Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers

Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers is a former Benedictine abbey standing among the vineyards of Champagne, in the village of Hautvillers on the banks of the Marne. The site is best known as the burial place of the monk Dom Pérignon, whose name is still linked with the development of sparkling wine in the region.

How old is the abbey and what happened here?

The monastery was founded in the 7th century on the initiative of Nivard, archbishop of Reims and a relative of the Merovingian royal family. According to local legend, a dove pointed to the exact spot where the abbey should be built, symbolically joining the rule of Saint Benedict with the tradition of Saint Columba. The monastic community remained active for more than a thousand years, until the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century, when church property across France was seized and monastic life here came to an end.

For much of its history the abbey was also an important place of pilgrimage. From the 9th century until the early 19th century it held the relics of Saint Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, drawing visitors from across the surrounding region.

Who was Dom Pérignon and why does his grave draw visitors?

Pierre Pérignon, a Benedictine monk, managed the abbey's worldly affairs from 1668 until his death in 1715. Among his responsibilities were the monastery's vineyards, and he worked to improve the quality of the wine produced there. His method of blending grapes from different plots, aiming to bring out the best qualities of the fruit while offsetting the weaknesses of any single harvest, later became part of the standard practice behind Champagne production. His name is now attached to one of the most recognized sparkling wine labels in the world.

Dom Pérignon's grave lies inside the abbey church, at the foot of the altar in the choir. The tombstone, engraved with an epitaph, can still be seen by visitors and is the main reason travelers stop here.

What can visitors see today?

The abbey buildings themselves are private property, owned by the Champagne house Moët & Chandon, while the church remains open to the public. The site was listed as a historic monument in France in 1983. Walking through the church and around the surviving monastic structures gives a sense of the scale of the original Benedictine foundation.

Why is Hautvillers called the birthplace of Champagne?

The village of Hautvillers itself sits among vine-covered hills a short drive north of Épernay, on the slopes of the Montagne de Reims. The winemaking tradition that grew up around the abbey over the centuries is the reason the village carries the nickname "birthplace of Champagne." Its narrow, flower-lined streets, framed by forest and vineyards, make it a popular stop along the Champagne Route, and the surrounding hillsides form part of the area recognized for the region's historic winemaking heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can visitors go inside the abbey buildings? The monastic buildings themselves belong to a private Champagne house, but the abbey church is open to visitors.

Where exactly is Dom Pérignon buried? In the choir of the abbey church, at the foot of the altar, where his engraved tombstone can still be seen.

How do you get to Hautvillers? The village is a short drive north of Épernay, in the Marne department of the Champagne region.

What was Dom Pérignon's role at the abbey? He managed the monastery's worldly affairs, including its vineyards, and developed grape-blending methods that improved wine quality.

Is the abbey a protected historic site? Yes, the building has been listed as a French historic monument since 1983.