Hautvillers – your tourist guide
We invite you on a journey to discover and visit Hautvillers, a small French village with beautiful views over Epernay and the Champagne valley, and the home of Dom Pérignon, the monk who became famous for his talents in the wine industry.
Welcome to our home. We are Sarah and Romain, in love with the Champagne region, sharing with you our favourite places in and around Epernay and Reims. Today, we’re zooming in on Hautvillers, a small picturesque village located about ten minutes from Epernay and 30 minutes from Reims. Hautvillers is a must-see during your stay in the Champagne region, France.
What should I do in Hautvillers? What are the places and tours not to be missed? We’ll take you on the road with our best suggestions, for an unforgettable time in Champagne, in the heart of this village, between history and heritage.
Why Visit Hautvillers, the Birthplace of Champagne?
The Legend of Dom Pérignon in Hautvillers
Between the hills of the valley stands the small village of Hautvillers, the one nicknamed the cradle of Champagne, in the heart of the prestigious hillsides listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
This small village of winegrowers shines thanks to champagne. It owes its fame much to its rich history and in particular thanks to the famous Dom Pérignon, the spiritual father of champagne. He rests today in the choir of the church of Saint-Sindulphe, a place to put on the programme of your day tour in Hautvillers.


The story goes that Dom Pérignon wanted to create the best wine in the world, and it was in the former Abbey of Saint-Pierre Hautvillers, he discovered the secret of making champagne. If the house that bears his name and the worldwide fame of champagne are anything to go by, his dream has come true.
However, it’s important to correct a common misconception: Dom Pérignon didn’t actually invent champagne as we know it today. His true contribution lies in the process of champagnization itself. Dom Pérignon played a major role by introducing the art of blending, combining different grape varieties from various plots to create a unique wine. This technique remains fundamental in crafting modern champagne. His role, much like that of Veuve Clicquot who invented the riddling table to clarify the wine, was crucial in the development of the Champagne method.
Best Viewpoints Overlooking the Marne Valley
If you’re looking for the best spots to admire the Marne Valley in Hautvillers, you’ll be dazzled by the panoramic views this village offers over the Champagne landscapes. Perched on the hillside, Hautvillers is an ideal place to gaze over the Marne Valley, surrounded by vineyards listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. These viewpoints in Hautvillers are perfect for those who want to step back and take in the full beauty of the Champagne region.
- Belvédère Dom Pérignon : Panoramic view of the Marne Valley from the Dom Pérignon site
- Site panoramique de la Croix Joseph La Croix Joseph panoramic site
- Picnic area “Les Tuileau”

Photo credit: My Vintage Tour Company
Our favorite sunset ritual: We love ordering pizzas from L’Eurasienne in Epernay, grabbing a nicely chilled drink 🍾, and heading up to the “Les Tuileau” picnic area in Hautvillers. Up there, you can enjoy an incredible view as the sun sets – a simple, magical moment to savor with a loved one, friends, or family.
Practical Information for Visiting Hautvillers
How to Get to Hautvillers
- By Car: The easiest way to reach Hautvillers from Épernay is by car, following the D386 through the vineyards. It’s a short 10-minute drive.
- By Taxi: Taxis from Épernay cost around €20. A’Gil Taxi is a reliable service: +33 3 26 59 01 44.
- By Train: The closest train stations are Epernay and Ay-Champagne, both accessible from Paris in about 1 hour 15 minutes by TGV. From the stations, you can reach Hautvillers by taxi or electric bike.
- By Electric Bike: it takes around 30 minutes to reach Hautvillers from the centre of Epernay. Even with electric assistance, the last few metres are a bit strenuous because of the hills, but the view from the top is well worth the effort!
Where to Park in Hautvillers
As Hautvillers is a small village, parking can be limited, but there are solutions:
- The Jard Kiedrich car park: Located at the bottom of the village, this secure car park is ideal for leaving your car and discovering Hautvillers on foot.
- If you find a parking space in the village, be careful not to block the narrow streets, as they are often used by locals and visitors alike.

