Attractions and Places To See around Chaource - Top 12

Chaource is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church of Chaource, known for its Gothic architecture, 16th-century entombment sculpture, and remarkable stained glass windows. Another significant site is Manoir des Tourelles, a historical manor with four round towers and monumental fireplaces, which now serves as the town hall of Rumilly.

Yes, Chaource is surrounded by beautiful natural environments. The Forêt de Rumilly is a prime example, characterized by hardwoods like hornbeams and oaks, offering long fine gravel paths perfect for cycling. The wider Forest of Aumont, spanning 14,000 hectares, also provides numerous paths for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding amidst diverse plant and animal species.

Beyond its historical buildings, Chaource is famous for its local cheese. You can visit the Cheese Museum (Musée du Fromage) to learn about the history and production process of the renowned A.O.C. Chaource cheese. The village also hosts various events throughout the year, including the 'La Ronde des Feux' festival and an organ festival.

The region around Chaource offers a variety of cycling routes. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church loop from Chaource' or the 'Burgundy Canal – Tonnerre loop from Vanlay'. Many routes take you through forested areas like the Forêt de Rumilly. You can explore more options in the Cycling around Chaource guide.

Absolutely. Mountain biking enthusiasts can find several trails, such as the 'Château de la Cordelière – Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church loop from Chaource' or the 'Domaine Saint-Georges loop from Étourvy'. These routes often traverse the forested landscapes of the Aube department. Discover more in the MTB Trails around Chaource guide.

Beyond the prominent church, Chaource features historic houses, some dating back to the 15th century, particularly near Les Halles. These buildings showcase typical Champagne architectural styles with stone bases and half-timbered upper levels. The village also has distinctive arcades, known as 'allours', and picturesque washhouses that are part of a larger 'Circuit des Lavoirs' in the Pays d'Othe region.

The region's landscape of hills, meadows, and orchards, combined with extensive forests, makes it pleasant for outdoor activities during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons generally offer favorable weather for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural and historical sites.

Many of Chaource's attractions, such as the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church of Chaource and Manoir des Tourelles, are suitable for families. The surrounding forests, like the Forest of Aumont, offer easy paths for walks and cycling, and the 'Squirrel trail' is a 2.5-kilometer hiking path focused on the forest ecosystem, which can be engaging for children.

Yes, gravel biking is a popular activity in the area. You can find routes like the 'Chaourçois loop', 'Valleys loop', and the 'Jeugny forest loop'. These routes offer a mix of terrains through forests and rural landscapes. More details can be found in the Gravel biking around Chaource guide.

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The impressive statuary and religious sculpture within the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church are often highlighted. Cyclists particularly enjoy the long, fine gravel paths through forests like the Forêt de Rumilly, finding them a real pleasure. The historical significance and architectural details of sites like Manoir des Tourelles also receive positive feedback.

Yes, near Chaource, you can discover 'The Dragon', a wooden sculpture created by Gildas Berthelot for L’art est dans le pré. With its undulating curves, it appears to emerge from the landscape, offering a unique artistic sight. Additionally, near the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, there is an original fountain designed by a local artist, featuring sculpted hands representing local professionals.

The region is well-forested, providing many shaded trails. The Jeugny Forest, for example, offers pleasant shaded trails ideal for cycling or a leisurely stroll in nature. The Forêt de Rumilly also has extensive shaded paths, though some parts can be muddy after rain.