A medieval town nestling between Traconne forest and Saint-Gond marsh, Sézanne is of interest to visitors because of its narrow streets and period houses, late Gothic church topped by a tall Renaissance tower, traditional covered market hall, and tree-lined walks along old fortifications.
Charming medieval city, Sézanne takes place in the Grand Est region, in the Marne department. Located about forty kilometers from Epernay and sixty kilometers from Châlons-en-Champagne, it enjoys great proximity to the Paris region. Nestled between the forest of the Traconne and the marshes of Saint-Gond, it also reveals a great diversity in its landscapes.
Populated since the Gallic period, the city of Sézanne suffered a great deal of damage during the great waves of invasions, before being reborn from its ashes in the 10th century. Completely rebuilt in its original location, it is equipped with a castle and fortifications, as well as numerous mills. Considered as one of the largest cities of Champagne in the 13th century, it took off again in the 16th century with the development of the leather industry, the cloth trade, as well as viticulture.
Almost completely destroyed in a fire at the beginning of the 17th century, Sézanne is today a pleasant tourist town which has managed to preserve an important architectural heritage which attracts a large number of visitors.
Listed as an historic monument, the Saint-Denis church impresses with its square tower more than forty meters high. All in blond stone, it has a beautiful flamboyant Gothic style since the 16th century, and has survived all the ravages of time and war. Restored in the early 2000s, it unveils Renaissance stained glass windows, as well as a very beautiful fresco of the Transfiguration above the 18th century high altar. In the foothills, around twenty stalls once housed boilermakers, tailors, shoemakers or notaries, until the beginning of the 20th century. Only one remains open today, it now hosts the Tourist Office, while two others occasionally open their doors during certain events.
A former castle built at the beginning of the 12th century to watch over the city's fortifications, the Praetorium was completely rebuilt in the 15th century by Charles d'Orléans. Prison then court at the time of the French Revolution, it also hosted a girls' school for several years. Completely renovated, it is now used as a conference room, shows, banquets or assemblies.
Baltard style, the hall dates from the end of the 19th century. Listed as a Historic Monument, it hosts events such as gourmet events, concerts or an ice rink throughout the year.
Inside the hospital center of Sézanne, it is possible to admire the former Récollets convent. Founded in the second half of the 12th century, it notably unveils a very well preserved cloister and chapel. The second in particular is worth a detour with its paintings by Frère Luc, a 17th century monk and pupil of the painter Poussin.
While strolling through Sézanne, be sure to admire the sundial from 1783 located not far from the hall. Classified in the inventory of municipal heritage, it reveals a sentence in Latin by the poet Horace inviting meditation. Not far from the alleys of the city center, it is also possible to see the remains of the old walls, as well as a 17th century mansion.
Welcoming city, Sézanne reveals more than thirty hectares of green spaces, like its green belt of malls, old medieval ramparts filled in in the 18th century and planted with alleys of lime trees and chestnut trees.
| Information points | |
|---|---|
| Leisure centres | |
| Monuments |
The market takes place on Wednesday morning on the Place de la Halle, and on Saturday morning on the Place du Champ-Benoist. The June clearance sale is organized the first weekend of this month, with the traditional Sunday flea market. Every weekend closest to December 6, the city also offers its Saint-Nicolas fair including rides and a clearance sale. The city also organizes a number of events during the month of December to highlight the end of year celebrations in a "Christmas of yesteryear" atmosphere. On the program, from the last Friday of November until Christmas, make way for the December festivities which begin with the release of balloons. The descent of Santa Claus from the church tower is also an event not to be missed. Shows, illuminations, treasure hunts, toy fair or even an ice rink are offered to residents and passing visitors.
From June 21 for the Fête de la Musique, Sézanne is offering its Holiday Evenings throughout the summer. On the program, concerts of all styles.
Sézanne and its surroundings offer several walking and cycling routes for walks with family and friends. Find the many walks on the website of the Sézanne Tourist Office or in the various tourist reception points: Sézanne (open all year), Anglure and Esternay (open from April to September).
