Bréviandes brings together a Neo-Gothic church, the Hozain flowing through the town, and local history from different periods. At Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, architecture and stained glass from different eras take center stage; at the washhouse, a spring-fed channel runs past the basins and washing trough before reaching the Hozain. A Roman road and a monument to the First World War are also concrete points of local interest. When planning a stay, you can focus on architecture, the waterside landscape or history.
Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Church
Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Church is a late-19th-century Neo-Gothic ensemble created by the Vincent-Larcher and Vincent-Feste brothers from Troyes. The church’s 19th-century stained-glass windows are by Vincent Feste. The church also has a contemporary stained-glass window by Cécile Boël, created in 2012. The date and style of the ensemble should therefore be distinguished from the dates of individual works of art: its Neo-Gothic architecture points to the late 19th century, while Boël’s window adds a more recent reference. Those interested in church architecture can use this example to connect the classification of the overall building with the history of its artworks.
The Hozain, washhouse and walks
The Hozain is one of three tributaries of the Seine that flow through Bréviandes. The washhouse on Impasse de la Source is accessed from below the road. A channel carrying spring water, partly open to the air, feeds the rectangular basin; from there, the water flows through the washing trough and reaches the Hozain a few metres farther on. The sequence from channel to basin to trough and then river makes the flow of water a defining feature of the washhouse. Check local access conditions before your visit.
The natural surroundings of Bréviandes, near the Seine and its tributaries, are suitable for walks. There are also opportunities for fishing along the Seine and smaller tributaries in Bréviandes. The two activities require different preparations: walkers can make the natural surroundings their focus, while anglers should check the applicable regulations and suitable spots with the local association.
Historical traces and memorials
The ancient Roman road connecting Troyes with Vertault ran through Bréviandes. Another historical reference is the Maladrerie des Deux-Eaux, also known as the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Lazare. It was established in the 12th century in the territory of Bréviandes as a refuge for plague victims and demolished in 1733. The Roman road represents a link between two places; the Maladrerie was an institution with a specific social purpose. It should therefore be distinguished as a historical reference from a surviving building.
Bréviandes’ First World War memorial features a helmeted Poilu holding a flag, standing on a square pillar. At 71 rue Jean Rostand, there is also a stone and metal wayside cross. The differences help distinguish them: the memorial is explicitly dedicated to the First World War, while the wayside cross is identified by its precise address and its combination of stone and metal.
Discover more destinations: Bessy, Dosnon, Saint-Mards-En-Othe, Poligny, Auxon, Mussy-Sur-Seine, Villenauxe-La-Grande, Précy-Notre-Dame
For the broader travel overview: Aube.
