Sainte-Ménehould Castle Church – Guided tour

Discover the church of Notre Dame du Château in Sainte-Ménehould! Immerse yourself for a moment in the footsteps of historical figures, in a sacred place steeped in mystery. Offered by the Couleurs d’Argonne Tourist Office, this guided tour will transport you back to a bygone era.

Perched proudly on the mound of the Château, this 13th-century Gothic building majestically dominates the town and watches over the history of its inhabitants.

Once inside, every element of this church seems to tell a story. The luminous stained glass windows delicately and precisely illustrate the life of Sainte Ménehould, the town’s patron saint. The 17th-century organs are a testament to the art and craftsmanship of the period.

Originally built in the 13th century, Notre Dame du Château church is a veritable open-air history book. It was remodeled in the 15th and 17th centuries to create a Gothic masterpiece, as evidenced by the ogives in the nave vault.

The south transept contains traces of the church’s past wealth, revealed through the generous donations of local lords. The engraved tombstone of Jehan Toignel (1463) and his wife Colette LeThur (1465), and the statue of an orante dating from 1352, all bear witness to this bygone era. It was also on these sacred grounds that Dom Pérignon, the famous Benedictine monk considered to be the spiritual father of champagne, was baptized on January 5, 1639. Restoration in 1979 preserved these priceless treasures while modernizing the church. The original beams at the top of the nave, known as « pins », were removed.

So reserve your place and come and explore this jewel of history and spirituality, discover the stories that have marked its walls and let yourself be carried away by the unique atmosphere of this place!