Bar-sur-Seine has just inscribed a new symbol of its rich wine-growing past and local identity: a champagne cadole erected at the entrance of the town. This unique building, made of dry stones, is not simply an architectural construction; it is a true tribute to the ancestors of the Côte des Bar winemakers, passionate pioneers who forged the culture and heritage of Champagne through the centuries. Located at the 19-Mars-1962 roundabout, this cadole signals to visitors that they are entering a territory recognized for its wine-growing excellence, while inviting them to revisit ancestral traditions.

The gestation of this project, which has passionate several generations, fits into a collective dynamic where craftsmen, winemakers, and residents joined forces around a common heritage. The funding, entirely secured through donations, also testifies to the community’s attachment to these deep roots. More than just a tourist landmark, this cadole presents itself as a living stone work, bearer of the memory of artisanal techniques, ancestral know-how, and local culture.

Beyond the stone, the cadole also symbolizes Bar-sur-Seine’s ambition to strengthen its tourist appeal by relying on the authenticity of its wine-growing terroir. It marks the beginning of the Champagne tourist route, gathering around it stories, knowledge, and practices that honor the continuity of a millennial wine-growing tradition, in harmony with modernity and innovation.

This monument, which proudly stands out today at the entrance of Bar-sur-Seine, is thus the promise of a strong place where the wine-growing past is linked to the present, carried by the passion of craftsmen such as the Lazzarotti family and the support of local actors. It invites everyone to immerse themselves in this unique heritage and the local culture that has been vibrant in Champagne for generations.

In 2025, the birth of this cadole marks a major step in the promotion of the winemaking history and sets a meaningful milestone for this essential region of the Champagne vineyard.

In brief, the essentials to remember:

• A traditional dry stone cadole erected at the entrance of Bar-sur-Seine, a strong symbol of Champagne identity.
• A vibrant tribute to the ancestral heritage of the Côte des Bar winemakers, embodying their passion and know-how.
• A collective project funded by donations, illustrating local solidarity around the preservation of heritage.
• A starting point of the Champagne tourist route attracting wine and local culture enthusiasts.
• An artisanal construction carried out by the Lazzarotti family, guardians of traditional dry stone methods.

The historical context of cadoles in the Champagne region: a winemaking heritage to preserve

Cadoles, these small dry stone shelters, form an essential architectural and cultural heritage in the Champagne region, notably on the Côte des Bar. Historically, before the devastating phylloxera crisis that strongly impacted vineyards in the 19th century, Champagne had nearly 24,000 hectares of vines where cadoles were omnipresent as shelters used by winemakers.

Built without any binding material, these structures rely on ancestral artisanal know-how, based on the meticulous balance of stones. They served not only as protection against bad weather but also as places of rest and meeting for winemakers. These shelters were the scene of daily exchanges among cultivators, who discussed cultivation methods, shared meals, or organized friendly moments around their common passion. Thus, the cadole goes beyond its simple practical function: it constitutes a true cultural and social symbol.

More than 150 cadoles still remain today in the Côte des Bar, a living proof of a rooted past threatened by time and urbanization. To safeguard this heritage, the Association of Champagne Cadoles was founded in 2023. Its mission is to restore these emblematic constructions, in order to preserve the memory of a way of life linked to the vine and the Champagne terroir.

Over the centuries, these works have been carried out by specialized craftsmen, testifying to know-how passed down from generation to generation. Each cadole thus bears a unique story, embodying a respectful way of interacting with the environment and a deep attachment to the land. Today, in the era of modernity, this heritage generates new interest, not only for its historical value but also for its role in promoting an authentic and sustainable local culture.

A deeply rooted collective project: the construction of the Bar-sur-Seine cadole

The project to build the new cadole at the entrance of Bar-sur-Seine was born from a common will to promote heritage and pay tribute to ancestors whose passion shaped the wine-growing region. The idea was driven by Jean-Louis Normand, a committed local figure who for more than 25 years dreamed of realizing this symbolic project. This dream materialized thanks to a wave of solidarity where winemakers, residents, craftsmen, and donors joined efforts.

