Montmirail brings together cultural and historical attractions, a walking trail and a supervised animal-related experience. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the different highlights: a neoclassical memorial, a château with its own historical connections, a four-kilometre route and a half-day experience at Ranch du Moulin Saint Martin each offer something different.
History and architecture
The Colonne commémorative de Montmirail commemorates the battles of February 1814. The monument was built in 1866 and inaugurated in 1867—so its occasion and construction date belong to different points in history. Its neoclassical classification adds an architectural perspective to its commemorative purpose. This makes it possible to consider both the monument’s role as a memorial and its later construction date.
The Château de Montmirail dates from the 17th century and is made of brick and stone. After Louvois, members of the de La Rochefoucauld family became its owners. Louis XIV also stayed at the château. Its construction date, materials, ownership and the king’s historical visit offer different points of interest for learning about the building.
The collections at the Musée d'Histoire de la Tour Carré offer another cultural and historical perspective. They cover the First Empire and the four victories of the Brie-Champenoise campaign. Alongside the château’s history, visitors can explore collection topics relating to a distinct historical period.
Planning a visit to the château
Allow around two hours to visit the Château de Montmirail. Visit duration may vary by season, so confirm the approximate length before your trip. Group visits are available year-round by written request. Please also reconfirm the terms before you arrive.
The “La randonnée des Remparts” walking trail
The walking trail is four kilometres long. A former railway line has been converted into a promenade that initially passes through woodland. The route also follows the traces of a former architectural complex featuring towers, walkways, and defensive and retaining walls. The trail therefore combines a former railway line with a glimpse of the complex’s historic layout.
For planning purposes, consider the route’s length and the conditions on the ground. Check the latest conditions before making the circuit a firm part of your day. Visitors interested in historic architectural forms will find traces of the former complex along the route, as well as the trail itself; the woodland section marks the beginning of the promenade.
Animal feeding and the ranch experience
At Ranch du Moulin Saint Martin, a staff member accompanies visitors along the route and answers their questions. The animals are fed every day at 4 p.m. As schedules can change, check the feeding time before your visit. If you want to see the feeding, you can plan your day around this time.
The half-day discovery experience includes three activities and a visit to the animal feeding. Package details may change when the provider updates its offering, so confirm in advance which elements will be available during your visit. The experience has a set duration, unlike a standalone visit to the feeding, and should be taken into account when planning your day.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Remy-En-Bouzemont-Saint-Genest-Et-Isson, Épernay, Courtisols, Monthelon, Eclaires, Villers-Allerand, Passavant-en-Argonne, Troissy.
For the broader travel overview: Marne.
