In the village of Jouarre, 3km (2 miles) south of Ferté-sous-Jouarre, you can visit a 12th-century Benedictine abbey and explore one of the oldest crypts in France. At the Tour et Crypt de l'Abbaye de Jouarre, 6 rue Montmorin (tel. 01-60-22-64-54), those interested in medieval history will appreciate the documents referring to the Royal Abbey of Jouarre as well as the stones in the Merovingian crypt, which evoke the 7th century. There's a collection of prehistoric artifacts, remnants of the Roman occupation, and sculptural fragments. Each of these monuments is a medieval treasure in its own right. Entrance to the crypt costs 4€ ($3.55) for adults, 3.55€ ($3.20) for students and those under 18. Entrance to the tower is 4.55€ ($4.05) for adults, and 4.05€ ($3.60) for students and under 18. One floor above the crypt, there's a small-scale museum, Musée Briard, which showcases the medieval history of the region of Brie, in which these monuments are located. Entrance to the museum costs 2.50€ ($2.25) for adults and 2.05€ ($1.85) for children. At presstime, there was no opportunity to buy a combination ticket granting access to all three aspects of the compound. In our opinion, the crypt is the star of the three entries, the tower being somewhat less evocative and less world-renowned. All three entities are open Wednesday through Monday from 10am to noon and 2 to 5pm (till 6pm Apr and Oct).