In Aujeurres, specific themes in architectural and art history connect with hiking routes to the source of the Aube. Saint-Didier Church combines an architectural form with a reliquary bust; fountains, a washhouse and the Chapelle Saint-Georges add further details. There is also a trail with information boards and a rest stop on a circular route. This gives you different ways to focus your stay: on local history and design, or on a hike.
Saint-Didier Church: Floor Plan and Reliquary Bust
Saint-Didier Church has a Latin cross floor plan and appears to have been built entirely in the 13th century. The floor plan describes the layout of the building; the date is a cautious estimate of its construction period. The church houses the reliquary bust “Saint Didier évêque”. This painted, silvered and gilded wooden sculpture dates from the 18th century. The bust was classified as a protected object on 5 June 1967. This work of art therefore combines its material with several decorative techniques: wood as the base, along with painting, silvering and gilding.
Fountains, Gargoyles and Washhouse
At the Fontaine de la « Peûte Bête », the design and construction can be distinguished by two dates: the building project dates from 1832 and was based on designs by the architect Onésime Luquet, who came from Langres; the fountain was built in 1836. Four gargoyles add interest to a village walk along the road to the Fontaine. The washhouse in Aujeurres is on the Départementale 141d. It was completely renovated in 2003 and 2004 and is now decorated with five frescoes by painters from the “Pigment” group. While the fountain highlights the sequence from design to construction, the washhouse brings together its renovation history and the artistic decoration of the frescoes.
Chapelle Saint-Georges and Its History
The Chapelle Saint-Georges stands on the edge of the former Roman road from Langres to Autun and is documented as early as around the year 1000. This early record can be distinguished from the later rebuilds: the chapel was rebuilt in 1832, reconstructed again after further damage in 1866, and consecrated in 1868. This sequence records several stages in its construction history.
The chapel is designed in the Neo-Gothic style and has a small roof turret. A depiction on the tympanum above the entrance shows Saint George on horseback defeating a dragon. Alongside its historical development, the architecture and decorative imagery also offer specific points of interest.
Hiking at the Source of the Aube
Two details are particularly useful for planning a hike. The Sentier de découverte de la source de l'Aube has eight information boards along the route. The Fontaine du Val des Frais is a refreshing rest stop for hikers on the circular route to the source of the Aube. The two features serve different purposes: the boards provide information along the trail, while the fountain serves as a rest stop. When planning, you can consider whether information along a route or a place to rest on the circular walk matters more to you.
Aujeurres offers a range of ways to plan a stay focused on culture or hiking. Those interested in sacred art and architectural history will find details in the church and chapel, as well as at the fountain and washhouse. Those who would rather explore the area on foot can follow the eight information boards and visit the rest stop on the circular route.
Discover more destinations: Viéville, Chamouilley, Haute-Amance, Chantraines, Dancevoir, Rennepont, Peigney, Pressigny
For the regional travel overview: Haute-Marne.
