The tradition of glassmaking in Bayel dates back to the 12th century. Early glassmaking in Bayel was linked to the Aube and the quality of its sand; sand is considered an essential component of glass production. In 1666, the Manufacture des Cristalleries Royales de Champagne in Bayel was founded by the glassmaker Jean-Baptiste Mazzolay with the permission of King Louis XIV.
Those choosing Bayel as a holiday destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture
Bayel, Cité du Cristal offers guided tours at the Musée du Cristal and the Atelier du Verre. Apart from some reconstructions, the present site of the Cristalleries Royales de Champagne preserves the appearance of the Second Empire.
The Église Saint-Martin features architectural elements from the 12th century and is classified as a historic monument. The church houses a classified Vierge à l’Enfant from the 14th century, which comes from the former Prieuré de Belroy. It also contains a Pietà made of polychrome stone from the 16th century, attributed to the Maître de Chaource.
The Fête du Verre takes place every year on the last weekend of August in the large hall of the Cristallerie Royale de Champagne. Held at the former production facilities of the Cristalleries Royales de Champagne, the festival commemorates Saint-Laurent, the patron saint of glassmakers.
Trails and Landscape
The Promenade Verrière is a 4.8-kilometre historical circular trail through Bayel and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Along the route, reproductions of old postcards explain the history and development of the places. The Promenade Verrière leads to the workers’ gardens and the banks of the Aube.
The route Arbres remarquables takes about 45 minutes and is marked in yellow.
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