Lavau: Archaeological Heritage and Landscape

Several distinct themes may inform a decision to visit Lavau: a Celtic princely tomb, the landscape along the Melda, local festivals, and sports and wellness facilities.

The princely tomb and necropolis

During a preventive archaeological excavation at the ZAC du Moutot in Lavau, INRAP uncovered a fully preserved Celtic princely tomb. It dates from the beginning of the 5th century BC and was a monumental burial: the deceased was laid to rest in a burial chamber on a chariot. The complex included a square enclosure and a monumental portico leading to the burial site via a ramp.

The grave goods include gold bracelets, a bronze cauldron, and Attic pottery. The material culture of the tomb is also remarkable: it appears to combine Celtic and Mediterranean techniques and stylistic repertoires. The Lavau necropolis was founded as early as the 14th century BC. This date refers to the necropolis, not to the individual princely tomb, which is dated to the beginning of the 5th century BC.

Riverside landscape and townscape

Lavau lies on the banks of the Melda. The setting of the protohistoric necropolis at the ZAC du Moutot is separate: it is located on the edge of the Seine valley, on a small rise on the right bank. The two references to rivers therefore belong to different geographical descriptions.

Lavau’s leisure centre is also part of the townscape. It connects residential areas with pastureland and areas used for agriculture and forestry. Together with its location on the Melda and its archaeological history, this offers another perspective on Lavau, beyond individual leisure activities or event dates.

Sports, exercise, and wellness

Palatium Sport & Life has more than ten padel courts; beach tennis and Fun Fitness are also available there. The Decathlon Village in Lavau covers 25 hectares and includes an indoor sports complex, a hammam and spa, and a fitness club. Its offerings range from padel and other physical activities to indoor sports and wellness. As activities and facility configurations may change, check the latest details before visiting.

Shopping, dining, and local festivals

Village de Marques is an outlet centre in the municipality of Lavau; its tenant mix may change. Le Stadium has a bar and a restaurant and pizzeria area for lunch or dinner. As the food and drink offerings may change, check the latest details before your visit.

The local calendar includes a celebration organized by associations on 14 July and a village festival in autumn. Both events are tied to specific dates or a particular season. If an event is important to your travel plans, check the dates and details locally.

Getting there and finding hotels

Lavau has direct access to the eastern ring road and is connected to Troyes via the D78. For specific travel directions, you can check traffic conditions on the day of your trip; these road connections do not make it possible to determine a fixed journey time.

Then compare specific hotel offers based on your travel plans and the amenities listed.

Discover more destinations: Rosières-Près-Troyes, Bréviandes, Courceroy, Lesmont, Précy-Notre-Dame, Saint-Benoît-Sur-Seine, Clérey, Brienne-Le-Château

For the regional travel overview: Aube.