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Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers: Cradle of Champagne

Discover the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers, the spiritual birthplace of champagne and home to the legendary Dom Pérignon.

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Nestled in the heart of Hautvillers, the Abbaye Saint-Pierre is a former Benedictine monastery with a rich history dating back to the 7th century. It is renowned as the spiritual birthplace of champagne, thanks to the work of Dom Pérignon, who perfected the techniques that led to the creation of the world-famous sparkling wine.

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

  • Explore the village of Hautvillers, known for its charming streets and wrought-iron signs representing the trades of its residents.
  • Visit the Saint-Sindulphe church to pay homage to Dom Pérignon, the father of champagne, whose tomb is located there.
  • Take a guided tour from Reims or Épernay to learn about the history of the abbey and the Champagne region.
  • Enjoy a champagne tasting at one of the local wine producers in Hautvillers.
  • Check for special events or heritage days when the abbey may be open for visits.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The easiest way to reach Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers is by car. From Épernay, follow the D1 towards Hautvillers. Once in the village, follow signs to the abbey at 21 Rue de l'Abbaye. Parking is available at Parking du Jard Kiedrich at the bottom of the village. Be mindful of narrow streets if parking within the village. Expect to pay for parking; rates vary but are typically around €35 per day.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in nearby Épernay. A taxi ride from Épernay to Hautvillers typically costs between €17 and €22 and takes approximately 7 minutes. A'Gil Taxi is a local service.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers via public transport, take a train to either Épernay or Ay-Champagne. From Épernay, you can take a taxi to Hautvillers. Alternatively, from Épernay, bus line 10 connects Épernay to Aÿ-Champagne, with several stops. From Ay-Champagne, you can take a taxi to Hautvillers. Train tickets from Reims to Epernay cost €5-€11. A taxi from Ay to Hautvillers costs approximately €17-€22.

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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 an iconic landmark in the Champagne region. Founded in 650 by Saint Nivard, Archbishop of Reims, the abbey has a storied past, enduring destruction and restoration throughout the centuries. Legend says that Saint Nivard had a prophetic vision of a dove indicating where to build the monastery. The abbey's most famous resident, Dom Pierre Pérignon, arrived in 1668 and served as the abbey's procurator for 47 years. During this time, he made groundbreaking contributions to wine production, refining the techniques that would eventually give rise to champagne. Dom Pérignon is credited with introducing the art of assemblage, blending grapes from different parcels to create a unique wine. While the abbey is now owned by Moët & Chandon and is not generally open to the public, its historical significance and beautiful architecture continue to draw visitors. Though visits may be limited to heritage days, the village of Hautvillers offers stunning views of the Champagne valley and the opportunity to explore the surrounding vineyards. The church of Saint-Sindulphe, which was part of the original abbey complex, houses Dom Pérignon's tomb and is listed as a historic monument. The abbey is part of the Hillsides, Houses and Cellars of Champagne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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