Father CHAMPION (1599 - 1665) is an illustrious historical figure from the commune of Les Riceys.
He arrived in the commune of Les Riceys in 1632, assigned by Mgr ZAMET, Bishop and Duke of Langres.
His mission, to direct the Hermitage of Notre Dame de Thouan at Riceys Bas, a hermitage newly instituted as a Congregation in 1630.
In this period, the landscape of Riceys Bas and the region is sad: war of the Thirty, plague, famine, looting by German soldiers.
The picture is gloomy, as in all periods of major difficulty, taxes are heavy.
The Hermit CHAMPION rolls up his sleeves and engages in a fight against both social difficulties and in particular against the plague.
He solicits the Vicar and obtains a total rebate of taxes for the inhabitants of Les Riceys, which relieves morally and financially.
He makes prayers to stop the scourge of the plague, he lays on hands, uses holy oil and the cross on plague-stricken people.
He would thus have healed many sick people. He invested himself assiduously for six good years.
After his death, a mausoleum was built for him, in recognition of his remarkable actions in the commune of Les Riceys.