petite cité de caractère® (small town of character)

Sainte-Ménehould takes its name from a young girl, Manehildis, who distinguished herself by her kindness and piety in the 5th century.

Completely rebuilt in the 18th century after a violent fire, its style is absolutely unique. The butte du Château, with its undeniable cachet, boasts old houses and a 13th-century church.

Often at the heart of history, with the flight of Louis XVI, the battle of Valmy and the conflicts of the First World War, the region retains many traces of its past that are waiting to be discovered!

A generous nature

In the early Middle Ages, monks developed the forest, giving rise to the abbeys of Beaulieu, Moiremont, Châtrices and La Chalade. An abundance of wood was used as fuel for glass and earthenware factories, the most famous of which are the Islettes plates (18th century), highly prized by collectors.

Dotted with ponds and vast forests, the Argonne offers unspoilt flora and fauna in a bountiful natural setting ideal for green getaways!

On foot, by bike, on horseback or even on a pedalo, this majestic estate, with its shimmering colors in every season, is the ideal place for a stroll in the fresh air…

Battle of Valmy

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Discover the prestigious site where the Battle of Valmy took place in 1792. Here, the French army led by Dumouriez confronted the coalition forces of the European monarchies. General Kellermann commanded the center of the army near the mill.

On the morning of September 20, the attack took place. The emblematic Moulin de Valmy was the focal point of the Prusian artillery during the battle, and the scene of a cannonade. This victory led to the proclamation of the Republic the following day, September 21, 1792.

The Valmy 1792 Historical Center takes you back to the heart of the historic battle that inspired Goethe to say these famous words: “From this place and this day dates a new epoch of the world, and you will be able to say: I was there”.

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Dom Pérignon, child of Sainte Ménehould

It’s no secret that he’s the supposed father of champagne, a producer of the finest champagne wines and a worthy citizen of Hautvillers.

Less well known, however, is his birthplace.

In 1956, Sainte-Ménehould erected a statue of him, with a half-frown, half-raisin smile of course!

Hiking in the Argonne

Nature lovers and keen mountain bikers, the Argonne forest, the green lung of the Marne, is yours for the taking!

Here, mountain bikers and hikers rub shoulders on the many and varied trails through vast forests, green meadows, ponds and nature villages…

Tour ideas

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Gastronomy in Sainte-Ménehould

Chocolates, honeys, Orgemont or Valmy beers and other specialities are all available from local producers and restaurateurs…

Gourmets won’t want to miss the famous pig’s trotter in Sainte-Ménehould, a local specialty that owes its origins to the absent-mindedness of a young cook who forgot a pot of trotters on the stove for more than one long night. As a result, the flesh, marrow and even the bones melted and could be eaten. And so, from 1790 onwards, this dish gained culinary renown in Champagne and beyond!