Attractions and Places To See around Molins-Sur-Aube - Top 7
Best attractions and places to see around Molins-Sur-Aube include a variety of historical, cultural, and natural sites. This tranquil village serves as a base for exploring the wider Aube department, known for its Champagne vineyards and the expansive Parc Naturel Régional de la Forêt d'Orient. The region offers access to significant lakes like Lacs Amance et du Temple, alongside medieval towns such as Troyes. Visitors can discover a rich religious heritage and numerous châteaux scattered across the landscape.
Best attractions…
Last updated: July 5, 2026
Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens Church of Lesmont
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Rosnay-L'Hôpital
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Donnement
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Balignicourt
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Braux
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Stage city Via Francigena France Cyclo/Pied: During this stage, the "romieux" are invited to stop at Rosnay l'Hôpital, whose church exceptionally has a crypt. In the 12th century, Thomas of Canterbury, a refugee in France, honoured Rosnay with his presence. He celebrated mass in the crypt in 1164, and it is said that a spring gushed out there that cured all who came there to quench their thirst. This spring still exists today under the name of "St. Thomas Well". A little further on, in Lesmont, the walker can take a small detour to access the remains of the old Roman road linking Reims to Langres, which would have been used by Sigeric in his time.
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Church of the twelfth century, rebuilt in the sixteenth century under the name of Saint Martin. Flamboyant west portal, statue of a bishop in the middle of the tympanum. The north side of the aisle was not raised. Several sixteenth-century statues, glazed tiles and some fragments of stained glass adorn the building.
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Église Saint-Amand: The oldest part of the church, the north-east wall, dates from the 12th century. The rest of the building consists of numerous additions from the 16th century. The single-door portal is set in a rectangular loophole decorated with three coats of arms. It supports a bare tympanum surrounded by two archivolts, one of which has a plant decoration; A lightly braced gable rests on plinths outside the portal and rises above the whole.
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The church was a branch of Donnement. Sanctuary and crusader of early Gothic art. The rest of the church dates from the 16th century. Church with a Latin cross plan; nave with 3 aisles and 3 bays; rectangular apse; bell tower at the crossing of the transept.
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In front of the church there is a large old roof which shades a large square. There you will find a picnic area and a map of hikes in the region. The church is open to the public and you shouldn't miss it. The interior is magnificent! https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89glise_Saint-Pierre-%C3%A8s-Liens_de_Lesmont: It was built in the 13th century for part of the transept, the rest of the building dates from the 16th century. In the early days, it depended on the abbey of Montier-en-Der. It was then the possession of both the priest, the abbey of Basse-Fontaine and the lord of Lesmont who shared the tithes. On February 2, 1814, during the French campaign, Napoleon retreating towards Troyes after the battle of La Rothière, burned the bridge after the passage of his troops. During the battle, cannonballs fell on the church causing much damage and damaging the bell tower. Leaning abnormally and threatening to collapse on the church, it was dismantled in 1857. It was not until 1865 that it was rebuilt after redoing 2 pillars and 2 vaults. We took the opportunity to reinstall the 3 bells, two of which Fanie and Eugénie were recast and remade. The third, Marie Anne, has always been in good health since 1772. The roof of the bell tower was completely redone in 1925. Later, damaged by a storm, it was repaired in 1960. Then further damaged by lightning in 1992, the roof of these bells is completely redone, a lightning arrester is finally installed there. The church underwent significant restorations at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites can I visit near Molins-sur-Aube?
The region around Molins-sur-Aube is rich in history. You can explore ancient religious buildings like the Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens Church of Lesmont, which has parts dating back to the 13th century, or the Église Saint-Amand in Donnement, with its 12th-century origins. Additionally, the Aube department features approximately thirty châteaux, offering a journey back in time with their imposing architecture.
Are there any notable religious buildings to explore in the area?
Yes, the Aube department is known for its rich religious heritage. Beyond the churches in Lesmont and Donnement, you can visit Rosnay-L'Hôpital, a village on the Via Francigena, where its church contains an exceptional crypt where Thomas of Canterbury is said to have celebrated mass. The region boasts around 200 churches, many with significant stained-glass windows.
