Situated in the heart of the Reims Mountain vineyards, the village of Hautvillers is the cradle of champagne. Indeed, it is here in the ancient Benedictine abbey of Hautvillers that the monk Dom Pérignon discovered the champagne wine-making process in the 18th century. Dom Pérignon's tomb rests today in the chancel of the Saint-Sindulphe abbey church. Hautvillers is also a charming wine-producing village with houses decorated with beautiful forged iron shop signs.
A special website...
There are more than 4 centuries, Dom Alleman describes the town "is called the Hautvillers. Haut, is his name, he is indeed... Like a precious stone, it shines in all its glory. Here is the thick foliage of the forest crown. Later, vines loaded with grapes whose juice brightens the cutting radiance pearls. This is the portrait of this site can delight all eyes to charm all hearts. This is another of its ornaments, the River Marne, she that beautifies these places because its course is majestic, this is a heavenly inspiration Hautvillers built the abbey ".
Do not miss the magnificent viewpoints over the region, located at the upper limit of the vineyards. They are easily accessible by car.
The abbey of Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers: Founded around 650 by St Nivard, the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers welcomed a young Benedictine monk, Dom Pierre Pérignon, aged 29 in 1668. Solicitor of the monastery, he managed his property for 47 years, until his death in 1715, the same month and at the same age as King Louis XIV. His tomb is located in the abbey church. His attentive management enabled the renovation of the abbey, with, for example, the construction of the Porte Sainte-Hélène and the cloister. Father Pérignon improves the quality of the wines produced by the abbey, thanks to his work on blending. Sold to Court suppliers, they were appreciated by Louis XIV. The abbey was abandoned during the Revolution, but began to come back to life in 1823 when Pierre-Gabriel Chandon bought the properties.
The Intercommunal Tourist Office organizes guided tours of the village all year round by reservation, as well as bike rides in the vineyard.
Bike rides in the vineyard:
Accompanied by a guide, discover the Champagne vineyards listed as UNESCO World Heritage and the beautiful village of Hautvillers, cradle of Champagne, which owes its notoriety to Dom Pérignon.
Two rides are available:
Every day (except Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday) - On reservation, 8 days in advance minimum.
| Information points | |
|---|---|
| Monuments |
Interests and activities: visits to wineries - hiking trails - museums - cruises - discoveries of crafts...
