If you're planning a trip to France's Champagne region, there's a good chance Reims and Épernay are already on your list. They're the obvious places to start, especially if you want big Champagne houses, easy train access, and plenty of tasting options.
But one of my favorite places in Champagne is much smaller.
Hautvillers is a tiny village perched above the Marne Valley, just a short drive from Épernay. It's often called the birthplace of Champagne, mostly because of its connection to Dom Pérignon, the monk whose name is now one of the most famous in the world of sparkling wine.
Hautvillers is much smaller and more quaint than Reims or Épernay. Here, you'll find narrow streets of stone houses, vineyard views, and small producers. Here's how I would plan a day trip to Hautvillers.
Is Hautvillers Worth Visiting?
Yes, Hautvillers is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you want to see a quieter, more village-like side of Champagne.
Reims has the grand cathedral, famous chalk cellars, and some of the biggest names in Champagne. Épernay has the Avenue de Champagne and a more elegant, wine-focused feel. Hautvillers is different. It's smaller, calmer, and more charming.
This is the place to come if you want to walk through a historic Champagne village, look out over the vines, visit the church where Dom Pérignon is buried, and taste Champagne from smaller local producers.
I wouldn't necessarily make Hautvillers your only stop in Champagne if it's your first visit to the region, but I do think it's one of the best additions to a Champagne itinerary.
Where Is Hautvillers?
Hautvillers is in the Marne Valley, just outside Épernay, in France's Champagne region.
It sits above the vineyards, which is part of what makes it so beautiful. From the village, you get sweeping views over the vines, the valley, and the surrounding countryside. The closest major base is Épernay, which is only a short drive away. Reims is also a possible base.
How to Get to Hautvillers
The easiest way to visit Hautvillers is by car from either Reims or Épernay. The village is only a 10-30-minute drive depending on where you're starting from, making it easy for a day or half-day trip.
The simplest option is to go by car, taxi, private driver, or organized tour. If you're planning to taste Champagne, just be realistic about transportation. This is one of those places where having a car is useful, but not if everyone in the car wants to drink.
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What to Do in Hautvillers
Visit the Abbey Church and Dom Pérignon's Tomb
The main historic reason people visit Hautvillers is its connection to Dom Pérignon.
Dom Pérignon lived and worked at the Abbey of Hautvillers in the 17th and early 18th centuries. It's unclear if he actually "invented Champagne" in the simple way the myth is often told, but he was hugely important in the development and refinement of winemaking in the region.
You can visit the abbey church, where his tomb is located near the altar. The church is small, so planning for a 15-20 minute visit should be plenty.
Wander the Village Streets
Hautvillers is small, so part of the appeal is simply walking around and taking in its cute streets.
The village has stone houses, quiet lanes, flower-filled corners, and traditional wrought-iron signs hanging from buildings. These signs are one of the details that make Hautvillers especially charming. They mark different trades, houses, and businesses, and once you start noticing them, you'll keep spotting more.
Take in the Vineyard Views
One of the best reasons to visit Hautvillers is the view.
Because the village sits above the Marne Valley, you get beautiful panoramas over the vineyards and surrounding hills. You can find one of the popular viewpoints pinned on Google Maps, and it's only about a 10-minute walk from the center of the village. If you've only experienced Champagne through cellars and tasting rooms, it's great to see where the process actually starts, on land, with the grapes.
Taste Champagne from Smaller Producers and Local Shops
Hautvillers and the surrounding area are a great place to seek out smaller Champagne producers. There are a few producers with tasting rooms right in the village; just be sure to check their opening hours ahead of time. Champagne G. Tribaut has a particularly scenic tasting room, overlooking the vineyards.
For more variety, head to one of the small shops in town. I particularly like La Maison des Champard'ises, as they have plenty of champagne, as well as other locally made products.
Have a Local Lunch
You won't find tons of restaurant options in Hautvillers, but I do think a stop for lunch at Au 36 is a good idea. This is the restaurant I always recommend to friends when they're planning a trip. The dishes are hearty and flavorful. I particularly love the sausage and lentils, and they even offer champagne tastings!
How Long Do You Need in Hautvillers?
You can see the village in one to two hours, but spending half a day there would allow you to have lunch and stay for a tasting.
My Honest Advice for Visiting Hautvillers
If you're visiting Champagne, Hautvillers shows you a different side of the region that you won't get from Reims or Épernay. It has the French countryside vibes that just don't exist in larger cities. I'd use Hautvillers as the slower counterpoint to Reims and Épernay.
Visit a big Champagne house. Walk the Avenue de Champagne. See the cathedral in Reims. But then make time for Hautvillers, where Champagne feels a little less like a luxury brand and a little more like a place.