On Monday 22 July 2024, the Commandery of Avalleur hosted the launch of ‘Portes du temps’, an innovative new tour concept that immerses visitors in the history of the 16th century using touch-screen tablet technology.
The Commanderie Templière d’Avalleur, a site belonging to the Aube département, is hosting the first ‘Portes du temps’ experiment in the département, in line with the objective of digital heritage mediation set by the Aube département council. Now available in French and soon in English, this experience is available free of charge to visitors to the Avalleur Commandery, who can borrow a touch-screen tablet from the site reception desk.
The 3D modelling of the various buildings, carried out by the Okénite company from Troyes, was supervised by the Templars Route European Federation (TREF) scientific committee and by Vincent Marchaisseau, an archaeologist at Inrap. The application was developed by Lynkware, a web agency specialising in the design and production of innovative, customised solutions.
Tablette tactile “Portes du temps”
Visitors are invited to scan an image on the tour path to explore the Commandery in three dimensions using tablets. Augmented reality technology gives visitors a complete view of the historic buildings, as well as detailed perspectives of the fortified gate and barn. This immersive experience is enhanced by interactive explanations of each element in 3D, suitable for all ages.
This reconstruction represents the current state of historical and archaeological knowledge. It was made possible by the archaeological investigations carried out in recent years by Inrap, in particular the discovery of the foundations of the north wing, known as the ‘keep’ in the archives.
The barn was part of the first group of buildings constructed by the Knights Templar in the 13th century. It was still in use at the end of the 17th century, as evidenced by a 1695 plan held by the Aube Departmental Archives, and no longer appears on the Napoleonic cadastre.
The fortified gateway was part of the expansion work orchestrated by Commander Jean de Choiseul in the 16th century. His coat of arms can be seen on the pediment of the main door, on the tower door and on a window in the south wing.
The Commandery of Avalleur is open until 6 October 2024.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.
Guided tour from Tuesday to Sunday at 3pm (duration 1h30). Prior booking required.
Contact and booking :
Tel. : 06 47 66 11 23
Mail : commanderie.avalleur@aube.fr