Touquin: Church, Archaeology and Walking Trails

Touquin can be explored through several specific themes: the Church of Saint-Étienne, archaeological traces from different periods, the ARCHEO-SAT77 Archaeological and Heritage Centre, and the yellow-marked Touquin–Saint-Étienne walking trail. When planning your visit, consider whether you mainly want to learn more about local history, include a hike, or do both during your stay. These highlights give your search for a hotel in Touquin a clear direction.

The Church of Saint-Étienne and Earlier Traces

The Church of Saint-Étienne was founded in the 12th century and altered several times in the 15th and 17th to 18th centuries. Its construction history therefore encompasses several distinct phases. The church also houses a relic of Saint Restituta, a martyr from the late 3rd century. Plaster and stone sarcophagi found near the church were discovered in 1895. They suggest an earlier building; the 7th or 8th century is a possible date. The historical picture therefore brings together a documented foundation in the 12th century, later alterations and a possible indication of even earlier construction.

Archaeology in Touquin

An archaeological excavation in Touquin uncovered a 1.40-metre-thick wall dating from the 12th or 13th century in 2004. It dates from the period of the great Champagne fairs. At the ARCHEO-SAT77 Archaeological and Heritage Centre, a chronological exhibition takes visitors from the Palaeolithic to the present day. It also presents discoveries from archaeological investigations carried out over two decades. A single dated wall and an exhibition spanning a broader period thus offer different ways to explore archaeology.

Walking Trail and Directions

The easy, yellow-marked Touquin–Saint-Étienne walking trail starts at Touquin Town Hall. It is 8.6 kilometres long and takes about two hours and 45 minutes to walk. The trail passes through the classified Yerres Valley. A château and former watercress beds are features of this water-shaped landscape. Check trail conditions before setting out. Touquin is 12 kilometres southwest of Coulommiers and can be reached via the D 934, D 402 and D 25 roads.

Archaeological Activities and Visit Planning

The Touquin Archaeological Society offers themed walking trails and training in archaeological excavation, pottery reassembly and the restoration of finds. It also organises annual archaeological digs open to everyone, including amateurs, volunteers, students on placement and scientists. Alongside walking, there are therefore practical and community-based ways to explore archaeology. The Castrum Tulquinum association offers the chance to explore history and archaeology through historical reenactment.

The ARCHEO-SAT77 Centre offers guided tours and educational activities for school classes and groups on opening days, as well as on Tuesdays by appointment. If you plan to take a guided tour or join an educational activity, check whether an appointment is required before your visit. This makes it easy to include the offer in your plans, while the exhibition spans the period from the Palaeolithic to the present day.

Another Testament to Local Life

The washhouse on Route du Tau was renovated in 2017 with support from the Fondation du Patrimoine. It adds another element of local heritage to the archaeological and church history themes.

Discover more destinations: Égreville, Bois-Le-Roi, Saint-Germain-Laval, Mitry-Mory, Vaires-Sur-Marne, La Chapelle-Rablais, Crécy-La-Chapelle, Crégy-lès-Meaux.

For the broader travel overview: Seine-Et-Marne.