Villars-Santenoge can be explored through very different details: buildings with different forms of protection, a contemporary artwork, a wet marshland and two circular walks. For planning, it is useful to distinguish between them. For the buildings, the precise scope of protection and individual structural elements matter; for the walks, the route length—and, for La Juchère, the elevation gain too—can help you estimate how much time to allow.
Churches, farm and artwork
The Église de Villars-Montroyer was listed as a historic monument by decree of 30 October 1925. The Église de Santenoge was listed by decree of 7 December 1925; the choir is partially protected. Both dates fall in the same year, but the scope of protection is described differently.
The Ferme Ă l'ouest de l'Ă©glise de Villars-Montroyer in Villars-Santenoge is also partially protected as a historic monument. A 15th-century fireplace on the first floor is identified as the protected element. Here, the focus is therefore on a specific structural feature.
The Croix du Courroy de Santenoge is classified differently: in 1925, it was added to the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. Le Carré Rouge offers a different point of interest: it was created in 1997 as both a sculpture and a gîte, and bears the “Architecture contemporaine remarquable” label. The artwork is located in the hamlet of Villars-Montoyer in the commune of Villars-Santenoge, near the Étang des Tanières.
Marshland and natural areas
The Marais de la combe Vermenon is a very wet tufa marsh, typical of the Plateau de Langres and completely surrounded by woodland. The marsh within Villars-Santenoge is designated as a ZNIEFF. The Natura 2000 site “Marais tourbeux du plateau de Langres (secteur Sud-Ouest)” also includes Villars-Santenoge.
Circular walks and ponds
For a hike, the two circular walks offer a useful comparison. L'Ource - PR N°93 is 13.5 kilometres long and starts in Villars-Santenoge. La Juchère - PR N°94 covers 11 kilometres and has 267 metres of elevation gain; it leads from the pond first towards Santenoge, then through fields and woodland. In terms of distance, La Juchère is the shorter loop, while the elevation gain provides another factor to consider when planning. Route details may change; check the current route before setting out.
Swimming and fishing are available seasonally at the two ponds of La Juchère, so the time of year matters for these activities.
Places to visit
The Dieu de Pitié is a statue in a niche at the entrance to Santenoge and is freely accessible year-round. As access conditions may change, a quick check before your visit is recommended.
The Pigeonnier de la maison de la Dîme and the Colombier du château de Santenoge are on private property and can only be viewed from the outside. Do not plan an interior visit to either one.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Michel, Joinville, Doncourt-Sur-Meuse, Flagey, Mussey-Sur-Marne, Haute-Amance, Jagee, Chamouilley.
For the regional travel overview: Haute-Marne.
