transfer companies also offer Champagne tours departing from Reims.
Hautvillers rewards those who make the effort. You arrive for Dom Pérignon, and you come back for the growers, the lanes, the evening light over the valley and the glasses shared with strangers who become friends for the length of a day.
🌐 Hautvillers Tourist OfficePlace de la République · 51160 Hautvillers · +33 (0)3 26 57 06 35 · tourisme-hautvillers.com
