Discover Bessy: History, Nature and Walking Routes

There are several distinct points of interest to explore on a trip to Bessy: the Church of Saint-Michel, the town’s medieval history, the biography of the writer Gabriel Maurière and the Marais des Pelles. Nearby, you can also enjoy easy routes along rivers and a canal, as well as a Greenway.

Cultural history in Bessy

The Church of Saint-Michel dates from the 12th century. The choir and part of the transept are considered its oldest sections; the other parts date from the 16th century. This means that the building encompasses two clearly distinct periods: its oldest sections date back to the 12th century, while the other parts belong to the 16th century. This distinction gives the church a specific cultural and historical context and makes clear that not all of its components belong to the same period.

The town’s history also reaches back to the Middle Ages: the Lords of Bessy are documented as early as 1229. Another connection is Gabriel Maurière, the pseudonym of Marie Gabriel Henri Legrand. He was born in Bessy in 1873 and is described as a prolific writer. His biography also leads to Charmont: he went there at the age of eight after his father was appointed a teacher there. The accounts distinguish between two places in his life: Bessy as his birthplace and Charmont as the place he moved to as a child.

Marais des Pelles and protected areas

The Marais des Pelles is home to one of the last marshlands in the valley. Four protected plant species are found there. The Marais des Pelles in Bessy is designated as a continental ZNIEFF type 1 and covers slightly more than eight hectares. These details highlight different aspects: the area gives an idea of the designated site’s size, while the four plant species point to its specific natural significance. Bessy is also part of the Natura 2000 site FR2112012 “Marigny, Superbe, vallée de l’Aube”. The area’s natural significance therefore encompasses both the specifically named marsh and a Natura 2000 site of which Bessy is part.

Routes in the surrounding area

Near the Bessy–Pouan study area, there are easy walking routes that run mostly along the Aube and Seine rivers and the Canal de la Haute-Seine. A Greenway is a separate route: it passes through the Bessy–Pouan study area, connects Saint-Oulph with Dienville in the surrounding area and goes via Troyes. These are two distinct regional route options. The walking routes are classified as easy and run mostly along waterways and a canal; the Greenway is defined by the connection between the three places named. If you’d like to include nature and exercise in your travel plans, you can choose between these different options.

Choosing a hotel

For nature, the Marais des Pelles offers a local perspective, while the Greenway follows a route between towns via Troyes. These differences give you a practical basis for planning your stay in Bessy according to your own interests.

Discover more destinations: Racines, Charmont-sous-Barbuise, Longchamp-Sur-Aujon, Dolancourt, Bucey-en-Othe, Cormost, Chaource, Maisons-Lès-Chaource.

For the regional travel overview: Aube.