Lavau: Celtic princely tomb on the Melda

Lavau offers a glimpse into archaeology, landscapes and a range of leisure activities. During a preventive archaeological excavation at the ZAC du Moutot, INRAP uncovered a completely preserved Celtic princely tomb. The princely complex comprised a square enclosure and a monumental portico leading to the burial site via a ramp.

Culture

The princely tomb of Lavau dates from the beginning of the 5th century BC. It was a monumental burial with a burial chamber in which the deceased was buried on a chariot. The grave goods include gold bracelets, a bronze cauldron and Attic pottery. The necropolis of Lavau was founded in the 14th century BC. The material culture of the tomb appears to combine Celtic and Mediterranean techniques as well as stylistic repertoires.

For visitors with different interests, these cultural themes can be read as historical traces: architecture, burial practices, grave goods and artistic influences stand alongside one another as distinct facets.

Landscape

Lavau lies on the banks of the Melda. The protohistoric necropolis of Lavau at the ZAC du Moutot lies on the edge of the Seine Valley, on a small rise on the right bank. Lavau's leisure centre connects residential areas with pastures as well as agricultural and forestry areas.

For your personal planning, you can consider riverbanks, historic sites and open-use areas as different aspects of the location. The landscape and archaeological remains therefore emphasise different points from the sporting or social activities.

Activities

Palatium Sport & Life in Lavau has more than ten padel courts. The facilities also include beach tennis and Fun Fitness. Decathlon Village in Lavau covers 25 hectares and includes an indoor sports complex, a hammam and spa, as well as a fitness club.

Le Stadium has a bar as well as a restaurant and pizzeria area for lunch or dinner. Sport, wellness and gastronomic breaks therefore form separate themes for planning your day, without requiring you to combine them into a fixed itinerary.

Events and places

The local associations in Lavau organise a celebration on 14 July and a village festival in the autumn. Village de Marques is an outlet centre in the municipality of Lavau.

The two events complement the archaeological and sporting highlights with seasonal occasions; the Village de Marques outlet centre should be distinguished from them. This allows you to distinguish between history, exercise, relaxation, shopping and community life when planning your stay.

Geographical location

Lavau is directly connected to the eastern ring road and linked to Troyes via the D78.

When comparing holiday apartments in Lavau, you can review the travel period, room category and cancellation conditions side by side on the offer pages. These three fields provide a concise basis for comparison alongside the town's historical, landscape and sporting themes.

Further destinations: Bayel, La Saulsotte, Brévonnes, Landreville, Avirey-Lingey, Géraudot, Dosnon, Clérey

For the overarching travel overview: Aube.