Vecqueville brings together metal heritage and the Marne: a blast furnace is a stop on the Route de la Fonte d’Art, while the river runs through the built-up area. A Gothic church, the early history of a priory and a specific fishing area complete the picture. If you’re looking for a hotel in Vecqueville, you can plan your stay around these highlights: industrial history, religious architecture and art, or activities on the water.
Blast Furnace and Industrial History
Built between 1866 and 1868, the Bussy blast furnace is a unique example of metal heritage. It was designated a protected structure on April 4, 2001. The construction date and designation mark two distinct phases: the furnace’s construction in the 19th century and its later protected status. The 1866 blast furnace in Vecqueville is also a stop on the Route de la Fonte d’Art. The Fonderie de Vecqueville Ferry-Capitain was founded in 1831; it is a historic site and a monument. The foundry’s founding predates the blast furnace’s construction. This comparison distinguishes two different chapters of industrial history, rather than narrowing the town’s history to a single structure.
Local History and Church Art
Around 685, Vecqueville was known as “Episcopi villa,” meaning “the bishop’s estate”; the town was connected with the beginnings of the Priory of Sainte-Ame. The Ferme de Sossa stands on the site of a former priory founded by Sainte Ama. A former chapel also remains on the farm. The Gothic Church of Saint-Rémy has a 15th-century choir. Over the course of its history, it was adorned with stained-glass windows and a 16th-century painting signed by Henri Lemoine. The dates therefore span the town’s name in the 7th century, the choir and the later painting. For culture enthusiasts, these specific local details offer a way to trace a long sweep of history.
The Marne and the Surrounding Landscape
The Marne runs through Vecqueville from east to north and borders the built-up area. In the town center, a public square with benches beneath lime trees sits on its banks; visitors can stop there and stroll. The square is therefore a specific public place to pause by the river. Beyond the built-up area, the ZNIEFF of the Marne Valley between Chaumont and Gourzon extends across the entire municipality. It includes frequently flooded meadows and small wooded areas. The two descriptions refer to different scales: the river’s course through the built-up area and the habitats across the municipality.
Fishing on the Marne and Canal
The La Truitelle fishing area in Vecqueville offers anglers authorized fishing rights along 9.6 km of the Marne’s banks. The same fishing area also includes canal sections 29–30, with authorized fishing rights along 7.8 km of banks. The separate lengths make it possible to compare the Marne stretch with the canal sections. The lengths and permits may be adjusted by the managing authority; check its current information before fishing.
Discover more destinations: Longeau-Percey, Le Châtelet-Sur-Meuse, Châteauvillain, Doncourt-Sur-Meuse, Villiers-Sur-Suize, Daillancourt, Vignes-La-Côté, Lamargelle-Aux-Bois.
For the regional travel overview: Haute-Marne.
