Located in the heart of Champagne and the historic hillsides listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the village of Hautvillers is an iconic location in Champagne, recognised as the birthplace of champagne and closely linked to the legendary figure of the monk Dom Pierre Pérignon.

 

 

A village steeped in history

Founded in the early Middle Ages, the village of Hautvillers—formerly known as Altum Villare, meaning “the village perched high”—has managed to preserve its strong identity over the centuries.

Its fame is inextricably linked to Saint-Pierre Abbey, considered the birthplace of champagne, where the monk Dom Pierre Pérignon, an iconic figure in the history of Champagne winemaking, once lived.

 

Dom Pierre Pérignon, the visionary monk of champagne

Dom Pierre Pérignon (1639–1715) was a Benedictine monk and cellarer at Hautvillers Abbey for nearly 47 years. Responsible for managing the abbey’s vineyards and cellars, he perfected the art of blending still wines from different grape varieties and terroirs. His genius lay not in inventing bubbles, but in the rigour and innovation he brought to Champagne viticulture.

 

Saint-Sindulphe Church, a place of remembrance and contemplation

The former abbey church of Saint-Sindulphe, built in the 7th century and remodelled over the centuries, is the only remaining visible vestige of the former Benedictine abbey. This peaceful place houses the tombstone of Dom Pierre Pérignon, located in the choir. Every year, it attracts thousands of visitors and Champagne enthusiasts who come to pay homage to the spiritual father of Champagne.

Its architecture combines Romanesque simplicity with Gothic elements. The well-preserved choir and nave invite contemplation. The church is now listed as a historic monument and remains a symbolic landmark of Champagne’s heritage.

 

The former Abbey of Hautvillers: a living heritage

Founded in 650, Saint-Pierre Abbey in Hautvillers reached its peak in the 17th century, particularly under Dom Pierre Pérignon. It was a major religious, cultural and wine-producing centre. Although the monastic buildings were destroyed after the Revolution, their influence remains deeply rooted in the village’s history.
Today, the site is privately owned by Moët & Chandon.

 

Pierre Cheval Park and Statue of Dom Pierre Pérignon

Parc Pierre Cheval offers a relaxing space in a green setting. This park pays tribute to two major figures in local history: Dom Pierre Pérignon and Pierre Cheval.

It features an imposing bronze statue of Dom Pierre Pérignon, created by sculptor Juan Carlos Carrillo.

The park is named after Pierre Cheval, a committed winegrower and ardent defender of Champagne’s heritage. He was one of the main architects of the inscription of the Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015, recognising the universal value of Champagne’s wine-growing culture.

On the heights of the park, the mural ‘Once upon a time, the roots of our history’, painted by artist Anne Laroque, stretches across two walls in Hautvillers. Through fragments, it poetically retraces the life of the village, from yesterday to today.

 

 

An intact and vibrant charm

As you stroll through the narrow streets of Hautvillers, you will see many houses built in the typical Champagne style. The village also has 140 wrought iron signs, created over time. These handcrafted works perpetuate a medieval tradition where each sign illustrates a trade, a passion or the origins of its inhabitants, giving Hautvillers a unique atmosphere that is both authentic and artistic.

 

Breathtaking panoramas

One of Hautvillers’ major attractions is the breathtaking panoramic view of the Marne Valley. Several lookout points offer spectacular views of a sea of vineyards, the surrounding villages and the forest.
Whether you are at the top of the hillsides or at the edge of the vineyards, you are immersed in a life-size painting.

 

The art of living in Hautvillers

Hautvillers is also a lively village, with its tasting cellars, shops and restaurants where you can enjoy local produce in a warm atmosphere. Many winegrowers welcome visitors to share their expertise and introduce them to their champagne, in the spirit of Dom Pierre Pérignon: excellence, tradition and passion.

 

 

Walks through vineyards and forests

Located in the heart of the Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park, Hautvillers is surrounded by numerous marked trails that criss-cross the village and its surroundings. These routes offer walkers and cyclists alike a privileged setting in which to explore the region.
From the village, several itineraries allow you to discover the natural wealth of the park, the diversity of the Champagne wine-growing landscapes, and the charm of the surrounding villages nestled between vineyards and forests.

 

An exceptional location in the heart of Champagne

Hautvillers is much more than just a village: it is a place steeped in history, where past and present meet to the rhythm of the vines and the seasons. An unmissable stop in Champagne.