Astonishing timber-frame churches

Aube has a heritage of timber-frame churches that is unique in France. Concentrated in the north-east of Aube, in the Great Lakes of the Orient Forest region, these churches of incomparable charm, like Lentilles, Bailly le Franc and Longsols, are a testimony to the perfection of timber-frame buildings.

Nowhere else in France can you find such a collection and such consistency. They in fact represent an architecture totally linked to its local area. The absence of good quality stone and the abundance of forests explain why building in wood developed in North-East Aube.

Built simply using wood and cob (like the village houses), you will be amazed by the talent displayed by Champagne’s master carpenters in building these churches.

On the road to visit Aube’s inviting churches, a little tour leading from Bailly-le-Franc to Lentilles, via Mathaux, Chauffour-lès-Bailly and Soulaines-Dhuys, lets you admire the refined architecture, and the perfection of the proportions and design of these timber-frame churches.

Visitors find a listed religious architecture that is completely original and unique: these prestigious sanctuaries are the ultimate success of the carpenter’s art that is found nowhere else.

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	Saint Jacques - Saint Philippe church in Lentilles Lentilles has always been considered as the most beautiful example of a Champagne timber-frame church. It owes this reputation to the parish leaders who have never hidden the external timber-frame s... [+]

Sainte Croix Church in Bailly-le-Franc Too often reckoned to be a rustic response to Lentilles church, Bailly-le-Franc timber-frame church is worthy of reconsideration, all the more so as its recent restoration constitutes a model of sym... [+]

Saint-Léger Church in Saint-Léger-sous-Margerie Saint-Léger-sous-Margerie timber-frame church is surprising because of the marked contrast between its narrow, tall nave and, for the remainder, a wider building with a vast, enveloping roof. Curio... [+]

Saint Julien and Saint Blaise church in Longsols The recent restoration of Longsols timber-frame church has succeeded in revealing the great significance of this Champagne building. The regular nature of its timber frame and the quality of its dec... [+]

Saint Quentin church in Mathaux Saint Quentin in Mathaux has an original place among Champagne’s timber-frame churches. It is a unique example of an 18th century church built in a definite and coherent style inspired by religious ... [+]

	Saint Jean chapel in Soulaines-Dhuys This elegant building comprises the most beautiful example of a Champagne timber-frame chapel. The sanctuary belonging to a leprosy hospital at the beginning of the 15th century, it became a simple ... [+]

Chauffour-lès-Bailly Church This parish church comes into the category of a mixed building, since the choir, transept and the last span of the nave are built in stone in the flamboyant gothic style, typical of the Troyes region... [+]