Gateway to Champagne, in the Marne department, Fismes takes place between Reims and Soissons, on the tourist Route des Sacres. Watered by the Vesle and its numerous tributaries, the town is located seventy kilometers from Châlons-en-Champagne, not far from Serval, Courville or Ville-Savoye.
Fismes was born on the right bank of the Vesle at the time Gallo-Roman, then taking for name Ad Fines Remorum, End of the Territory of the Rèmes. That which saw born Uderzo, famous father of Asterix and Obelix, undergoes after the Norman hordes, barbarians or Hungarian who leave then many traces. A free city in the 13th century, it developed a strong artisanal and commercial activity. Once again destroyed by the One Hundred Years War, it also suffered the full brunt of the wars of religion or the Fronde. The nineteenth century will be a golden age for Fismes which will then develop a strong industrialization through porcelain, foundry or sweets.
Today Fismes continues to attract visitors with its charm and interesting architectural and cultural heritage.
Built in the 12th century and modified in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, Sainte-Macre Church is mainly known for its stained glass windows. Listed as an historic monument, it reveals 21st century windows of great beauty. Mainly Romanesque, she was strongly affected by the two world wars, thus experiencing several reconstructions.
Museum of the bakery, the Grenier de Saint-Honoré traces the evolution of the bread making through several objects and other old machines, extending over more than 200 m². It is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays afternoons by appointment.
Fismes also has a porcelain museum unveiling beautiful pieces dating from the late nineteenth century.
While strolling in the city, you will also be able to appreciate the ancient ramparts, the pillar of the door Saint-Gilles, or even the house Heurtevin in which the kings of France often spent their last night of prince. Do not miss the royal terminals on the road to Soissons which marks the old road of coronations.
On the road to Reims, at a place called Villette, a manor marvelously reveals a main building with turret, and a window and fluted columns Renaissance.
Difficult not to admire the town hall of the first half of the twentieth century with late Renaissance pavilion, or not to discover the places of memory of the two world wars like the American memorial bridge in honor of the 28th Pennsylvania Infantry Division, or the war memorial of the First World War.
The weekly market is held every Saturday morning. A Christmas market is also offered on the first Sunday of December with the fair of Saint-Eloi.
In May, place at the Flower Festival and the eco organic fair to discover many workshops and other exciting booths.
Every two years in May, Fismes hosts its book festival with dedications, readings and other exciting animations. It takes place in odd years.
Concerts are offered in June for the Festival of Music.
At the end of July, the patronal feast is in full swing including a big free ball and a carnival.
Every two years, in even years, the Africa'Fismes festival is held in September to highlight African culture in all its forms.
Celebrations are being held at the Telethon in December to raise funds.
Many hiking trails are to be discovered in the Office of Tourism.
Touring by car: the circuit of Romanesque churches, Caves Road, the road Mountains and the Massif de Saint-Thierry.
The circuit Lavoirs.
The Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions of Faverolles-et-Coëmy.
