What if you were to change a little from those traditional holidays at the sea? What if you opted for a holiday with a difference, a cultural holiday, a gourmet holiday, made up of discoveries in the heart of an abundant nature, and historical interludes to meet the heritage of our beautiful country? Are you ready to try an adventure, far from the traditional tourist routes? Head for Bar-sur-Seine!
Gateway to the Côte des Bars in Champagne, Bar-sur-Seine is located in the Grand Est region, in the Aube department. 33 kilometres south-east of Troyes, this charming town is crossed from one side to the other by the Seine, and by the Ource in the south-east of its territory. Rich in history, the town developed on a small hill during the Middle Ages, before expanding onto the neighbouring plains over the centuries. A county seat, then under the domination of the Duchy of Burgundy at the beginning of the 15th century, Bar-sur-Seine was heavily damaged during the Wars of Religion. Despite this, the town now boasts a splendid heritage that you can discover thanks to a discovery tour that will take you to the heart of its historic centre made up of magnificent medieval half-timbered houses, particularly on the heights of the town and on the left bank of the Seine. What to see? The church of Saint-Etienne, without a doubt: built between 1505 and 1616, it reveals to the visitor an interesting Renaissance and flamboyant Gothic building. Its stained glass windows dating from the 16th to the 19th century, its statues, its bas-reliefs and its organ make it a monument inseparable from the history of Bar-sur-Seine. Still on the subject of religious buildings, the neo-Gothic Notre-Dame du Chêne chapel, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste chapel, the imposing Templar chapel of Avalleur and the Passion chapel are added to the list of religious buildings that you can discover during your visit. After having taken the time to walk around the magnificent old houses that dot the heart of the town, you will not be able to miss the Clock Tower, the only vestige of what was once the castle of the Counts of Bar, or the 17th century Châtillon Gate, formerly called the "Gate of the House of God", which marked one of the entrances to Bar-sur-Seine.
After these city visits, take a detour to the Val Seine park to discover its castle, an imposing bourgeois residence set in a welcoming green setting, perfect for a family picnic, before stopping off at the Croc Ferrand promenade. Along the Seine, this bucolic walk will allow you to discover the cadoles, small old huts made of dried stones typical of the Côte des Bar vineyards, surrounded by superb gardens. Known above all for its famous 12th century fairs, Bar-sur-Seine then found its prosperity thanks to its fertile plains studded with vines, now included in the Champagne appellation vineyards. Thus, here, there are many labelled cellars that you can discover, during walks or cycle rides, thanks to a vast network of marked paths. In all, there is a network of more than 400 kilometres of trails that criss-cross the vineyards, the Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park and the neighbouring villages, allowing you to discover both the splendour of the region's natural heritage and the delights of its gastronomy. Tasting of champagne, Chaource and Mussy cheeses, but also cider from the Othe forest or andouillette from Troyes will give this stay a little taste of "come back!
Premium
