Villeneuve-la-Lionne: Church, Chapel and Nature

Villeneuve-la-Lionne offers two distinct themes to consider when choosing where to stay: historic heritage and wooded natural areas. The named sites and landscapes give this choice a concrete shape.

Woodlands and Nature

The Vallon du Bois des Moines lies in the immediate vicinity of the village of Villeneuve-la-Lionne and is a type 1 ZNIEFF. Predominantly wooded habitats define this natural area; it is also home to the protected Violet Helleborine. In addition to its woodland character, a specifically named orchid species is therefore a distinctive feature of the Vallon.

The Bois de Montmitou is also a type 1 ZNIEFF in Villeneuve-la-Lionne. The natural area covers about 20 hectares along the Grand Morin between Mareilles and Villeneuve-la-Lionne; several types of Brie woodland can be found there. The two natural areas therefore differ in their characteristics: the Vallon is defined by its wooded habitats and protected Violet Helleborine, while the Bois de Montmitou is distinguished by its riverside location, approximate area and woodland types. This comparison makes the different features of the two areas clear.

Church, Chapel and History

The Church of Saint-Loup dates from the 13th century and has three naves. Inside is a 16th-century tombstone. The construction date and the tombstone therefore point to different centuries: the date places the church building in context, while the tombstone is a specific feature of its interior.

The Chapel of Saint-Vinebault dates from the 15th century and is dedicated to Saint Vinebault. It differs from Saint-Loup in its dedication and later construction date, bringing together two religious buildings with distinct historical associations. In Belleau, only the walls of the former monastery remain. The chapel was famous in Brie as a pilgrimage site; in addition to its dedication, its historical significance to the region also shapes the picture of this religious building.

Visitor Information and Getting There

As of January 16, 2020, the former Meilleray railway station in Villeneuve-la-Lionne was one of the visitor reception points for ENS Ferra Botanica; this reception point included a monumental hall, a car park and visitor services. If you plan to visit this location, check the latest information before your trip.

For travel, the D246 departmental road connects the hamlets of Villeneuve-la-Lionne with the town centre and leads to the RN34 towards Lagny and Esternay. These road connections can help you plan your route. Check the specific route for your travel date.

If you are looking for a hotel in Villeneuve-la-Lionne, you can plan your trip around the themes that matter to you: the history of the religious buildings, the natural areas or the road connections mentioned above.

Discover more destinations: Dommartin-Varimont, Coupéville, Rilly-La-Montagne, Janvry, Sillery, Montmirail, Brugny-Vaudancourt, Passavant-en-Argonne

For the regional travel overview: Marne.