Attractions and Places To See around Magny-Fouchard - Top 20

As idyllic as the 'Etang de Frouasse' appears to the viewer today, the body of water is by no means of natural origin. Its construction was driven by economic interests at the time, as the builders (according to 'Paul_C''s contribution, the Knights Templar, whose exact name was "Poor Knights of Christ and of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem") could use such a pond either for fish farming or to power mills.

The St. Peter's Church in Bar-sur-Aube is a church dedicated to the apostle Peter. The church is located in the town of Bar-sur-Aube, in the Aube department, in the Grand Est region. The church dates from the 12th century and is Romanesque in style. The church has a remarkable organ from the 17th century, which originally came from another monastery. The church also has an 18th century tower, which offers a beautiful view of the town and the Aube River.

Via Francigena: During this stage, a stop in Bar-sur-Aube is a must. Situated on a north-south axis, the town acquired strategic importance and the status of a commercial centre during the period of the Counts of Champagne. The latter had indeed guaranteed the security of the merchants and set up an adapted logistical organisation that contributed to the development of Bar-sur-Aube as a commercial centre. Thus, from mid-February to mid-April, traders from Flanders and Italy exchanged oriental spices, silk, textiles and raw materials from Northern Europe. The architecture of the town bears witness to this past activity.

The Saint-Pierre Church of Bar-sur-Aube is a historic monument which deserves special attention. Dating from the 12th century, it has remarkable architecture with its harmonious apse and its halloy, a 14th century wooden portico which gives it a unique exterior originality. Inside, the nave offers a beautiful perspective, allowing you to admire the capitals of very Cistercian simplicity and the vault. The church also houses a Romanesque Sedes Sapientiae from the 12th century and sculptures from the 16th century, including a particularly beautiful Virgin and Child with a Bouquet. The Bouchardon altarpiece dating from 1736 and the magnificent Baroque organ case from the 18th century are also notable elements of this heritage. Visitors appreciate the calm and light of the nave, which reveals traces of past polychromy. The exhibition of 16th century statuary and the organ case in three bodies from three distinct periods add to the historical and artistic richness of Saint-Pierre Church. In short, the Saint-Pierre Church is a jewel of Bar-sur-Aube which offers visitors a journey through time and sacred art. It is a living testimony to the history and culture of the region, and its visit is highly recommended for those interested in religious architecture and art history.

Two rivers cross the pretty town of Bar-sur-Aube. These are the Aube river which gives its name to the department and the Bresse. Numerous Champagne vineyard hillsides surround it, which makes it a renowned place for the production of champagne.

The Saint-Léger parish church was initially built in the 12th century, then completely integrated into a new church, 1866-1867 during the restoration and expansion work carried out by Pierre Lefranc, former architect to King Louis-Philippe, who was elected mayor in 1860. The church contained a font from the end of the 15th century or the beginning of the 16th century. Since 1942, only a few fragments have remained which have been placed in the gallery of the preaching pulpit. These fragments have been "classified" in the inventory of historic monuments since December 27, 1913. The church also contains a funerary slab dated 1296, also "classified" since December 27, 1913 as well as the 12 objects listed in the inventory general cultural heritage. Furthermore, a wooden Christ, dating from the 12th century, was found in 2010.

The Frouasse pond is a small lake surrounded by century-old trees and rich fauna. There you can admire the view of the water and the reflections of the sky, as well as the singing of birds and frogs. The pond is also a historic site, as it was one of the many ponds created by the Templars in the Middle Ages.

This trail follows the ancient boundaries of the estate that the Templars purchased in 1255 and managed for centuries. Along the route, you will find 11 informative panels in French and English which explain the history and organization of the Templars in this region. You will also see the ruins of the Bazin Lodge, a commandery they built in the heart of the forest.