Bethon: Church, Wine Press and Champagne

Bethon combines ecclesiastical heritage with a history of winegrowing and a landscape of fields, vineyards and woodland. Église Saint-Serein, the historic wine press, and the tours and tastings on offer each bring a different focus. Viewpoints and leisure activities in the woodland and winegrowing area also shape the character of the place.

Église Saint-Serein and the story of the shepherd Serein

Église Saint-Serein includes construction phases dating from the 15th, 16th and 18th centuries. It is basilica-shaped and built in the Flamboyant Gothic style. By decree of 24 October 1927, the church was listed as a historic monument.

The figurative stained-glass windows from the late 19th century tell, among other things, the story of the shepherd Serein, who was devout and was later venerated as a saint. A fountain north of the church commemorates his first miracle. The stained-glass windows and fountain connect the local heritage with this tradition.

The history of wine pressing and Champagne visits

Le pressoir Jeannolle represents Bethon’s shared winegrowing history. The Jeannolle family installed the press in 1903; it was the commune’s first press for communal use. It remained in continuous communal operation until 1973. With a capacity of 4,000 kg, the square press is one of the few of its kind in Champagne to remain in good condition.

Champagne Dekeyne & Fils welcomes visitors to La Voglonière in Bethon for cellar tours and tastings. Tastings are offered at Champagne Dominique Jarry in Bethon, and tours of the production facility are also possible. The offerings therefore differ, ranging from a cellar visit to an insight into production. If you are planning a visit, check the current dates and access arrangements in advance.

Landscape, views and activities

Bethon’s landscape is divided into a plain characterized by cereal and oilseed fields, slopes where winegrowing predominates, and a wooded plateau. Bethon lies on the edge of the Traconne forest massif. From the viewpoints, you can look out over vineyards and the Seine Valley. The commune is also home to the type II ZNIEFF “Forêt domaniale de la Fraconne, Forêts communales et Bois voisins à l'Ouest de Sézanne.”

Outdoor leisure activities include exploring the woodland and winegrowing areas, as well as fishing. The Marche gourmande à Bethon took place for the ninth time on 20 June 2026. This edition featured walks of 8 or 10 km, with five food stops along the way.

The different reasons to choose this destination are easy to distinguish: the church and wine press showcase Bethon’s heritage and winegrowing history, while tastings, scenery and leisure activities appeal to other interests. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Bethon, these differences can help you decide whether the place matches your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Florent-En-Argonne, Vandières, Tours-Sur-Marne, Hautvillers, Chalons En Champagne, Villers-Allerand, Blaise-sous-Arzillières, Saint-Thierry

For the broader travel overview: Marne.