Rent an Electric Bike to Visit Hautvillers
For a scenic and eco-friendly way to explore Hautvillers and its surroundings, consider renting an electric bike:
- Altabike, Hautvillers: Located in the Dominique Bliard-Labeste Champagne shop in the heart of Hautvillers. Make sure to book in advance to guarantee availability.
- Rate: €35 per day
- Contact: +33 6 29 61 95 98 / reservation.altabike@gmail.com
- Address: 167 Rue des Buttes, 51160 Hautvillers
- La Chevalée, Hautvillers: This bike rental service is ideal for exploring the beautiful Champagne landscapes. They’re open daily except Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with rentals available from April 1st to September 30th.
- Rate: €25 for 4 hours (helmet and basket included) or €35 for a full day
- Contact: contact.lachevalee@orange.fr
With an electric bike, you can take your time exploring Hautvillers and the surrounding vineyards while enjoying a bit of fresh air.

Additional practical information for visiting Hautvillers
- Money: There are no cash dispensers in Hautvillers. The nearest are in Ay-Champagne and Dizy. Remember to withdraw cash before you arrive!
- Market day: The local market takes place on Thursday mornings in the Jard Kiedrich car park.
- Bakery: The village bakery is open most days, but is closed on Sunday afternoons and Mondays.
- There are no supermarkets or grocery stores in Hautvillers. If you need to do some shopping, head to Épernay, Aÿ-Champagne, or Dizy.
Champagne Tastings and Vineyard Visits in Hautvillers
Though Hautvillers is the cradle of Champagne, there are no huge cellars like in Epernay or Reims. And there is a good reason for this: there are many water sources in the subsoil, which is a natural barrier that did not allow for the digging of chalk pits.
To better understand this, let’s go back in time and picture the first cellar constructions at a time when the waterproofing of the soil was not yet under control. Since these places are UNESCO World Heritage treasures and for the sake of preservation, it is now forbidden to dig in the village’s soils.
Champagne Marion Bosser
After these tours you deserve to enjoy some tastings, so we suggest you visit the local wine producers, who offer gourmet and sparkling tastings. There are also some restaurants in Hautvillers, but they are rare. Next, we recommend that you go and visit the small vineyards of the area.
We invite you to push open the door of Champagne Marion Bosser in the heart of Hautvillers. Tasting trilogies from 18 euros. Champagne by the glass from 6 euros (and real wine glasses! 10cl please!).
This local family welcomes you every day (yes, even on Sundays) from 10 am to 7 pm in summer (6 pm in winter) with a smile. Visiting with this friendly family is a great opportunity if you want to learn a little more about the history of this house and its champagnes.
- Tel: +33 .3.10.15.30.94
- Address: 1 rue de la Croix de fer 51160 Hautvillers, France
- Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm


Champagne Bliard-Labeste
For an equally convivial moment, do not hesitate to stop by the Champagne Bliard-Labeste tasting cellar! We had the pleasure of tasting their different wine batches, and we also spent a great moment with Florian and Manon who gave us a visit.
The family has decided to be a cooperative harvester with their 3 hectare estate, which means that they take care of the vines and the harvest, and then delegate the processing and bottling before the production is sold.
Indeed, the Bliard-Labeste champagne is the result of work carried out all year round on the family vineyard, before the grapes are handed over to the Hautvillers winegrowers’ cooperative for production.
The tasting costs only €4 a glass, so you don’t have to go without, and even more so if you take your own bottles home. I truly enjoyed this gourmet moment in an intimate and warm atmosphere.
To pursue the immersive experience in Champagne, Florian offers a tour of the vineyard including tastings on board a superb van combi. And to top it all off, you can even enjoy a picnic with regional products to taste in the middle of the vineyards or treat yourself with a visit to the cooperative’s cellars.

- Address: 167 Rue des Buttes, 51160 Hautvillers
- Opening hours: 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday
Champagne Joseph Desruets
I had the chance to visit the Joseph Desruets family estate together with Sabine who is very pleasant and shares some really interesting information about the estate and the production of champagne.
The family spirit is everywhere, even in the making of Champagne, as evidenced by the old press that is still in use. It was installed in 1888 and is the oldest press in the Champagne region still in use. Do I have to say something else to convince you it’s a must-see?

