The Church of Thillois (late 12th century), now a heap of ruins, stood at the entrance to the village.
In 1914 it was still intact in all its vital parts. Its vaulting was pointed, with groining resting on columns, whose capitals were either Romanesque or Gothic. The nave had a timber roof.
The high-altar screen was a fine piece of sculptured stone-work of late 16th or early 17th century. In a niche above the altar, the Virgin, sitting on an X-shaped seat, was holding Jesus, clothed in a tunic and standing on her knee.
Leaving the church behind on the right, turn to the left, to reach the National Road. On the right is a small 18th century castle, behind a clump of fine stately trees, known as the Bosquet de Thillois. It was destroyed by shells.
Return to the National Road, turn to the right at the cross-roads, leaving on the left the road to Champigny, then return direct to Rheims, entering the city by the Avenue and Porte de Paris.
The Mountain of Rheims Battles
(See p. [14] and p. [122].)
The fighting known as the Battles of the Mountain of Rheims took place in 1918 over the whole of the area described above, i.e. from Bouilly to Thillois, via St. Euphraise, Coulommes, Vrigny and Gueux (see the Michelin Illustrated Guide: The Second Battle of the Marne).
The Mountain of Rheims prolongs the region of Tardenois to the east. It is an important military position between the Vesle and the Marne, as it dominates the plain of Champagne. The higher part of it is finely wooded, while on the lower slopes and eastern and southern edges are the famous Champagne vineyards (see Verzenay, pp. [171]-[172]).