Chatoillenot reveals itself through its buildings and fountains, as well as through paths that wind through the village and surrounding countryside. When planning your visit, bear one clear restriction in mind at the Château de Chatoillenot: the estate is private and cannot be visited; it can only be seen from the outside. Check local information before travelling.
Château, Church and Fountains
The Château de Chatoillenot was rebuilt in 1777; remains of a 13th-century fortress have also survived. The same building thus brings together two distinct periods: the history of the medieval fortress and its later reconstruction. Since 26 August 1988, the château has been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. Its history can be traced both through the surviving fortress remains and the later construction phase.
The Église Saint-Etienne dates from the 18th century and was renovated in several phases. In 1841, work was carried out on the choir, transept and bell tower; in 1854, the two chapels and the tower porch followed. Unlike the château, whose documented building history includes a reconstruction and fortress remains, the church’s history is marked by these successive works on different parts of the building.
The two fountains also have distinct features. The Fontaine de la Godelaine stands in the village square opposite the church. Its central column is surrounded by a livestock watering trough and topped with a stone urn. The Fontaine Saint-Eloi is at the entrance to a green valley, beside a shallow ford. It was built in 1786 to a rectangular plan: 36 feet long and 22 feet wide. Its roof is covered with stone slabs (laves). At the Godelaine, the arrangement of the features takes centre stage; at the Saint-Eloi, the setting by the valley and the ford are also part of the picture.
Local tradition also includes a legend about a château. It features three young women, an underground treasure and a black ram. This tale adds a distinctly fairy-tale perspective to the château’s history.
Circular Trails and Countryside
The Circuit de découverte de Chatoillenot is a 2.6 km circular trail. It explores the village and its historic landscape through literature, particularly the novel “Le Pain au Lièvre” by Joseph Cressot. Literature provides the thread for discovering the area, while the stated distance offers a practical guide for planning a walk.
The Val d'Esnoms circular trail passes through Chatoillenot and offers lovely views of the Vezin Valley along the way. The two trail descriptions therefore have different emphases: the Circuit connects literature, the village and its historic landscape, while the Val d'Esnoms focuses on views across the valley.
Before Your Visit
A downloadable brochure about visiting the village is available for Chatoillenot. Check that it is available before your trip if you would like to use it to prepare.
Discover more destinations: Rochetaillée, Bugnières, Gudmont-Villiers, Montier-En-Der, Savigny, Rouelles, Doulevant-le-Château, Parnoy-en-Bassigny.
For the broader travel guide: Haute-Marne.
