Discover Esternay: history and walking routes

Esternay lies on the banks of the Grand Morin. If you’re looking for a hotel in Esternay, you can choose your destination based on your planned interests: strolls through the town centre, historic buildings and traditional crafts each offer a different focus. Routes along the washhouses make it possible to explore the town centre and discover its heritage. A rail-bike ride or a knife-making workshop also offer specific activities to consider when planning your trip.

Châteaux and local history

The Château d’Esternay dates from the 16th century. Parts of the building are classified and listed as a Monument historique. Its history also includes a precisely dated episode from the First World War: during the Battle of the Marne on 5, 6 and 7 September 1914, the IX Corps of the German First Army, commanded by Von Klück, occupied the château and park for three days.

Another historic building is the Château de l’Armée. The Raguier brothers built it on Esternay’s northeastern slope, near the outer edge of the Bois de l’Armée. Saint-Remi Church also contains a protected heritage object: a crystal chandelier, listed as a protected object since 5 December 1977. Local history also includes traditional crafts. Esternay was once particularly known for porcelain and basketry.

Routes for different kinds of day out

For exploring on foot, the walking routes along the washhouses provide access to the town centre and its heritage. Two marked routes start at the same place, Place du Général de Gaulle by Saint-Rémi Church: the Circuit d’Esternay-Le-Franc is 3 km long and marked in red, while the Circuit de Viviers is 3.5 km long and marked in blue. The Circuit de Viviers passes the Lavoir de l’Étang de l’Aître; on the return journey, you can catch a glimpse of the Château d’Esternay. Check the route details for both walks before setting out.

At 13 km, the Circuit autour d’Esternay is considerably longer; it is listed as taking 3 hours and 15 minutes. Along with the shorter routes, it offers a choice of different distances. This lets you compare the routes using specific details, without committing to just one circuit.

Rail-bike rides and knife-making

The Cyclo-draisines du Grand Morin offer another way to explore the landscapes of the Grand Morin. This outdoor activity follows a former railway line, with departures from Esternay and/or Joiselle. Three routes are available for exploring the area. Each rail bike can carry up to four people, and one adult must accompany each vehicle. If you plan a ride, confirm the departure arrangements with the provider.

Those interested in hands-on crafts can visit the Lames du Ramu workshop in Esternay. Knives are made there as one-off pieces or in very small batches. During a one-day knife-making workshop, participants make their own knife. Confirm that the workshop is available before your trip. This will help you decide whether to spend your time on local history and walking routes or on a guided practical activity.

Discover more destinations: Bouzy, Sillery, Maffrécourt, Isle-Sur-Marne, La Chaussée-Sur-Marne, Grauves, Clamanges, Saint-Brice-Courcelles.

For the broader travel overview: Marne.