Champagne half timbered churches Trail - Official website for ...

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Champagne half timbered churches TrailIn the Great Lakes region of Champagne, there isa grouping of religious buildings unlike any otherin France: ten churches and a chapel built entirelyof timber between the late 15 th and 18 th centuriesAlong country roads lined with ponds and lakes,forests and grasslands, this trail will lead youto the villages and their churches, with theirexceptional architecture.Champagne halftimbered churchesTrailpages 3 to 9Packagespage 10Events 2010page 11

CHAMPAGNE HALF TIMBEREDCHURCHES TRAIL1> Mathaux ChurchN 48° 22. 402’ E 4° 28. 620’Saint-Quentin Church10500 MathauxT (0)3 25 92 26 62 (J. Siodos)Open : on appointment.Mathaux Church was the last of the timber-framechurches to be built in Champagne. It was builtin 1761 by a carpenter from Dienville in a styleinspired by the religious stone architecture of thetime. The most original element of this Latin crossshapedchurch, which has a nave without aislesand wide transept arms, is the bell tower, set onthe first bay of the nave, an imposing square towercovered entirely with wooden shingles and toppedwith an elegant cupola. It was destroyed, alongwith the nave, by a storm in 1983 and was rebuiltentirely afresh. The interior boasts a neo-Gothicwooden altar and an unusually shaped tabernacle,as well as a 17 th century painting depicting Christat the grape press.> More infoAmong the many activities offered by the Association of theFriends of the Orient Forest Park is a guided tour of SaintQuentin’s Church and the village of Mathaux, scheduled for3 July 2010.2> Longsols ChurchN 48° 25. 828’ E 4° 17. 310’Church to Saint-Julien and Saint-Blaise10240 LongsolsT (0)3 25 37 28 18 / (0)3 25 37 61 18 (towm hall)Open : every day, from 1 May to 30 October.Out of season, by appointment.Longsols is one of the most picturesque halftimberedchurches in Champagne, situated close tothe vast oak forests of the Champagne wetlands.The dating work undertaken on the wood showsthat it was built between 1483 (choir) and 1493(nave).Its long transept gives the building the shape of aLatin cross. Outside, you can observe the pyramidshape, divided into three stages. First, the sidesare covered with a pitched roof that runs down tothe porch, then the high central nave with narrowwindows and topped by a gabled roof and finally,the imposing spire covered with slate.> More infoInside, you can admire the remarkable woodcarvings as well as thefabulous polychrome altarpieces from the end of the 17 th century,spread out between the transept and the choir.4

CHAMPAGNE HALF TIMBEREDCHURCHES TRAIL5> Drosnay ChurchN 48° 34. 710’ E 4° 37. 098’Notre Dame Church51290 DrosnayT (0)3 26 72 58 80 (town hall)Open : every day.Built in the early 16 th century close to a fortifiedmound, Drosnay church is a huge building thatowes its unity and character to the large gableroof which covers it completely. This roof almostcertainly replaced an 18 th century staggered roof.On the western side, the high gable is protectedfrom the rain by a mixed coating which blendsvertical wood cladding and horizontal battens, asystem known locally as tavillons.Inside, you can admire all of the 18 th centurywood panelling as well as the master altar and itsaltarpiece, which date from 1667.> More infoIn the eastern window of the southern aisle, there is abeautiful 16 th century stained-glass window from the Troyesglass painting workshops representing the Tree of Jesse, asChrist’s genealogical tree was known.6> Nuisement ChurchN 48° 36. 494’ E 4° 46. 339’Church of St John the BaptistThe Pays du Der Museum51290 Sainte-Marie-du-Lac-NuisementT (0)3 26 41 01 02 - F (0)3 26 41 29 29www.museedupaysduder.comOpen : daily from March to November andweekends from December to February.Prices : Adults €5.50 - Children (10-16 years) €3.60Taken down piece by piece and rebuilt here in1970, this church used to stand in the village ofNuisement-aux-Bois, which disappeared when Lacdu Der was created. Some of its wood dates backto 1479, making it the oldest timber-frame churchin Champagne. It was gradually extended over the17 th century and its current configuration reallyonly goes back to the 19 th century. Admire the falsewood panelled vault which covers the inside andwhich leaves part of the framework visible: it wouldseem that this covering system was fairly frequentup until the 18 th century.> More infoThroughout the year, the Pays du Der Museum organisesevents and theme days: gourmet spring market, traditionalharvest festival, Autumn Festival, crane discovery excursion,etc.6

