Donnemarie-Dontilly

Donnemarie-Dontilly was formed by the merger of two villages in the "Montois" region, an area crossed by the Auxence River. It is a rolling, wooded landscape that invites both leisurely walks and quiet reflection.

The GR11 long-distance hiking trail passes through the area, offering numerous opportunities for serious hikes as well as casual strolls around the village.

As you wander through the narrow streets, you can discover remnants of the past, such as the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption or the old lime kiln visible from the old Mont road.

As you walk, you might almost imagine the livestock fair that once took place in the Market Square, or catch a glimpse of the cobbler in the back of his workshop, negotiating with the tanner... It is a village steeped in memories of days gone by.

Every street and house has its own story; take the time to stop and chat with the locals—they surely have wonderful tales to share.

DID YOU KNOW?
When the Auxence (the river that once separated the villages of Donnemarie and Dontilly) froze in winter, the ice was broken up and hauled away in horse-drawn carts. During transport, the ice was doused with boiling water so it would fuse into a single solid block, allowing it to be preserved for a full year. It was stored in an "ice house" built into a north-facing slope. This ice house took the form of a tunnel with a vaulted brick ceiling—it was, in a sense, the ancestor of the modern refrigerator! One family in Donnemarie-Dontilly still owns one today.