Description
Discover Montier-en-Der, a town of 2,000 inhabitants located 10 minutes from Lac du Der. Situated in the Haute-Marne department, its history dates back to the 7th century with the founding of an abbey. Montier-en-Der is also known for its heritage and equestrian activities, thanks to its former National Stud Farm, now a modern tourist center, and its racecourse. During your stroll, you can also admire cast iron works that make this small town a showcase for the art foundries of the Haute-Marne region.
Points of interest
Points of interest
1Haras Tourist Centre
Formerly the National Stud Farm, founded in 1806 by Napoleon I, this site was dedicated to breeding horses for the French army. Officers were accommodated in a nearby building which still stands today: the Officers’ House
Now an exceptional heritage site, the stud farm lies next to the Abbey Church and invites you to admire its 19th-century architecture. The site, set amongst trees and flowers, features spacious courtyards and stables.
In 2026, the stud farm was converted into tourist accommodation.
2Abbey Church of Saints Peter and Paul
All that remains of the mighty Benedictine abbey founded by Saint Berchaire in 673 is the beautiful abbey church of Notre-Dame, consecrated in 998. The chancel was rebuilt in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The nave and side aisles are a rare example of the evolution of architecture from the Carolingian to the Romanesque period.
3The Wheat Market
The Halle au Blé was built between 1849 and 1851. Inside, you will see 16 cast-iron columns which were cast at the Sommevoire foundry in 1850.
Completely restored in 2003, the Halle au Blé now houses the music school, the media library, an auditorium and also the town hall of La Porte du Der (a group of municipalities).
4The Japiot Gardens
The gardens of the Japiot private estate can be seen from the outside. There is a ‘French-style’ garden at the front and an ‘English-style’ garden at the back.
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6The School Palace and the Statue of the Republic
The school building, which opened in 1869, became La Courterie Primary School. Its Louis XIII style is similar to that of the stud farm.
The statue of the Republic, ‘Marianne’, was cast in 1908 by Durenne.
It is rich in republican symbolism; she holds aloft both the Declaration of Human Rights and a thunderbolt.
8Der Craft Brewery
9La Crouée Racecourse
Established in 1849, it is one of the oldest racecourses in France. In the summer, it hosts a number of exceptional days of horse racing, featuring both trotting and flat racing. Every year, it hosts a round of the Trophée Vert, a French harness trotting competition.