I fell in love with this house, both for the champagnes and for the quality of the visit which is done in small groups of up to 8 people. it’s the perfect way to discover another production process, especially for the pressing which is very different from a press that has more than 130 years of history and work experience in its hands.
The organic transformation of the farm illustrates the commitment of these independent winegrowers who love the Champagne terroir and perpetuate the tradition every day. While most growers have vines in several locations, the entire Joseph Desruets vineyard is located in Hautvillers, the very village where champagne was born.

The tasting was quite simply awesome, and I really enjoyed tasting their wine batches which I would recommend to you eyes closed. Along with the champagnes, you will find some côteaux champenois, delicious white or red wines that are vinified in an ovoid ceramic sandstone tank.
I encourage you to taste the Coeur de Pinots cuvée, an extra-brut premier cru produced from the family’s historic vineyard parcels.

Entrance to the Joseph Desruets estate including 3 tastings is only €15, and it’s free if you return with two bottles, which you’ll want to do after the champagne has enveloped your palate. It is mandatory to book your visit, so be sure to call ahead to get a reservation.
For those of you who visit the Champagne during the harvest period, Joseph Desruets organizes an annual open house during which you can taste the freshly pressed grape juice, a real must-do experience.
Address: 85 Rue de Bacchus, 51160 Hautvillers
Secure your activities in Champagne Region now
Where to Eat in Hautvillers ?
For a meal or snack during your visit, here are some restaurant options in Hautvillers, along with their hours and closed days:
- Au 36: Open 11 AM to 5 PM, closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Café d’Hautvillers: Open 10 AM to 6 PM, closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
- Le Chai des Moines: Open Thursday to Saturday from 12 PM to 2 PM and 7 PM to 9:30 PM; Sunday from 12 PM to 2 PM. Closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
- Le Beau Lieu: Open Thursday to Saturday from 12 PM to 2 PM and 7 PM to 9:30 PM; Sunday from 12 PM to 2 PM. Closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
- Clotaire: Open Wednesday to Saturday from 12 PM to 2 PM and 7 PM to 9:30 PM; Sunday from 12 PM to 2 PM. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
These details will help you plan your meals around each restaurant’s opening hours, so you can enjoy the best of Hautvillers’ dining options!

Things to Do in Hautvillers: Must-See Activities
Guided Tours of Hautvillers
While Hautvillers is easy to explore on your own, a guided tour offers a deeper dive into the village’s history, the life of Dom Pérignon, the stories of local winemakers, and Hautvillers’ special place in the Champagne vineyards. Here are a few guided tour options that include Hautvillers and are perfect for making the most of your visit:
- Electric Bike Tour: Explore Hautvillers and the surrounding vineyards by electric bike, with a tour that includes lunch in the nearby village of Mareuil-sur-Ay and a tasting workshop. This is truly the activity to do here! It’s a great combo of learning about the vineyards in a safe and enjoyable way, led by a guide who knows the village inside and out, sharing fun and fascinating stories along the way.
- From Reims: If you’re staying in Reims, Hautvillers is only a 30-minute drive away. Join a guided tour from Reims that includes transport and lunch. This is a convenient way to experience Hautvillers without needing to arrange your own travel.
- Vintage Van Tour: Discover multiple Champagne villages in style with a day or half-day tour in a vintage 1980s van. This unique experience takes you back in time and is perfect for exploring the area in a fun and memorable way.

Walks and Hikes around Hautvillers
Guided tours with the Tourist Office, Hautvillers
Those who prefer to be in the company of experts who are passionate about Hautvillers and its region will gladly make an appointment for one of the guided tours organised by the tourist office of Hautvillers. A sparkling atmosphere for bubble lovers, with a tasting of Champagne from a local winemaker, all in the heart of the village cellars.
And if you want to discover Hautvillers on your own without missing out on the valuable information provided by the guides, a small booklet with the village’s must-sees will help you along your free champagne tour.
Adventurers will be happy to take a tour full of little riddles, discover the village while having fun with family or friends, and, most importantly, solve the main riddle.
- Further tour information: https://www.tourisme-hautvillers.com/en/
- Tour Prices: 1 to 5 people = €50 / 6 to 14 people = €9 per person

Walks in Hautvillers: a day between vineyards and forest
Nature lovers will be delighted to go green in the heights of Hautvillers, where there is a superb natural area labelled an Exceptional Forest. For us, this is a place to go, so as not to miss the numerous viewpoints on the region and spend a moment in one of the most beautiful landscapes in our region.
While sports enthusiasts rush to the fitness trail, hikers can tour the various paths on offer, with routes suitable for children.
Our advice: put on your trainers and walk the pic noir trail, which is accessible to all and designed for families. It is a small 2.5 km loop, along which you will come across the animals of the forest, with playful signs to educate the young and old.
We also recommend the monks’ circuit for a short 3.5 km hike, starting in Hautvillers. This route alternates between ascents and descents, during which you can enjoy a superb view of the valley and a crossing of the village, as well as some passages in the heart of the vineyards.



