Cultural Stop-off

You want to escape a weekend or more. Let yourself be guided to not miss the wonders of our territory.

First day

In an exceptional green setting, on the edge of the Cure, discover the Cistercian Abbey of Reigny. It was founded in 1128 and was very powerful and prosperous in the Middle Ages. A must-see: its exceptional 14th century refectory (only three examples remain in France!).

Stroll through the narrow streets of Cravant, this medieval town was one of the most important ports in the Yonne. Admire the imposing fortress 25 meters high which dominates the village (it is the keep which was in turn a prison, a watchtower, a stately residence), its half-timbered houses, its old ramparts, its gates. Discover the history of this charming city on smartphone via the free application GUIDIGO.

Plan de Cravant

Take a gourmet break at the Hostellerie de la Fontaine in Deux-Rivières-Accolay. In a 17th century vault, the chef will serve you a Burgundy and gastronomic cooking in respect of seasonal products.

Give yourself some time to relax as you stroll along the Nivernais Canal. Originally built to facilitate the floating of wood from Clamecy to Paris, the Nivernais Canal was an important axis of communication that contributed to the economic development of the region. It facilitated the transportation of food and materials until the arrival of the railroad in the nineteenth century. It is today exclusively reserved for boating.

Discover the national park of Bois du Parc. This site offers diversity in terms of flora, fauna and geology. The visit is made on foot thanks to a discovery trail that crosses between forests and lawns cliff tops.

Property of the Counts of Béru since the 17th century, Château de Béru dominates the Chablis vineyard. At the heart of this complex is “Le Clos Béru”, a unique terroir, enclosed by historic walls erected in the 13th century. It is in these places steeped in history that you take possession of your guest room. The evening continues in the old stables of the castle where you can taste beautiful gourmet dishes made up of charcuterie, goat cheese and homemade terrines.

Your evening ends with a music concert at the Chablis Festival. Many festivals animate the territory during the beautiful season (Festival of Sacred Arts in Pontigny, Chablis Festival Bouge ton Cru in Chablis …).

Second day

In Beines at the Alain Geoffroy domain, push the door of the astonishing museum of the vine and the corkscrew where a collection of corkscrews more original than the others awaits you as well as a multitude of objects of the vine and wine.

Visit the Obédiencerie former monastery of the monks of Saint Martin and historic house of the Laroche estate. This visit offers a real immersion into the history of Chablis. Admire these magnificent cellars of the 9th and 12th century and 13th century press. At the end of the visit you will discover the wines of the estate.

At the doors of the Chablis vineyard in Ligny-le-Châtel, a charming Burgundy village bordered by the river Le Serein, you have lunch at the Relais Saint-Vincent. An authentic discovery of the Burgundy terroir and its tasty specialties …

On the way to visit the Abbey of Pontigny built in the 12th century, a unique building both in terms of its size and its style. Its abbey church is the largest Cistercian building from the Middle Ages preserved intact today. You can discover the places on your own or choose to take a guided tour with the association Les Amis de Pontigny or with Amandine Chevallier from Mise en Art. Take a walk through the gardens where only the song of the birds breaks the soothing silence that reigns here. The purity of the stone and the austerity of the place perfectly illustrate the Cistercian order.

It is also in Pontigny that the Tuilerie Aléonard is located, specializing in the tile of “Historic Monuments”. Occasional visits are organized (by reservation).

There are many craftsmen and artists in the area (photographers, painters, sculptors, do not hesitate to open the doors of their workshops. List on request at the Tourist Office).

Go through Venouse to visit the Barn of Beauvais. The monastery of the Abbey of Pontigny had an important property inheritance whose essential is regrouped in “cellars” and “barns”. These were inhabited and enhanced by the lay brothers. An association “the barn of Beauvais” ensures the restoration and animation of the place. A garden of medieval inspiration, a conservatory of the vine such are, among others, his projects that will soon see the day.

Discover Chablis with its historical circuit signposted on the ground.

Take the guide “Once upon a time… the history of Chablis” with you during your visit and follow the arrow! You will discover the magnificent Saint-Martin Collegiate Church (13th century) whose southern door of Romanesque character is covered with a hundred horseshoes, you will learn that in 1478 one of the first five French printing works was created in Chablis, you will visit the magnificently restored Synagogue which has become a place of worship. You will learn that Porte Noël takes its name from the mason who built it or even that the city once had twenty-nine towers, three drawbridges, three posterns. Booklet on sale at the Tourist Office.

Originally from Japan, Les Trois Bourgeons let their inventiveness and Burgundy terroir speak for themselves in their plates full of good local and seasonal products.

Discover all the wealths of our territory