Ervy-Le-Châtel: Fortress, Trails and Culture

Explore Ervy-Le-Châtel through several specific themes: the old circular fortress of le Pâté, routes through the countryside, the church’s stained-glass windows, and the market and cheese production. You can plan your trip around different interests: getting outdoors, delving into cultural topics, or setting aside Friday morning for the weekly market. The following places and activities show what to expect from each.

Fortress, Promenade and Church Art

Ervy-Le-Châtel is situated on the site of a very old circular fortress, about two hectares in size, called “le Pâté.” The Le Berle promenade dates back to 1791. Plane trees line the path along the former town ditches. The fortress site and the promenade offer different historical perspectives on the townscape: the circular fortification here, and a green corridor along the former ditches there.

The Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens also offers specific points of interest for exploring the town’s history and art. The church has ten stained-glass windows. More than twenty statues and statuettes from the 16th century have also been documented there. On July 22, 1914, it was designated a historical monument. The windows, the documented artworks and the monument designation thus represent different aspects of the same church.

Exploring on Foot and by Bike

The viewpoint in the Jardin Médiéval offers a view across the plain. Three hiking trails along the Armance pass through woods and meadows. When choosing a route for your outing, take into account the changing conditions on the trails and check the status of your chosen route in advance.

The Circuit des ruelles is 3.6 kilometres long, suitable for the general public and marked in both directions. Its stated distance and markings offer clear points of reference for planning.

For a cycling route, the Base VTT du Pays d'Armance route starts in the forecourt of the Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens. It follows numerous farm tracks and winding forest paths. Alongside the hiking trails, you’ll also find a route description specifically for cycling. Trail conditions may vary, so check them before setting out.

Stained-Glass Windows, Exhibitions and Workshops

The cultural venues each offer something different. The Porte Saint-Nicolas hosts exhibitions of paintings and sculptures as well as other cultural activities; the programme may vary. At the Maison du Vitrail, children can take part in playful, educational workshops about the effects of light and transparency. If you’re interested in the church’s stained-glass windows, you can also plan a guided tour at the Maison du Vitrail d'Armance, which explains their symbolism and history. Visiting arrangements may change, so it’s advisable to enquire about the tour in advance.

Weekly Market and Cheese

The weekly market takes place every Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the historic town centre. Local products on offer include cheese, wine, beer, cider, honey and artisan bread. As the schedule may change and the selection may vary, it’s best to check the details before your visit.

Another culinary highlight is the cheese produced at La Ferme des Tourelles. The farm makes raw-milk farmhouse cheeses, including Chaource AOP, Ervy, Soumaintrain IGP, Mesnil, Marbré d'Armance, Bouchon d'Armance and fresh cheese. The market and this cheese production offer different ways to discover the regional products mentioned.

Plan Your Journey

A TER/SNCF bus route connects Ervy-Le-Châtel with Troyes, Saint Florentin and Laroche Migennes. If you plan to use this service, check the timetable for your travel date, as service details may change. Together with the hiking and cycling trails, cultural activities and weekly market, this gives you a choice of specific themes to shape your time in Ervy-Le-Châtel.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Troyes, Bucey-en-Othe, Celles-Sur-Ource, Précy-Saint-Martin, Charmont-sous-Barbuise, Ville-sous-la-Ferté, Étrelles-sur-Aube, Brienne-Le-Château.

For the broader travel overview: Aube.