The village of Ecueil is nestled in the vineyards like a jewel in a crown. The name Ecueil is thought to come from the Germanic word “skul”, in the 3rd century AD. The settlement existed long before that time, however, as traces of habitation have been found here dating back to 5000 to 8000 BC. It is also the village where Veuve Clicquot Champagne is produced. It was Simon Clicquot-Blervache who acquired the vineyard in the 18th century. His nephew developed the estate but died at the age of 31. In 1805, his widow took over the business and renamed her Champagne Veuve Clicquot.