Discover Dosnon

Dosnon brings together a range of historical themes: archaeological finds, sacred art and traces of life by the water. The Lhuîtrelle flows through the town before joining the Aube. When planning your trip, you can therefore first decide whether your interests lie more in archaeology, the artworks in the church, or the history of washhouses and water power.

Archaeology among menhirs and artefacts

In 1978, three menhirs were unearthed in Dosnon, including one weighing three tonnes. Subsequent archaeological excavations at the site uncovered flint scrapers, shell jewellery, animal teeth and Roman bronze coins from the 4th century. Monumental stones thus sit alongside a diverse group of smaller finds and remains. The menhirs and later excavation finds offer two distinct perspectives on the town’s archaeology: the stone monuments and the objects discovered during the follow-up excavations.

Another archaeological point of interest is the underground passage at Saint-Didier. It is carved into tuff and runs in two main directions that are almost at right angles to each other. Dosnon’s archaeological attractions therefore include both unearthed menhirs and an underground passage with a distinctive shape.

Sacred art in Dosnon

The Vierge de Pitié dates from the first quarter of the 16th century and is located on the altar in the north aisle of Dosnon’s parish church. It is classified as a protected object; this protection was granted on 4 September 1956.

The church in Dosnon also contains a stained-glass window from the 16th century. It depicts Saint Sebastian, the Virgin and Child, Saint Michael, the Elders of the Apocalypse and the Judgment of Solomon. This window is also classified as a protected object; it was granted protected status on 14 June 1897. The two works of art differ in form: one is the Vierge de Pitié on an altar, while the other is a window depicting several scenes.

Washhouses, paths and the Lhuîtrelle

Together with the bridges, the two surviving washhouses line a walking route through the town centre. This combination of structures and paths offers a practical way to get your bearings on foot and understand the layout of the town centre. The washhouses were used until the 1970s. The larger of the two was faithfully restored in 2018, with the exception of its movable oak-wood platform. The dates mark different chapters: the washhouses’ earlier use and the later restoration of the larger one.

The course of the river is also part of the town’s history: the Lhuîtrelle flows through Dosnon before joining the Aube. In the past, it powered a mill in Dosnon. Water can thus be understood both as part of the geographical setting and as a former source of energy for the town.

The Route de la Craie and views of the Aube Valley

The Route de la Craie highlights the architectural heritage built from chalk and the characteristic landscapes of the Aube Valley. Its themes bring together two perspectives: chalk-built structures and the valley landscape.

For your trip planning, this regional perspective differs from a focus on the specific landmarks in Dosnon. You can concentrate on the menhirs, sacred art, washhouses and the history of the Lhuîtrelle, or include the Route de la Craie for a wider Aube perspective on architectural heritage and landscape. This lets you choose a travel theme that suits your interests without conflating the local attractions with the regional theme.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Mesnil-Sellières, Troyes, Chaource, Ervy-Le-Châtel, Bayel, Lignol-le-Château, La Rivière-De-Corps, Piney

Back to the regional travel guide: Aube.