In the Middle Ages, the St-Pierre abbey of Hautvillers (Marne) was an important pilgrimage site and a stopover on St. James’s Way. The abbey church of St-Sindulphe housed the relics of St Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, as well as those of St Nivard, the founder of the abbey, and last but not least St Sindulphe. At Pentecost, the relics would be laid out at the entrance of the choir for nine days. Pilgrims also flocked on 7 February, celebrating the arrival of the relics of St Helen, as well as on 18 August, the date of Helen’s birth. All climbed the steps of this alley in prayer and meditation.