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Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers: The Cradle of Champagne

Discover the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers, the spiritual home of champagne, where Dom Pérignon perfected his craft and shaped the world's most celebrated sparkling wine in the heart of the Champagne region.

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Nestled in the heart of the Champagne region, the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers is a historic Benedictine abbey with strong ties to the creation of champagne. Founded in 650 by Saint Nivard, it gained prominence as the home of Dom Pérignon, the monk who significantly contributed to the development of sparkling wine. Although the abbey itself is not generally open to the public as it is owned by Moët & Chandon, its legacy permeates the charming village of Hautvillers. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, visit the Saint-Sindulphe church where Dom Pérignon is buried, and soak in the atmosphere of this iconic location. Hautvillers offers stunning views of the Marne Valley and the surrounding vineyards, making it a must-visit destination for champagne enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The village itself is a delight, with its flower-adorned houses and wrought-iron signs depicting the trades of yesteryear.

A brief summary to Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers

  • 21 Rue de l'Abbaye, Hautvillers, 51160, FR
  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Saint-Sindulphe church to see Dom Pérignon's tombstone and learn more about the abbey's history.
  • Take advantage of the panoramic views of the Marne Valley from various points in Hautvillers.
  • Explore the charming village of Hautvillers, admiring the flower-adorned houses and wrought-iron signs.
  • Consider a wine-tasting tour at a local champagne house to experience the region's famous sparkling wine.
  • Check the opening hours of the Saint-Sindulphe church in advance, as they may vary.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Hautvillers, the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers is easily accessible on foot. As the village is small, most points are within a short walking distance of each other. Orient yourself towards the Église Saint-Sindulphe; the abbey is located nearby. The walk offers views of the surrounding vineyards. Be mindful of the cobblestone streets.

  • Driving

    If arriving by car, parking is available in Hautvillers, including the Jard Kiedrich car park at the bottom of the village. From the car park, it's a short walk uphill to the abbey. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak season. Parking is generally free. From the parking area, follow the signs towards the center of the village and the Église Saint-Sindulphe. The abbey is located close to the church.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available from nearby towns such as Épernay. A taxi ride from Épernay to Hautvillers typically costs between €18-€23 and takes approximately 7 minutes. From the drop-off point in Hautvillers, the abbey is a short walk away. Direct the driver to the center of Hautvillers near the Église Saint-Sindulphe.

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Discover more about Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers

The Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers, formally known as the Abbey of St Peter, is a former Benedictine monastery steeped in history and intrinsically linked to the story of champagne. Founded in approximately 650 by Saint Nivard, the Archbishop of Reims, the abbey occupies a prominent position in the village of Hautvillers, overlooking the Marne Valley. Legend states that Saint Nivard had a vision of a dove landing on a beech tree, indicating the site where he should build the monastery, which would follow the rules of Saint Benedict and Saint Columbanus. The abbey flourished for centuries, becoming known for its illuminated manuscripts. In 841, it became the resting place for the relics of Saint Helena, the Empress and mother of Constantine, attracting pilgrims and wealth to the abbey. This wealth allowed the abbey to acquire extensive vineyards in the surrounding area, setting the stage for its future association with winemaking. The most famous chapter in the abbey's history began in 1668 with the arrival of Dom Pierre Pérignon. As the abbey's cellar master, Dom Pérignon dedicated nearly 50 years to perfecting the art of winemaking. He experimented with grape varietals, blending techniques, and methods of production, ultimately making significant contributions to the development of what we now know as champagne. While the legend of him 'inventing' champagne is romanticized, his meticulous approach and innovations undoubtedly shaped the sparkling wine industry. Dom Pérignon's contributions extended beyond the technical aspects of winemaking. He also focused on improving vineyard management, ensuring the quality of the grapes used in the abbey's wines. His wines became highly sought after, even gracing the table of King Louis XIV. The abbey's wines gained renown for their exquisite delicacy and quality, solidifying Hautvillers' reputation as a premier winemaking region. Following the French Revolution in 1789, the abbey was abandoned and fell into disrepair. However, its legacy lived on. In 1823, Pierre-Gabriel Chandon, son-in-law of Jean-Rémy Moët, purchased the abbey and began restoring its vineyards. Today, the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers is owned by Moët & Chandon, the renowned champagne house, and is not generally open to the public for tours. However, Moët & Chandon has undertaken significant restoration efforts, including the reconstruction of the cloister and the Sainte-Hélène gate, preserving the abbey's historical significance. Despite not being accessible for interior visits, the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers remains a powerful symbol of the Champagne region. Visitors can explore the village of Hautvillers, a picturesque setting with its charming streets, flower-filled houses, and wrought-iron signs depicting the trades of the past. The Saint-Sindulphe church, which served as the abbey church, is open to the public and houses the tombstone of Dom Pierre Pérignon. The church itself is a beautiful example of local architecture and offers a glimpse into the abbey's rich history. Hautvillers offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and the Marne Valley. Several viewpoints throughout the village provide stunning photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the landscape that shaped the history of champagne. The village is also part of the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region. For those interested in learning more about Dom Pérignon and the history of champagne, the local tourist office offers information on guided tours and wine-tasting experiences in the area. Several champagne houses in Hautvillers and nearby villages offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to sample the region's famous sparkling wine and learn about the winemaking process. Visiting Hautvillers is an immersive experience that combines history, culture, and the beauty of the Champagne region. While the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers itself may not be open for tours, its legacy is palpable throughout the village, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the story of champagne.

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