Champeaux brings together several distinct themes in cultural history: the fortified Collégiale Saint-Martin, the history of the public washhouse, and the landscape and religious history around Roiblay. Aunoy offers another perspective on historic architecture and park design. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between the places you can visit: the Collégiale is open to visitors outside of services, while the privately owned Château d’Aunoy cannot be visited.
The Collégiale Saint-Martin: Building History and Furnishings
The Collégiale Saint-Martin de Champeaux was built from the mid-12th century to the early 14th century and is a fortified church. Notable features include 16th-century stained-glass windows and 54 choir stalls. The Parisian carpenter Falaize made the stalls in 1522. The collection of tomb slabs made of Liaiskalkstein is also noteworthy; it is considered unique in Île-de-France. The building period, church furnishings and history of craftsmanship offer several distinct points of interest for visitors.
The Collégiale is open for free visits every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and until 6 p.m. in winter, outside of services. For groups, guided tours with talks lasting 1.5 hours are available by reservation. During the annual Fête de la Musique, the church hosts an illuminated, atmospheric guided tour. If you would like to plan your visit around one of these offers, check visiting hours before setting out; reservations are required for a group tour.
Aunoy: Historic Architecture and Park Design
The Domaine d’Aunoy retains its original mid-18th-century architecture, as well as part of its English-style park. In April 1986, it was added to the supplementary list of Monuments historiques. The Château d’Aunoy is considered one of the first English-style parks created in France. The privately owned château is visible from the public road but cannot be visited; entering the grounds is prohibited. Bear this restriction in mind when planning: being visible from the road does not mean it is open to visitors.
The Washhouse and Historical Figures
On May 20, 1872, Mayor Hubert Placide ROBICHON drew the municipal council’s attention to the construction of a public washhouse in Champeaux. The public washhouse consisted of an enclosed, covered building with a basin, wooden washboards fitted with iron, an entrance courtyard and a laundry room. These features illustrate how the facility was equipped for communal washing.
Champeaux was Guillaume’s birthplace. In 1113, Guillaume founded the Abbey of the Canons Regular of Saint-Victor in Paris.
Roiblay, Landscape and Trail Connections
The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Roiblay was an important pilgrimage site, particularly in the 16th and early 17th centuries. It stands on the slope of a hill above the ru d’Ancœur valley, which is designated as a protected landscape area. The chapel is located in the commune of Champeaux, belongs to the commune of Saint-Méry and lies on the GR1 long-distance hiking trail.
The Balade Ă Champeaux is a separate route to consider: it goes as far as the junction with the Sentier de la Procession (GR1).
Discover more destinations: Vulaines-lès-Provins, Carnetin, Saint-Augustin, Boutigny, La Chapelle-Rablais, Annet-sur-Marne, Saint-Cyr-sur-Morin, Montévrain.
For the broader travel overview: Seine-Et-Marne.
