Balade à Mareuil en Brie

Settled on the edge of the huge forest of Epernay, the village nestles on the hillside overlooking the Surmelin. A major piece of architectural heritage, the church built in the 18th century by the Duchesse d'Angoulême, daughter of king Louis XVI, housed a magnificent 14th century altarpiece. A listed monument, it was unfortunately pillaged and only 3 of the 27 paintings were found and restored. For a long time the castle dominated local life. It is private property and cannot be visited, just like the watermill which still ground the grain in the 70s. There are five lakes dispersed in the forest for hunting duck.