In brief: Montigny-sur-Aube is a characterful village in the Châtillonnais region, set on the banks of the Aube river at the edge of Burgundy, bordering the National Forest Park. Its Renaissance castle, a listed historic monument, houses a 16th-century chapel and a conservatory garden labelled Remarkable Garden of France. The village is also the ideal starting point for exploring Longuay Cistercian Abbey, the Templar commandery of Épailly and the crémant wine route. A discreet stop rich in history, between Champagne and Burgundy.
A Renaissance castle with eight centuries of history
The château of Montigny-sur-Aube is the village’s crown jewel. A first fortress is attested as early as the 12th century on the motte overlooking the Aube. It underwent its major transformation in the 16th century under the impetus of Jean V d’Amoncourt, archdeacon of Langres and then bishop of Poitiers, who converted it into an elegant Renaissance residence.
The Renaissance chapel
The castle’s masterpiece is its Renaissance chapel (16th century), a gem of the estate. The sculpted decoration, of notable refinement, makes it one of the finest examples of Renaissance religious art in northern Burgundy.
Harry Truman at the castle
In 1918, the Château de Montigny-sur-Aube hosted a guest who would become world-famous: Harry S. Truman, then an artillery captain training at the artillery school set up in the village. He stayed several months before returning to the United States, later becoming the 33rd US president. A plaque commemorates this surprising link between a quiet Burgundy village and world history.
The park and remarkable gardens
The estate was largely restored at the beginning of the 21st century: the moats were refilled, the English-style park restored, and the chapel and outbuildings renovated. The castle grows several hundred fruit and vegetable varieties, organically, in restored kitchen gardens, all labelled Remarkable Garden of France. The park invites strolling with its orangery, aviary and shaded avenues.
Opening hours and dining
The castle is open from May to September, with an audio guide recounting its eventful history. A farmhouse inn, “À la table des Jardiniers”, offers seasonal cuisine using produce from the kitchen garden.
The village church, a 16th-century witness
In the heart of the village, the parish church was built in the 16th century, at the initiative of the Amoncourt family. It houses notably polychrome 16th-century statues (Saint Nicholas, Saint Moine) and blends late Gothic with early Renaissance influences, bridging two eras.
Longuay Abbey, the Cistercian pearl
A few kilometres from Montigny-sur-Aube, in the commune of Aubepierre-sur-Aube (Haute-Marne), Notre-Dame de Longuay Abbey is a former Cistercian abbey founded in the early 12th century. Classified as a historic monument, it preserves remarkable features: the 12th-century lay brothers’ building with its Romanesque arcades and the cloister remnants integrated into a 19th-century château, property of the Bouchu family. The tithe barn and dovecote, listed in 2019, complete this exceptional monastic ensemble.
The Aube valley and the National Forest Park
Montigny-sur-Aube sits at the gateway to the National Forest Park, the newest of France’s national parks (created in 2019). This territory of 240,000 hectares of protected forest offers an immense playground for nature lovers.
Hiking: the Épailly circuit
The Épailly circuit, a hiking loop of about fifteen kilometres, starts from Montigny-sur-Aube and crosses the forest to the former commandery of Épailly. This site, founded around 1200, first Templar then Hospitaller (Order of Saint John of Jerusalem), preserves its chapel listed as a historic monument and fortified buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Fishing and green activities
The Aube river, which flows through the village, is ideal for fishing in a preserved setting. The surrounding forests, crisscrossed by trails marked by the National Forest Park, are perfect for hiking, mountain biking and wildlife watching: roe deer, wild boar, black storks and red kites.
The crémant route in Montigny
The Châtillonnais is home to a reviving vineyard, classified AOC Crémant de Bourgogne and labelled “Vignobles & Découvertes”. The Crémant Route winds through the territory along its cellars and estates, offering tastings and vineyard visits. The Château de Montigny, whose park shelters an old wine press, is part of this sparkling tradition that makes the reputation of northern Burgundy.
A character village between two regions
With its 261 inhabitants, Montigny-sur-Aube embodies the discreet charm of the Châtillonnais. The village retains remarkable civil heritage: the Slaughterhouse Bridge, listed as a historic monument, elegantly spans the Aube; the lavoir (washhouse) and central fountain recall rural life of times past; and limestone houses line the quiet lanes.
Its geographical position makes it a crossroads between Burgundy, Champagne and Haute-Marne, ideal for excursions to Châtillon-sur-Seine (25 km), Arc-en-Barrois or the neighbouring village of Riel-les-Eaux.
How to get to Montigny-sur-Aube
The village is accessible by car from Châtillon-sur-Seine (25 km) via the departmental road. By train, the nearest station is that of Châtillon-sur-Seine, which has not served passenger traffic since 1994. By bike, the little-frequented departmental roads connect Montigny to the neighbouring villages, and the GR2 (“Au fil de la Seine”) passes through the region.
In summary: Montigny-sur-Aube is a precious stop for anyone wanting to discover the authentic Châtillonnais. Between Renaissance castle, Cistercian abbey, preserved forests and crémant de Bourgogne, the village concentrates all the charm of this northern Côte-d’Or. A character destination, far from the crowds, perfect for a day of discovery or a green weekend.
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