7> Châtillon-sur-Broué ChurchN 48° 32. 763’ E 4° 42. 278’Notre Dame Church51290 Châtillon-sur-BrouéT (0)3 26 72 13 48 (town hall)Open : every day.Châtillon-sur-Broué is one of the most originaltimber-frame churches in Champagne.Its originality lies in the height and width of thenave to which the bell tower is joined, surmountingthe porch. It is also the only church to have a largefully enclosed porch, lit solely by two wide openingson the sides which are beautifully decorated withcarved balusters.Most of the construction of the church dates fromthe first two decades of the 16 th century, and thebell tower was rebuilt in 1822.As you step inside, you are immediately struck bythe unity of the space.CHAMPAGNE HALF TIMBEREDCHURCHES TRAIL> More infoYou can also enjoy a stroll round the building to discover thepolygonal apse whose timber frames form some harmoniousSt Andrew’s crosses.8> Outines ChurchN 48° 33. 258’ E 4° 39. 016’Church of St Nicolas51290 OutinesT (0)3 26 72 57 60 (town hall)www.mairie-outines.frOpen : every day.Audio-guided visits on-site.Outines Church is the most monumental of all of thetimber framed religious buildings in Champagne.It’s meticulous building work goes back to theearly 16th century: the oldest of its wood datesback to 1512. The church takes its inspiration fromsome of the region’s large covered markets.Outside, observe the shingle covered facadewhich was intended to protect the building fromfoul weather. The curious rose window is alsoof interest. Step in and discover the thick pillarsand huge beams, which give the impression of averitable forest. The church contains a fine statueof St Gond from the 16th century and a 14 th centuryChrist on the cross.> More infoAfter a visit to the church, you can head out into the villageto enjoy a stroll through the streets with their beautiful halftimbered houses. A concert is given in the church every yearat the end of June or early July.7

CHAMPAGNE HALF TIMBEREDCHURCHES TRAIL9> Bailly-le-Franc ChurchN 48° 31. 356’ E 4° 39. 253’The Church of the Exaltation of the True Cross10330 Bailly-le-FrancT (0)3 25 27 65 38 (maire)Open : every day.Built in 1510, Bailly-le-Franc timber-frame churchis one of Le Der’s most appealing.In the same architectural style as its neighbour inLentilles, although a little shorter, it is built on theprinciple of roofs of different levels, surmountedby a soaring spire covered in slate.The nave is lit by a row of narrow bays surroundedby Saint Andrew’s crosses created by the way thewood is assembled.Note the variety of materials used in the roof: acovering of chestnut shingles and battens - locallyknown as tavillon - on the gable, Roman tiles whichused to be common in Champagne, on the porch,flat tiles on the nave and slate on the tower.> More infoOnly providing a dim light inside the building, the seven windowsin the apse and the nave, produced in the 19 th century, bear thenames of their donors. The altarpiece dates from the 18 th century.A classical music concert will lift the roof off the building on 28August 2010.10> Lentilles ChurchN 48° 29. 029’ E 4° 36. 662’Church to St James and St Philip10330 LentillesT (0)3 25 92 14 19 (town hall)Open : every day.Audio-guided visits on-site.Lentilles church, built around 1512, has always beenconsidered as the most typical of Champagne’shalf timbered churches.Its slender shape is accentuated not only by theabsence of a transept but also by the roofing ofthe aisles being linked to the porch roof.On the latter is an arch which bears a stone statueof St James, indicating clearly the entrance to thebuilding.Inside, you will discover something unusual whichis only to be found in Lentilles: circular windows- or oculi - above the bays in the polygonal choir.They still have remnants of the original 16 th centuryglass.> More infoYou can also observe the diamond patterned ceiling which wasrediscovered when in the 1970s the false plaster vault, whichhad been constructed in the 19 th century, was removed.8

