Montsaugeon can be explored through its castle traces, historic buildings and setting on a witness hill. Visiting conditions vary: a discovery trail is described with its length and information boards, the church interior can be visited by appointment, and the market halls are free and open to all. You can therefore plan your exploration around the subjects that interest you and any arrangements required.
Location and landscape
Montsaugeon lies on the slope of a witness hill that reaches an elevation of 338 metres. The hill rises 60 metres above the surrounding plain. These figures describe two different measurements: 338 metres is the hill’s elevation, while 60 metres is its height above the plain. A pond lies at the foot of the witness hill. Together, these details paint a clear picture of a village on a slope, a pond at its foot and a plain all around.
Paths and castle traces
The Promenade des remparts follows one of the castle’s three former concentric walls around the upper part of the present-day village. Its description therefore refers to a specific historic boundary. The 1.7-kilometre discovery trail, marked with information boards, passes through Montsaugeon’s restored historic heritage. The Promenade highlights the course of a former fortification; for the discovery trail, its length and information boards are practical points of reference.
A steep path leads from the cemetery to the former castle site. A stone altar with two side niches has been preserved there. Another remnant of the former fortifications is the medieval gatehouse: it dates from the late 15th century and is the only surviving remnant of the former castle fortifications. The altar on the former castle site and the gatehouse represent different surviving traces of this history.
Church and appointment
The church of Notre-Dame de Montsaugeon, also called a chapel, is documented in a charter from 1098 and was rebuilt in the 13th century. The interior can be visited by appointment with the town hall. Arrange your visit and appointment with the town hall before travelling. This condition is important for your planning: visiting the church interior requires making arrangements in advance.
The market halls through history
The market halls of Montsaugeon were already in existence in 1625. In 1761, they were rebuilt in their present form at their historic location. Their former use is also documented: in the 19th century, a market was held beneath the halls on Thursdays, along with four fairs each year.
The market halls are free and open to all. As access arrangements may change, check them before your visit.
Garden and digital discovery
The Jardin d’Isabeau is a private garden with a medieval character. During her presentations, the herbalist opens her shop there and introduces remedies from her time. These presentations may vary; bear this in mind when planning your visit.
The discovery tour with Barthélémy is available through the free Id-Vizit app. The app offers personalised, playful and interactive sightseeing routes. Check that the app is available before your trip. You therefore have different ways to find your bearings: the 1.7-kilometre trail marked with information boards and a digital tour accessed through the app.
Discover more destinations: Longeau-Percey, Vaux-Sous-Aubigny, Bailly-aux-Forges, Bourg, Anrosey, Guindrecourt-Sur-Blaise, Praslay, Rennepont.
View the regional travel overview: Haute-Marne.
