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Montherme

Visit Montherme (Champagne-Ardenne, France)

The small town of Montherme is attractively positioned inside a broad meander of the river Meuse, at its confluence with the river Semoy. It was in this picturesque position surrounded by the tree covered hills of the Ardennes that an abbey was founded in 1128 and the around which the town developed.

It is situated about 100 kilometres north-east of Reims and 15 kilometres north of Charleville-Mezieres in north-east France (close to the French border with Belgium).

Exploring Montherme

Montherme is best known for its two religious monuments: the Abbey of Laval Dieu and the Church of Saint-Leger:

Abbey of Laval-Dieu: The abbey at Montherme was founded in the early 12th century. The abbey church was damaged by a fire at the end of the 17th century and repaired over the course of the following few years. Like all French religious communities the abbey was closed after the French revolution, at which time it suffered severe damage, and was further damaged during fighting at the beginning of World War 2.

Despite this damage you can still see the church itself (note in particular the decorative western facade with marble columns and a statue of Notre Dame de Laval Dieu), a part of the original cloisters, and also remains of the priory. The roman style tower is part of the original 12th century church.

Church of Saint-Leger: this church has its origins in the 12th century, and parts of this original church can still be seen (eg the north wall of the nave). Much of the remainder of the original church was destroyed during an attack on the village by Ecorcheurs*, and the church was rebuilt in the middle of the 15th century (and also further modified in later centuries).

As a result the objects inside the church date from various epochs, such as a 12th century baptism font, 16th century frescoes, and an 18th century altar.

* During the 100 Years War the French King sometimes gained his troops by recruiting bands of mercenaries. At times of peace, and after the end of the war, these mercenaries formed into groups and pillaged towns and villages. These were known as Ecorcheurs.

Elsewhere in Montherme you can stroll along the riverfront enjoying the scenery.

By the river you will also see an unusual 'weather vane' on a conical metal chimney on a stone pillar and with a picture of the Angel Gabriel indicating the wind direction. This weather vane has an unusual history: as early as the 12th century there was a brewery / brasserie here, that used the weather vane to blow air into the malting room below. The brasserie no longer exists but the chimney was recuperated.

The hills around Montherme provide several particularly picturesque views down on the town and river - the view down across the town is among the highlights of a visit.

Photos taken within 10 km

Address: Monthermé, Charleville-Mézières, Ardennes, Champagne-Ardenne, 8800 || GPS: latitude 49.8864, longitude 4.7322

Map of Montherme & places nearby



 

Highlights close by

See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near Montherme.
See Champagne-Ardenne for more travel ideas...

Suggested tourist attractions to visit near Montherme, France

• Charleville-Mezieres - secteur sauvegarde (13km)
• Sedan - town of art and history (26km)
• Givet - recommended detour (29km)
• Launois-sur-Vence - village d'etape (29km)
• Lac de Bairon - site of natural beauty (40km)

The French version of this page is at Montherme (Francais)