This monument, located at the 19-Mars-1962 roundabout, is much more than a visual entry point to the town. It embodies a true testimony to Champagne tradition and strengthens residents’ sense of belonging to a strong culture. Its funding, entirely ensured through donations collected via the CollectiCity platform, required nearly 27,000 euros, an amount obtained thanks to exemplary local mobilization.

Mayor Dominique Baroni has integrated this initiative into a global policy of promoting wine-growing and tourist heritage. According to him, “understanding history is preparing the future.” This cadole thus serves both as a place of memory and a strong signal for the many visitors and tourists who travel the Champagne route.

The project’s completion was entrusted to the Lazzarotti family, stonemason artisans from father to son, specialists in dry stone construction. Their intervention made it possible to carefully assemble 15 tons of stone, scrupulously respecting traditional methods, so that the cadole fits harmoniously into its environment and retains its authenticity.

The importance of craftsmanship in building the cadole: know-how and transmission

The Bar-sur-Seine cadole is above all the work of exceptional craftsmanship. The Lazzarotti family, committed to preserving ancient techniques, applied traditional dry stone construction methods, abolishing the use of any cement or binder. This process requires particular dexterity, a precise knowledge of the shapes and properties of local stones as well as a keen sense of structural balance.

The assembly of the stones must be meticulously planned: each stone is laid by hand, using thousands of small shims to ensure stability and durability. This technique guarantees that the cadole will withstand time without distorting the landscape. Moreover, this construction naturally adapts to the terrain’s relief, demonstrating a fine understanding of the wine-growing environment.

This artisanal know-how, continuously transmitted over several generations, is a true living link between past and present. It illustrates the craftsmen’s ability to combine tradition and modernity, sometimes integrating technical adjustments while respecting the original philosophy. The cadole thus becomes a living object, reflecting a local culture that renews itself without betraying itself.

Artisans consider each cadole as a spirit-filled monument, both guardian of memory and vector of identity. Their work goes beyond stone: it is a celebration of durability, a deep respect for natural materials, and an invitation to contemplate Champagne’s heritage.

A strong emblem of the wine-growing heritage: the cadole as a vector of local culture

The cadole is not limited to its function as a shelter or geographical marker. It has become in people’s minds a powerful symbol of Bar-sur-Seine’s winemaking identity and that of the entire Côte des Bar. Rising on the Champagne tourist route, it conveys values of authenticity, know-how, and attachment to the terroir that define Champagne.

For residents, this construction is a source of pride. It recalls a time when the vineyard was at the heart of the way of life, where man lived in harmony with nature and its cycles. It also evokes the struggles and resilience of previous generations, who knew how to maintain and enhance this terroir despite difficulties.

From a tourist perspective, the cadole acts as a visual precedent that invites one to extend the vineyard discovery. It promotes local attractiveness by encouraging visitors to take an interest in local products, cellars, and artisanal know-how that make the worldwide reputation of Champagne. This initiative also benefits the economic development of the region, energizing tourist and gastronomic sectors.

It fits into a larger framework of heritage promotion, like many efforts to restore other cadoles and develop an enlightening tourism around regional traditions. In January 2025, new initiatives, including guided tours and the celebration of the Festival of the Cadole, will cast new light on this unique heritage.

What is a cadole in Champagne?

A cadole is a traditional dry stone shelter historically used by winemakers as a refuge in the vineyards. It has become a symbol of Champagne’s wine-growing heritage.

Where is the newly inaugurated cadole located?

The new cadole is located at the 19-Mars-1962 roundabout at the entrance of Bar-sur-Seine, marking the beginning of the Champagne tourist route.

What is the importance of this cadole for the region?

It symbolizes the strong connection with the winemakers’ history, promotes local craftsmanship, and helps to foster tourism and local culture around the Champagne vineyard.

How was the cadole project financed?

The project was entirely funded by donations via the CollectiCity platform, reflecting a collective mobilization to preserve this heritage.

What role does craftsmanship play in the construction of cadoles?

Craftsmanship ensures the transmission of ancestral dry stone techniques, guaranteeing the durability and authenticity of constructions within the wine-growing landscape.

To deepen the knowledge about the women who marked the Champagne vineyard, a complementary reading is offered in this article dedicated to the women of Champagne.