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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Saint-Brice d'Ay Church, located in the commune of Aÿ-Champagne (Marne), is a Gothic building built in the 15th century, with a tower added to the 16th century. It has been a historic monument since 1942. The church suffered a partial fire at the end of the 16th century, requiring the closure of several arcades for its consolidation. Major restorations took place in the 19th century: in 1843, the lower sides were restored, the walls scratched and the chapel of the restored Virgin; In 1860, the nave ceiling was rebuilt. The apse was restored from 1867, with the installation of new windows and an altar in 1869.

The western facade is richly carved, with a main door decorated with an archvolt representing the life of Brice de Tours and wine scenes populated by fabulous animals. The eardrum shows male, female and divine figures, while a rose protected by a baluster dominates the whole. Side doors, similar in style, combine vine, oak and mythical animals. A short frieze under the roof, belting almost the entire building.

The church houses a French baroque organ built in 1749 by carpenter Jean Labègue, modified in 1898 by Pierre Schyven and restored between 1988 and 1991 by Gaston Kern. The instrumental part, originally designed by Pierre Aubé (the King's organ maker) and delivered between 1751 and 1756, was partly lost during the 19th century modifications and the 1940 bombings. Today, the church hosts an annual classical music festival in May.

Historical sources mention a descriptive essay written in 1878 by Abbé Charles Hannesse, offering a detailed testimony of the building and its history. The successive restorations, as well as the preserved architectural elements (rosace, friezes, statues), underline the heritage importance of this monument, both a place of worship and a symbol of the local wine tradition.

The precise location of the church is 5 Rue Henri IV, 51160 Aÿ-Champagne, in the department of Marne (code Insee 51030). Owned by the commune, it remains an open place to visit, marked by its Gothic history and baroque restorations.

The elements protected by the 1942 classification include the entire building, demonstrating its central role in the religious and cultural heritage of the Grand East region and the ardent Champagne, historically linked to wine production and sacred arts.

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