At the entrance to the Église Saint-Eloi in Racines are large wooden groin vaults, considered a kind of masterpiece of carpentry. The church also features remarkable architectural remains from the late 11th century. This means that two distinct aspects can be found at the same church: the prominent woodwork at the entrance and older structural traces. For cultural planning, this offers a concrete connection between craftsmanship in construction and architectural history. If you are especially interested in architecture, you can focus on the vaults, the remains, or the interplay between the two.
Architecture and cycling in Racines
The Église de Racines is also listed as a point of interest on the 75-kilometre circular cycling route “Pays d'Armance: à la découverte d'un village perché.” The distance refers to the route as a whole; the church is a named cultural landmark along it. This distinguishes two different scales of planning: the church as a specific architectural subject and the cycling route as a separate outing with a stated total length. If you would like to explore Racines by bike, this distinction helps you avoid equating the entire circular route with a single cultural landmark. How much of it you include in your stay is up to you.
Crafts and direct sales
Crafts in Racines also offer some specific distinctions. La Belle et la Bulle makes soaps by hand using the cold-process method and also produces shampoos and bath soaps. The shop is open by appointment. You should therefore arrange your visit in advance; the range includes both this particular production method and other personal care products.
Fée de carton makes furniture from recycled cardboard in Racines. Workshop visits are free and also available by appointment. This presents two different types of visit side by side: La Belle et la Bulle, with soap-making and personal care products, and Fée de carton, with cardboard furniture and a look inside the workshop. You should arrange both visits in advance; the fact that visits to the Fée de carton workshop are free is explicitly stated.
Le Dessert d'Alex adds to the local selection with yoghurt and faisselle made from the milk of its dairy cows. Direct sales take place at EARL Champton in Racines. Specific sales hours apply: Wednesdays from 2:00 to 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 to 5:15 p.m. Confirm the hours before your visit. Unlike shop and workshop visits by appointment, shopping here is based on the stated days and time slots.
When looking for a hotel in Racines, these different types of visits can serve as a framework for planning: the architecture and cycling route offer distinct thematic focuses, while shop visits, workshop tours and direct sales are subject to specific conditions. Consider which of these interests you would like to shape your stay around, and plan your trip accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Channes, La Rivière-De-Corps, Piney, Estissac, La Rothière, Montigny-Les-Monts, Saint-Pouange, Barberey-Aux-Moines.
For the broader travel overview: Aube.