What natural attractions are there around Molins-sur-Aube?
Molins-sur-Aube is close to the expansive Parc Naturel Régional de la Forêt d'Orient (Orient Forest Regional Natural Park). This park includes the large lakes of Lacs Amance et du Temple, and Lac d'Orient, which are ideal for swimming, sailing, and enjoying nature. The park itself covers 82,000 hectares with diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and forests.
Can I go hiking or cycling near Molins-sur-Aube?
Absolutely. The area, especially within the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park, offers numerous routes for outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find trails ranging from easy to difficult, such as a moderate 15 km loop from Lesmont or an easy 7.7 km loop from Précy-Notre-Dame. Cyclists can enjoy road cycling routes around the lakes, like the 46 km 'Lake Amance – Dienville Market Hall loop from Lesmont'. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Molins-Sur-Aube and Road Cycling Routes around Molins-Sur-Aube guides.
Are there family-friendly activities or places to visit?
Yes, the region offers several family-friendly options. The Lacs Amance et du Temple provide opportunities for swimming and water sports. The Espace Faune de la Forêt d'Orient, an 89-hectare reserve within the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park, allows families to observe animals like aurochs, deer, and European bison. Many of the historical churches, such as Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens Church of Lesmont, are also considered family-friendly.
Where can I experience the local Champagne culture?
Molins-sur-Aube is situated in the heart of the Champagne vineyard of the Côte des Bar. You can explore local champagne houses, such as Maison Nicolo Paradis or Binon-Coquard, for tastings and to learn about the region's renowned winemaking traditions.
What are the best places for wildlife spotting?
The Parc Naturel Régional de la Forêt d'Orient is an excellent location for wildlife spotting. Specifically, the Espace Faune de la Forêt d'Orient is a dedicated reserve where you can see various animals in their natural habitat, including aurochs, deer, and European bison. The diverse ecosystems of the park also support a wide range of local flora and fauna.
Are there any charming villages or towns worth visiting nearby?
The Aube department is dotted with characterful towns and villages. Troyes, about 27 km away, is the capital of the Aube department and boasts one of France's most impressive medieval quarters with its timber-framed houses. Many other smaller villages are recognized by the national network of "Petites Cités de Caractère®".
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Molins-sur-Aube?
Visitors appreciate the historical depth of the religious buildings, such as the magnificent interior of the Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens Church of Lesmont. The tranquil atmosphere of the villages and the natural beauty of the lakes and the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park are also highly valued. The area offers a blend of cultural exploration and outdoor relaxation.
What is the best time of year to visit Molins-sur-Aube and its surroundings?
The best time to visit Molins-sur-Aube and the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park is generally during the warmer months, from spring to early autumn (May to September), when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and enjoying the lakes. This period also allows for comfortable exploration of historical sites and vineyards.
Are there any local markets to explore for regional products?
Yes, several nearby towns host vibrant markets. You can find markets in Piney (Tuesdays, 9km), Brienne-le-Château (Thursdays, 12km), Arcis-sur-Aube (Fridays, 21km), Lusigny-sur-Barse (Saturdays, 22km), Vendeuvre-sur-Barse (Wednesdays, 22km), and Troyes (multiple days). These markets are great places to discover local produce and regional specialties.
What are the terrain characteristics for outdoor activities around Molins-sur-Aube?
The terrain around Molins-sur-Aube, particularly within the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park, is generally varied. You'll find extensive forests, wetlands, and chalky Champagne landscapes. While some areas are relatively flat, especially around the lakes, there are also gentle rolling hills, making for diverse hiking and cycling experiences suitable for various fitness levels.
Can I find easy walking trails suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are easy walking trails available. For instance, you can find an easy 7.7 km hiking loop from Précy-Notre-Dame. The paths around the Lacs Amance et du Temple also offer relatively flat and accessible routes, such as the 9.2-mile loop trail around Lake Amance, which is suitable for various activities including running and walking. More options can be found in the Hiking around Molins-Sur-Aube guide.
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