Esternay is a town in the Marne, in the Grand-Est region, 55 km south-west of Epernay and a few kilometers west of Sezanne, on the borders of the Seine-et-Marne.
The vast communal territory of 32 km² crossed by the Grand Morin is located at the link between the natural region of Champagne and the plateaux of cereal crops of Brie.
Once known for its porcelain and basketry production units, Esternay now has nearly 2,000 inhabitants.
Already inhabited in antiquity, the town is the seat of a powerful seigneury in the Middle Ages whose castle was abandoned in the sixteenth century in favor of a more residential building. The works are financed by the Raguier brothers, who are then the trustees of King François Ier.
Much later, at the beginning of September 1914, the town is located on the front line of the Battle of the Marne. When the city is resumed, the castle turns into a hospital and remains until the end of the war.
If the last porcelain factory closed in the 1950s, the town remained prosperous. Its heritage and its environment are highlighted and the town has become popular with lovers of green tourism, staying close to the Paris region as major wine capitals champenoises.
Built in 1525, Esternay Castle suffered from conflict. Its materials come from the old castle (this is also the case of the church). In 1774, the Count of Aurillac is already trying a first restoration, but the project is stopped by the Revolution. Then it is the conflicts of the nineteenth and twentieth century that affect the building. In 1814, Napoleon spent one night during the campaign of France while thousands of his men bivouack in the village and its surroundings. The following days, the Prussian armies plunder Esternay and its castle. Then it was the fighting of 1914... If it remains of the castle only its inner wing, the building is nevertheless the jewel of the heritage of the town. The interior is closed to the public, but the beautiful park is free to visit every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in July, August and September, and July 14 and August 15 from 10am to 12pm and 15h to 18h. Outside these dates and times, visits are possible by appointment by contacting +33 6 62 45 50 41.
It is recommended to visit the church of St. Remi, rebuilt from 1616, the previous building having suffered the wars of Religion. Of particular note are the Gothic choir, and crosses in the flowery style adorned with stained glass dating back to the sixteenth century.
These monuments as elements of small heritage (laundries, chapels) on the village or hamlets are included in thematic hiking trails. Other routes include incursions to the wooded areas of the eastern part of the territory, the vineyards of Champagne or towards the Brie. Brochures and information on +33 3 26 80 27 07.
Another original and fun way to discover the town and its green surroundings is to take the cycling routes of Grand Morin, circuits of vélorail (pedal car on rail) built on an old railway. Four routes are possible from Esternay and its surroundings. Open on Sundays and holidays from mid-April to mid-June from 14h to 18h and from Tuesday to Sunday from mid-June to mid-September from 14h to 16h, and by reservation the rest of the year. Price: from 15 euros per coach (can accommodate 4 people). Information and reservations on +33 3 26 80 27 07 or +33 6 30 55 04 48.
For fishing enthusiasts, the Grand Morin is a site of choice. Contact +33 1 64 20 58 39 for the most suitable sites and regulations.
In March or April, on the occasion of the Easter weekend, patronal feast.
Beginning on the last Friday of June and every Friday in July, Festi'été schedules a variety of concerts, the last of the series being concluded by a fireworks display.
August 15th, big flea market in the village.
The first Sunday of October, book festival.
On the third weekend of October, from Friday to Sunday, the Sez'Est Jazz Festival organizes jazz concerts in the villages of Sézanne and Esternay.
Finally, every Tuesday, the weekly market makes it possible to apprehend the richness of the terroir of the region.
Walks in the forest of Traconne, discovery of Reveillon, cyclo-trolleys to Joiselle Champguyon flowery villages, Châtillon-sur-Morin, and Montgenost Bethon. Beautiful churches in the area.
Champagne tourist route nearby.
