Bar-sur-Seine is a town in Aube, in the Grand Est region, 33 km southeast of Troyes.
The vast territory of 27 km² is crossed by the Seine and dominated by a hill where a first village was formed during the High Middle Ages.
The city developed on the plain over the centuries.
Seat of a county, Bar-sur-Seine enjoyed a certain independence before coming under the domination of the Duchy of Burgundy at the beginning of the 15th century.
Burned by the royal armies in 1475, the city paid a heavy price during the Wars of Religion.
However, known for its fairs since the 12th century, Bar-sur-Seine has regained a certain prosperity and if its castle is destroyed, the town will be able to preserve an ancient heart of great architectural quality.
In addition to this historical heritage, there is a green environment whose primary characteristic is to include part of the southernmost vineyards of the Champagne appellation.
With nearly 3,200 inhabitants, the city highlights its rich heritage and landscapes.
This is an essential stopover near other major sites such as the Forêt d'Orient lake.
A visit to the city can begin with a discovery tour of its interesting heritage, within the old heart and its half-timbered houses, on the left bank of the Seine, or on the nearby heights.
A first step is necessary at the Saint-Étienne church, of large size, built from 1505 to 1616. As a result, we observe elements of Renaissance architecture and flamboyant Gothic style.
Inside, in addition to the stained glass windows dating from the 16th to the 19th century, the statuary is remarkable and the ornamentations are very elaborate, such as alabaster bas-reliefs from the 16th century.
We will also notice the classic 18th century organ.
On a religious level again, the Notre-Dame du Chêne chapel, in neo-Gothic style, built in 1867 on a former place of pilgrimage near a tree sheltering a statuette of the Virgin, deserves a visit eye, just like obviously the Templar chapel of Avalleur, which testifies to the strong presence in the 12th and 13th centuries of this order founded after the capture of Jerusalem.
Although the Commandery did not "survive" the Revolution, the chapel was classified in 1921 and we note in particular its pointed vaults which rest on capitals decorated with plant motifs.
Furthermore, polychrome ornaments from the 13th century have been brought to light.
The oak frame, from the same period, is very well preserved.
The Saint-Jean Baptiste chapel, now an exhibition hall, and that of the Passion, dating from the 16th century, with Corinthian-style pilasters and capitals, are still worth the detour.
After admiring the most notable old dwellings, notably the Renaissance house whose cornice is decorated with a statue of Saint Roch and his dog and whose gable is dated 1580 with the city's motto engraved, “Better a little with justice than a lot of income without equity”, we will continue with the clock tower, the only vestige of the castle of the Counts of Bar.
Finally, see the Châtillon gate, which dates from the 17th century.
Leaflets are available for those who wish to follow this walk through the city dotted with its remarkable monuments and buildings.
Information on +33 3 25 29 94 43.
This urban walk includes the park of the Château du Val de Seine, a former bourgeois residence which has become a nursing home but whose gardens are open to the public, with playgrounds and picnic areas -nice.
It also includes the Croc Ferrand promenade, along the Seine, from where you can admire cadoles (old small winegrowers' houses) surrounded by gardens.
Crossed by the GR2 which links Le Havre to Dijon and the GR654 linking Namur (Belgium) to Montréal-du-Gers from where you can reach Santiago de Compostela, the municipal territory is conducive to numerous hikes or mountain bike trails for which “bike paths” are provided.
Certain routes allow you to discover the vineyards, others to follow the Seine or through woods and orchards.
Finally, some circuits head towards the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park, to the north.
Maps and information on +33 3 25 29 94 43.
On the sport and nature side, again, fishermen can contact the local association on +33 3 25 29 80 24 to find out about suitable sites and regulations, and the Tennis enthusiasts can reserve a court with the Bar club on +33 6 32 22 99 30.
Finally, on a cultural level, note that the library-media library has a fund dedicated to vines and wine including more of 1250 works, and a fund created in homage to the Goncourt brothers who were long linked to the city.
Information on +33 3 25 29 05 10.
