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Village · Épernay, Grande Leste
Hautvillers
Village on the heights of the slopes above the Marne valley, about 6 km from Épernay, where the monk Dom Pérignon lived and is buried. It has more than 140 wrought-iron plaques on the façades.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Hautvillers
Hautvillers is a small village on the heights of the slopes that descend to the Marne valley, about 6 km from Épernay. It was here, at the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Pierre, that the monk Pierre Pérignon, known as Dom Pérignon, lived; he died in 1715.
Legend says he invented champagne. The story is more nuanced: Dom Pérignon tended the abbey's vineyards and presses and became known for selecting grapes and blending wines from different plots. The abbey itself does not receive visitors, but the church of Saint-Sindulphe, the abbey's former church, is open to the public. Dom Pérignon's tombstone is there at the foot of the choir.
The village's streets have a distinctive feature: more than 140 wrought-iron plaques attached to the façades, showing trades, family histories and symbols such as grape clusters. The local tourist office offers a roughly 1.5 km walk to discover them.
On the edge of the village, the Belvédère Dom Pérignon viewpoint looks over the Marne valley and the neatly planted vineyards. The slopes from Hautvillers to Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2015.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 to 2 hours for the church, the streets and the viewpoint.
Best time
From May to October, with the vineyards green; the grape harvest usually takes place in September. In the afternoon the light is good at the viewpoint. The village is small and gets busy on summer weekends.
How to get there
It's about 6 km from Épernay, roughly a 10-minute drive or taxi ride. There are trails through the vineyards for those who want to go on foot or by bike. Public transport is limited.
Tip
Combine with the Avenue de Champagne on the same day: morning in Épernay and afternoon in Hautvillers. Visit the viewpoint at the end of the walk and look up to spot the wrought-iron plaques.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Hautvillers
Did Dom Pérignon invent champagne?
Not exactly. He was a monk of the abbey of Hautvillers and tended the vineyards and presses; he became known for his work selecting grapes and blending wines. The idea that he invented champagne is a legend.
Where is Dom Pérignon's tomb?
In the church Saint-Sindulphe, the former abbey church, at the foot of the choir. The church is open to the public; the abbey does not receive visitors.
How do you get to Hautvillers from Épernay?
By car or taxi, in about 10 minutes. There are also trails through the vineyards for walking or cycling. Public transport is limited.