Champignol-lez-Mondeville offers several themes to consider when planning a trip: medieval architecture, Champagne culture and nature. You can shape your stay around culture, winegrowing or outdoor activities along the described routes. The historical details and the different route lengths give each of these themes its own character.
Chapels, a church and traces of the medieval past
The 12th-century Chapelle de Mondeville is located in Champignol-lez-Mondeville and has been protected as a historic monument since 2 March 1927. The Chapelle Notre-Dame de l’Annonciation is the last surviving remnant of the village of Mondeville; its last house was demolished in 1825. A visit to Champignol-lez-Mondeville introduces a 12th-century chapel, the medieval prison tower, the church and the history of Champagne wines. Champignol church contains almost sixty notable works.
The Tour de l’ancienne maison seigneuriale de Clairvaux is a cohesive 13th-century structure that has changed little since it was built. It is the last surviving remnant of a manor belonging to Clairvaux Abbey. The tower probably served as a prison from the beginning of its construction. Together with the chapels and the church, it offers a glimpse into different aspects of the area’s architectural and local history.
Routes and nature
Two sections of the Way of St James are described, each with its own distance: Clairvaux to Champignol-lez-Mondeville is 8.5 km, followed by 7 km from there to St Usage. This allows you to plan the route to Champignol and the continuation separately. A shorter alternative in terms of distance is the 3 km Circuit du patrimoine de Champignol-lez-Mondeville. This fun trail is suitable for children and adults and offers a different focus from the two sections of the Way of St James.
Nature offers another way to explore the area. The entire municipality lies within the “Barrois et forêt de Clairvaux” Natura 2000 Special Protection Area for birds and an area of importance for bird conservation; five ZNIEFF sites also cover the municipality. A total of 470 species have been recorded in Champignol-lez-Mondeville, including 177 animal species and 293 plant species. The protected-area designations and the recorded diversity of species offer two different perspectives on the municipality’s natural environment.
Winegrowing and Champagne culture
Since 2018, Domaine de Mondeville has farmed its entire 15-hectare vineyard organically and biodynamically. In the municipality, visitors are guided from the vineyards to the limestone grasslands to convey their connection with the terroir of the Côte des Bar. Champignol-lez-Mondeville is also located within the commitment zone of the UNESCO inscription “Coteaux, maisons et caves de Champagne”.
L’Empreinte des fées leads from the vineyards to the Champagne cellar of Domaine de Mondeville, owned by the Dumont family. The outing introduces the work of an environmentally conscious winegrower and includes a tour of the vineyard and the biodiversity of the winegrowing slopes. Champagne tastings and a sustainable cellar tour are also part of the offer. L’Empreinte des fées is open year-round by prior reservation; unusual excursions are also offered throughout the year. As visitor offers may change, check the current arrangements before your trip. Domaine de Mondeville is located at Rue de Champagne, 10200 Champignol-lez-Mondeville.
Discover more destinations: Merrey-Sur-Arce, Bréviandes, Marnay-sur-Seine, Charmont-sous-Barbuise, Virey-Sous-Bar, Sainte-Maure, Courceroy, Ville-sous-la-Ferté.
For the broader travel overview: Aube.
