Mairie de Mesnil-Saint-Père

Mesnil-Saint-Père is a linear village covering 1,745 hectares, 518 of which were flooded to create the lake. During the French Revolution, it was known as MAGNUM MAGSNILLUM.

Thanks to the presence of clay in the soil, tile factories were established as early as the 12th century, on the initiative of the Counts of Champagne.

The tiles they produced were highly renowned, in a variety of colors, glazed and beveled to prevent wind damage. You can still admire them on the roofs of the Saint Nizier church in Troyes. In 1885, there were still 7 tile factories, 1 pottery and 1 earthenware factory. When the lake was created, the 3 remaining tile factories were completely swallowed up, along with a farm. The population was deeply traumatized, a trauma that is still present in the minds of the elders.

Since then, Mesnil-Saint-Père has turned completely in another direction: tourism.

The lake is used for tourism and sports, and a harbor has been built. The population has risen sharply, and the commune has become a major tourist attraction in the Aube region. Every year, more than 60,000 visitors are welcomed here.

Classified as a "tourist commune" since 1980 and renewed every 5 years, it has also been awarded the "commune fleurie" (3 flowers) label and, since 2005, the "pavillon bleu" (blue flag) for the quality of its exceptional environment.

source : www.troyes-champagne-métropole.fr