The village of Hautvillers is known for its vineyards and buildings bedecked with wrought-iron signs associated with the village’s flagship activity: champagne production.

Legend has it that the Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon, interred in the village’s Abbey Church, was the first to discover the in-bottle method that added the fizz to wines from Champagne! Aside from its connection to Dom Pérignon, Hautvillers is a must on any visit to Champagne as it makes an excellent starting point for any exploration of the Marne Valley and its vineyards.

No visit to Champagne would be complete without a stop in this village,  and as you explore its narrow lanes you’ll come across the delightfully picturesque restaurant Au 36, aptly located in a street named after the famous monk. Here you’ll be able to sample a range of champagnes and a wide selection of regional produce. Some of the specialities on offer from the Champagne region include white blood sausage wrapped in puff pastry, lentillons de champagne (a local variety of small red lentils), beetroot mousse, and pink-biscuit macaroons with raspberry jam.

As well as its focus on local specialities, this restaurant seeks to demystify wine and make it accessible to a wider audience, organising tastings to help you find your preferred champagne style. Enjoy the wide selection of champagnes on offer in a different, but equally cosy setting, to suit the time of year: inside in winter, or on the garden terrace in summer. And opt for the restaurant's tasting menu to sample 2 or 3 flutes of champagne and familiarise yourself with the different grape varieties that the region has to offer.