The village of Mont Saint Père

Mont Saint Père became a major rural domain in the 18th century with a private castle visited by such influential people as the King of Poland (Stanislas Leczinski) and Louis the Sixteeth'father in law. Perched on teh hillside, the village was known as "the Pearl of the Valley" or " the Wonder of the Marne" for its delicate architecture and magnificent park.

Unfortunately, almost nothing remains of the castle, which was bought by speculators in 1826 and delapidated to sell off its stones.

The parish of Mont Saint Père has a remakable past not only for its historical castle, but also for the painter Leon Lhermitte born there in 1844, who depicted on canvas the country and scenes of every kife.

Our village has historical ties with Saint Emilion in the Boredeaux region, whose inhabitants granted us in 1912 finanvial help over a 20- year period for the reconstruction of dwellings and buildings destroyed in th Marne battle shellings of july 1918. It was the shells fired at the end of the First World War which reduced the 12th-13th century churc ruins.It was rebuilt on the same spot in 1930.

Mont Saint Père has 150 hectares of"Appelation Champagne" vineyards.

Château Thierry (10 kms)

Birthplace of the famous fable writer Jean de la Fontaine. His house in the town centre is now a museum.

Hôtel Dieu museum: old hospice with chapel and former hospital with magnificent collection of antique furniture and works of religious art. Visits by appointment.

American World War I Memorial and Belleau Wood military cemetery: a tributeto the US soldiers who give their lives during the Great War.

Ruins of the 10th century castle with dungeon and ramparts.

Caves Pannier champagne house: visits include extensive 12th century champagne cellars dug in stone.

Dormans: Castle and impressive World War I memorial chapel.

Conde en Brie: Castle of Condé, residence of Princes of Condé.

Mézy: 12th century church.

Fère en Tardenois: Ruins of 16th century castle with its unique long arched bridge acces.

Reims (60 kms): Royal Cathedral city, wher 25 kongs of France were crowned. Stained glasss windows by Chagall and Palais de TAU, Fujita Chapel, St Rémy basilica and home to numerous prestigious champagne houses.

Marne la Vallée (70 kms towards Paris): Disneyland Paris.

Vaux le Vicomte: Château of Fouquet (minister of Louis XVIth)

Epernay and Reims champagne houses and cellars.

The region offers much in the way natural surroundinggg, champagne, and World War I historical sites.