Two clear themes stand out for a trip to La Saulsotte: traces of history and hiking. The Église Saint-Ferréol has building phases from the 13th, 16th and 18th centuries; the Menhir dit de la Pierre Aiguë is classified as Neolithic. For outdoor activities, there are two named hiking routes with different planning details: one starts in the village and follows marked trails, while the other is listed as seven kilometers long. This lets you decide in advance whether historical architecture or a specific route distance will be your first point of reference.

Church and Historic Monuments

The building history of the Église Saint-Ferréol spans several centuries. The three main building phases mentioned—the 13th, 16th and 18th centuries—provide a timeline that extends beyond a single construction period. A decree dated August 21, 1990, listed the church as a historic monument. These are two different kinds of dates: the centuries refer to building phases, while the 1990 date refers to its listing as a monument.

The Menhir dit de la Pierre Aiguë is a Neolithic menhir at the lieu-dit of la Pierre Aiguë in La Saulsotte. It was listed as a historic monument by a decree dated May 14, 1993. In comparison with the church, this places a prehistoric classification alongside building phases spanning the 13th to 18th centuries. Those interested in history will find two distinct approaches here: the long building history of a church and the classification of a menhir as Neolithic.

The Pigeonnier de Courtioux was also listed as a historic monument, by a decree dated November 19, 1990. The decree dates for the three monuments mentioned fall in 1990 and 1993. They indicate when each monument was listed, not when it was built or originated. This distinction is particularly helpful when comparing the church’s building phases with the Neolithic classification of the menhir.

Hiking from La Saulsotte

The “Randonnée du Resson et de la Pierre Aiguë” starts in La Saulsotte and follows marked hiking trails. A hike from La Saulsotte can also offer an opportunity to experience the landscapes of the Nogentais and the Seine Valley. This gives your plans a connection to the region’s landscape as well as its cultural attractions. The listed starting point and trail markings provide practical guidance for this route, without specifying a walking time.

Another option is the “Circuit la Saulsotte, par Resson,” a seven-kilometer hiking route. Here, the distance gives you a specific point of reference for comparison: the “Randonnée du Resson et de la Pierre Aiguë” has a stated starting point in La Saulsotte and marked trails, while the Circuit has a stated distance. Route details may change; check them before setting out.

You can choose according to your interests: the historic monuments offer an opportunity to explore different periods, while the hiking options provide practical guidance in the form of a starting point, trail markings or route distance. A hike from La Saulsotte can also turn your attention to the landscapes of the Nogentais and the Seine Valley.

For the broader travel overview: Aube.