Lesmont: History, Walks and Nature

Explore Lesmont through its architectural history and a hiking route. The Pont de Lesmont recalls the French campaign of 1814; the church and historic houses reveal other phases of construction. A sightseeing walk is possible from the wooden market hall. The 14.6-kilometre Promenade des Libellules adds a hiking route. The banks of the Aube also offer opportunities to observe nature. Choose the focus that best suits your stay.

The history of the Pont de Lesmont and the market hall

The Pont de Lesmont played a strategic role during the French campaign of 1814. After its destruction that same year, it was rebuilt on the same day by troops of the Austrian Army of Bohemia. The troops used timber from the roofs of houses in Lesmont. The sequence of strategic importance, destruction and reconstruction on the same day makes the bridge’s history particularly vivid.

The wooden market hall is also linked to the campaign, but its construction history took a different course: the earlier hall burned down in 1814, and its complete reconstruction began in 1855. While the bridge was rebuilt on the day it was destroyed, 1855 marks the start of a later reconstruction project for the hall.

The church and historic houses

The Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens can be understood through several architectural and design features. Part of the transept dates from the 13th century, while the rest of the building dates from the 16th century. The ground plan is in the shape of a Latin cross. One specific detail is the grisaille stained-glass window “Vie de la Vierge” in window opening 2, which dates from the first half of the 16th century. The building phases, ground plan and window describe different aspects of the church: its development over time, its form and a single work of art.

The façades and roofs of the Maison à pans de bois were listed as historic monuments by decree of 29 December 1982. The Maison du juge de Paix Pertuisot was built in 1784. Its entrance door bears the motto “Parva sed apta”. Together, these details offer different ways to explore Lesmont’s architectural history: its protected status, the year it was built and an inscription preserved over time.

Walks and hiking routes

A sightseeing walk is possible from the wooden market hall. If you would like to include a hike with specific details, the Promenade des Libellules is one option: the tourism description, updated in August 2025, gives its length as 14.6 kilometres, rates it as moderately difficult and estimates a walking time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes. These details give you a basis for estimating how long the hike will take.

The route is also notable for its surface: 82.7 percent of the Promenade runs along unpaved paths. Along with the length, difficulty and walking time, this provides a specific detail to help you plan. Check the route information before setting out. The market hall is named as the starting point for the walk; the Promenade des Libellules is described with its distance and approximate walking time.

Observing nature along the Aube

Along the banks of the Aube near Lesmont, you may spot the common sandpiper, brown trout and azure damselfly. These species represent different animal groups: a bird, a fish and a damselfly. Nature observation along the riverbanks offers a distinct theme alongside the architecture and local history.

Discover more destinations: Barberey-Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Nabord, Cormost, Saint-Pouange, Brévonnes, Fontaine-Les-Grès, Macey, Arcis-Sur-Aube

For the broader travel overview: Aube.