A unique natural world
Discover the Marais de Saint-Gond, a small region of the Marne department which was formed 10,000 years ago and which constitutes a unique universe.
It is a real place full of history. Indeed, these marshes were at the heart of Napoleon’s strategy to win these four victories during the French Campaign of 1814.
It is also important to mention that it is here that the advance of the German army was stopped in September 1914. The memorial of Mondement testifies to this victory and thus reminds us of the historical importance of this place.
The marshes of Saint-Gond also provided the Neolithic populations (5500-2500 B.C.) and later civilizations with a privileged place to stay. Prehistoric cultures have left numerous testimonies of their installations which make them archaeological treasures today such as the covered alley of Bannay, the hypogea of Coizard, or the menhir of Congy.
Historical monuments
The villages around the marshes have churches, most of which date from the Romanesque period and are sometimes decorated with frescoes. It is in Talus-Saint-Prix that we find the oldest church of the department of the Marne.
Their Romanesque structures were modified as a result of the damage caused by the Hundred Years’ War and the Wars of Religion (1592-1594).
They have been classified as Historic Monuments and most of them participate in the operation “Welcoming Churches of the Marne”.
Plant & animal species
Located at the foot of the Ile-de-France coast, these hillsides promise a perfect exposure for growing vines. Indeed, they benefit from a unique temperate climate that is ideal for wine making. The vineyards of the marshes are divided into 3 grape varieties: Chardonnay, Meunier and Pinot Meunier.
It is possible to explore these marshes through walking routes within certain municipalities such as Vert-Toulon, Talus-Saint-Prix Villevenard or Courjeonnet.
In the heart of the marshes, you will have the opportunity toexplore its remarkable fauna and flora. It is a true reservoir of biodiversity in which we can count more than 385 plant species. Among them are two species protected at the national level: the superb carnation and the Great Fluke.
You will also find a little further down on the south bank, the Mont-Août which will offer you the best view on the Champagne plain.
In a few figures
The marshes of Saint-Gond, it is :
- 25 municipalities and 5155 inhabitants
- A surface of 1700 ha
- 262 km2 which represents the total surface of the marshes and surrounding villages
- 24 classified monuments on the territory
- 4 villages rich in archaeology dating from the Neolithic period: Congy, Coizard, Villevenard and Vert-Toulon
- 15 walks and hiking trails