11> Soulaines-Dhuys ChapelN 48° 22. 612’ E 4° 44. 081’St John’s Chapel10200 Soulaines-DhuysT (0)3 25 92 28 33 (Permanent centre forenvironmental initiatives)Open : daily in July and August.Out of season, by appointment.St John’s Chapel is not only the smallest of theregion’s timber framed religious buildings, it isalso one of the oldest, erected between 1484 and1504.It was originally the chapel for a leper colony,before becoming an ordinary sanctuary for worshipin the 17 th century.One of its notable features is the shape of theangle braces in the porch, which form three trefoilarches. On either side of the door, the two largerectangular bays with wooden bars enabled thelepers, who stayed outside, to follow the services.CHAMPAGNE HALF TIMBEREDCHURCHES TRAIL> More infoInside, on the false vaulted ceiling, you can see the remains ofa series of motifs created without doubt in the 16th century,using stencil and brush: fleur de lys and arabesques surroundfoliage and other stylized motifs.More infoIn the collection « Parcours du Patrimoine »,the french book « Les églises à pans de bois deChampagne » will complete your visit.Available on librairy and on Editions DominiqueGuéniot www.editionsgueniot.fr9

PACKAGES12> 2 days / 2 nightsFrom 162€ / personin double room> BreakLake Der by bicycleCome for a weekend and discover Lake Der,Europe’s largest artificial lake, and its beautifulenvironment which is ideal for cycling. This willbe a chance you to discover the half-timberedchurches, so typical of Champagne architecture,and make the most of the lake while indulging inyour favourite sport. You’ll be staying in a 3-keyranked guesthouse, given a warm welcome by theowners of this Champagne style mansion.Enquiries and bookings :Accueil Vert Haute-MarneCours Marcel Baron - BP 204852902 Chaumont cedex 9T (0)3 25 30 39 08 - F (0)3 25 30 39 05www.tourisme-hautemarne.comhaute-marne@champagne-ardenne-reservation.com> More infoValid from April to October. Includes half-boardaccommodation in Clévacances guesthouse, the picnicsand the road books. Bicycle rental an option.13> 3 days / 2 nightsFrom 190€ / personin double room> BreakCulinary journey to TroyesThis holiday will take you to the heart of themediaeval town, in an air-conditioned hotelrestaurant with comfortable bedrooms. A gourmetmenu and a gastronomic menu await you, aswell as a bottle of champagne.You will be given a«pass’ Troyes» so that you can explore the city, itsmuseums, its colourful half timbered houses, itsfactory outlets and more besides.Enquiries and bookings :Le Royal Hôtel22, boulevard Carnot10000 TroyesT (0)3 25 73 19 99 - F (0)3 25 73 47 85www.royal-hotel-troyes.comreservation@royal-hotel-troyes.com> More infoValid all year. Includes the half-board stay in a3-star hotel restaurant (one gourmet menu and onegastronomic menu) not including drinks, a pass’ Troyesand a bottle of champagne per couple.10