Look Up: The Historic Signs of Hautvillers
As you stroll through Hautvillers, make sure to look up and admire the charming 140 wrought-iron signs hanging on many of the buildings. These decorative signs represent traditional trades, Champagne symbols, and scenes of village life. They tell the story of Hautvillers and add an authentic, picturesque touch to your visit—a little detail that makes the village even more special!



Where to stay in Hautvillers?
Comfortable cottages in Hautvillers
Extend the pleasure by spending a night in the heart of Hautvillers and enjoy the charm of the village at nightfall and under the first rays of sunlight on the valley.
Danielle and Eric offer you the flats Au Terminus, Au Terminus 2 and Au Terminus 3, all fully equipped and comfortable, but also ideally located to enjoy our beautiful Champagne region for a weekend.
Book your hotel for your stay in Champagne
My tip: book your hotel in Champagne as early as you can, especially during high season. Prices go up as the date approaches, and the best deals tend to sell out fast. For hassle-free booking, I personally recommend Booking due to its user-friendly interface, flexible cancellation policies, and wide range of accommodations, from charming guesthouses to luxury hotels. Plus, the more you use it, the more perks you unlock, like the Genius loyalty program offering exclusive benefits.
Spending the night in these Hautvillers apartments is a guarantee of authenticity and comfort. We really recommend these cosy and warm accommodations. As the many positive reviews show, we are not the only ones who appreciate this cocoon in the heart of the Champagne vineyards, and it is also effortless to find.
♥ our favourite: living right next to the apartments, Danielle and Eric are happy to give you their best local advice and help you discover the area in a unique way. Ask Danielle to tell you her own version of the discovery of Champagne 😉
Au terminus 1
Au terminus 2
Au terminus 3
Because we love to share moments with you, we welcome you to our comfortable apartments located just a stone’s throw from the Avenue de Champagne and the town centre of Epernay, France.
Where to sleep in Epernay – Champagne Region ?
Studio 86
Epernay
Terrasse 86
Epernay
Jacuzzi 86
Epernay
Magnum 80
Epernay
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please drink responsibly.
Camping-car parking area in Hautvillers
Visit Hautvillers and discover its charm and beauty with the convenience of a camping-car parking area. The free parking area is located at the bottom of the village, near the secure Parking du Jard Kiedrich, offering a beautiful view of the vineyards.
With five available spots and a nearby public restroom, this parking area is the perfect option for your visit to Hautvillers.
If you are looking to visit Hautvillers, please note that it is unfortunately not possible to spend the night there in a camper. However, I invite you to head to the Mareuil sur Ay camper area which offers a very nice view of the canal, a playground for children, and a greenway ideal for cyclists and walkers.
By staying here, you will be just a few minutes’ drive from Hautvillers, a famous Champagne village known for its abbey and wine-making history. So don’t hesitate any longer and plan your visit to Hautvillers now!


Looking to discover an underrated gem in Champagne? Don’t miss the village of Châtillon-sur-Marne and its breathtaking landscapes.
Looking for the best things to do in Hautvillers and wondering which spots are must-sees? Curious about where to eat or stay in this charming village? We’ve answered all your questions to help you make the most of your visit to Hautvillers, for a truly memorable experience in the heart of Champagne’s rich history and heritage.
Hautvillers is the good place for a half-day visit, but as lovers of the Champagne region, we suggest you spend a weekend there. It is a nice location to discover the best stops in Epernay and the surroundings.
Come and spend your weekend in Epernay, Reims, and Hautvillers in the Champagne region, discovering the best bubbles in the world and the places that make up its rich heritage!
You may also be interested in these articles :