Those considering Vert-Toulon as a destination can choose from a range of themes: the churches of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Vincent, the Neolithic hypogea, and the PR121 circular trail. Architecture, prehistory and a specific walking route each offer a distinct focus.

Churches and architectural details

The Église Saint-Pierre is a Gothic church in the Romanesque style; construction began in the 12th century. It has been classified as a historic monument since 30 July 1934. The church includes a seigneurial chapel in the Flamboyant Gothic style. Its ribbed vault and carved capitals define the chapel. The motifs depicted include a mermaid, a mask spouting leaves, intertwined monsters, and vines and grapes.

A different architectural feature takes centre stage at the Église Saint-Vincent: its Romanesque portal has three archivolts, the outermost decorated with a chevron frieze. The church is considered the first church in the Diocese of Châlons-en-Champagne dedicated to Saint Vincent. The focus therefore differs: at Saint-Pierre, it is the chapel, vault and carved motifs; at Saint-Vincent, the portal and its dedication tradition.

Hypogea and prehistoric traces

The Neolithic archaeological site of Vert-Toulon includes four hypogea, one of which has been destroyed. Hypogea are collective burial chambers dug into the chalk. The term therefore describes both their shared use as burial chambers and their distinctive construction in the chalk bedrock.

The La Crayère site in Vert-la-Gravelle (Vert-Toulon) appears to consist of a hypogea necropolis in the east and a flint mine in the west. This classification remains tentative: it appears to include these two parts. Thus, the archaeological themes bring together collective burial chambers and an area identified as a flint mine.

Circular trail and events

The PR121 Boucle des Marais de Vert-Toulon is a 5.5-kilometre loop. It starts at Place Léandre-Ploix in Vert-la-Gravelle, and the route is listed as taking 1 hour and 45 minutes. The trail leads visitors to discover the Marais de Saint-Gond and Vert’s oil sites. Before setting out, it is advisable to check the latest route conditions, as they may change.

Champagne Yveline Prat offers cellar tours in Vert-Toulon by appointment. Possible times include 10 a.m. in the morning and 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the afternoon. Arrange your preferred time in advance, as tour arrangements may change.

Tours and excursions are also organised in Vert-Toulon by the association “Marais de Saint-Gond archéologie et patrimoine”. Check the latest dates before your trip. Another event is the Saint-Vincent festival, organised by the association “les amis de l’église de Toulon”. It is traditionally celebrated on the Sunday after 22 January; check the current programme in advance.

These options differ considerably when it comes to planning: the PR121 has a specified route and duration, cellar tours are by appointment, and the dates are key for tours and the festival. You can choose according to whether you would like to focus on a clearly defined walk, an arranged visit or a traditional festival.

Discover more destinations: Trépail, Sarry, Connantre, Nuisement-sur-Coole, Mareuil-Sur-Ay, La Noue, Moussy, Cormontreuil

For the wider travel overview: Marne.