Useful AdressesComité Départemental du Tourisme de l’Aube34, Quai Dampierre - 10000 TroyesT (0)3 25 42 50 00 - F (0)3 25 42 50 88www.aube-champagne.comOn the Webwww.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.comCome online to find activities and trails to help tourdiscover, as well as events and ideas for weekends inChampagne-Ardenne.Comité Départemental du Tourisme de la Marne13 bis, Rue Carnot - BP 7451006 Châlons-en-Champagne cedexT (0)3 26 68 37 52 - F (0)3 26 68 46 45www.tourisme-en-champagne.comOffice de Tourisme du Lac du DerStation Nautique - 51290 Giffaumont-ChampaubertT (0)3 26 72 62 80 - F (0)3 26 72 64 69www.lacduder.comOffice de Tourisme des Grands Lacs et de la Forêt d’OrientMaison du Parc - 10220 PineyT (0)3 25 43 38 88 - F (0)3 25 41 54 09www.pnr-foret-orient.frOffice de Tourisme de Brienne-le-Château34, Rue de l’Ecole Militaire - 10500 Brienne-le-ChâteauT (0)3 25 92 82 41 - F (0)3 25 27 11 25www.ot-brienne-le-chateau.comOffice de Tourisme du Pays du Der18, Rue de l’Isle - 52220 Montier-en-DerT (0)3 25 04 69 17 - F (0)3 25 04 09 46www.tourisme-paysduder.frCentre permanent d’initiatives pour l’environnement (CPIE)du Pays de SoulainesDomaine de Saint-Victor - 10200 Soulaines-DhuysT (0)3 25 92 28 33 - F (0)3 25 92 56 00www.crdp-reims.fr/cddp10/cpie/This brochure is published by the Champagne-Ardenne ComitéRégional du Tourisme.Bibliography- Les églises à pans de bois de Champagne, collection Parcoursdu Patrimoine. Editions Guéniot, 2008- Les églises à pans de bois, Josette Louis-Seurat, EditionsGuéniot, 2002PhotosPatrice Thomas, Service régional de l’Inventaire (RégionChampagne-Ardenne). Philippe Lemoine, A Balthazard, CDTAube, CDT Haute-Marne, OT du Der, the Pays du Der Museum.Designed by : CRT Champagne-ArdenneCartography : www.cap-orientation.com50, avenue du Général Patton - BP 5031951013 Châlons-en-Champagne cedex - FranceT (0)3 26 21 85 80 - F (0)3 26 21 85 90www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.comcontact@tourisme-champagne-ardenne.comEurope supports the development of the trails andcircuits in Champagne-ArdenneEvents 2010Here is just a selection. For a more complete list of events, please see the«Useful addresses» section, or visit the above websites : www.tourismechampagne-ardenne.com20 June: Country and mill heritage dayGuided tour of Soulaines-Dhuys, the village and its monuments.Information : T (0)3 25 92 28 33Late June-early July: Concert in the wood-framed church ofOutinesInformation : T (0)3 26 72 58 63 - www.mairie-outines.fr3 July: Guided tour of the church and the village of Mathaux bythe Friends of the Orient Forest Park.Information : T (0)3 25 41 07 83 - www.amis-parc-foret-orient.fr8 August: Traditional harvest festivalThe harvests of yesteryear against a background of local folkloreand flavours at the Pays du Der Museum in Sainte-Marie-du-Lac-Nuisement.Information : T (0)3 26 41 01 02 - www.museedupaysduder.com28 August: Concert in the wood-framed church of Bailly-le-FrancConcert of classical music.18 and 19 September: European Heritage DaysThe churches and historic buildings open their doors and hostconferences, exhibitions...Information : T (0)3 26 70 36 50www.culture.gouv.fr/champagne-ardenne10 October: Autumn gourmet festival at the Pays du Der MuseumRegional produce market, apple and squash festival with applepressing and tasting of the fresh juice.Information : T (0)3 26 41 01 02 - www.museedupaysduder.com7 November and 5 December: Crane discovery day at Lake DerNature day with birdwatching, guided tour of the Pays du Der Museumand observation in the dormitory of the cranes returning to the lake.Information : T (0)3 26 41 01 02 - www.museedupaysduder.com18 to 21 November: Montier-en-Der PhotoFestivalInternational Festival of wildlife and naturephotography.Information : T (0)3 25 55 72 84www.festiphoto-montier.org11

THE PAYS DU DER MUSEUMSAINTE-MARIE-DU-LAC-NUISEMENTTake in some fresh air anddiscover nature and the traditionsof the pastThe Pays du Der Museum51290 Sainte-Marie-du-Lac-NuisementT (0)3 26 41 01 02 - F (0)3 26 41 29 29www.museedupaysduder.comA half timbered church rebuilt on site, a village hall and school, adovecote, a smithy, a stable, a kitchen garden and medicinal garden,a henhouse, washerwomen and pit sawyers, etc.Just a stone’s throw from the northern shore of the Lac du DerChantecoq, in a haven of calm and greenery, the Pays du DerMuseum invites you to discover the incredible history of the villageswhich disappeared.www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.comwww.museedupaysduder.com