Sainte-Marie-La-Blanche offers several very different reasons to visit: architectural history at the Église de l’Assomption, a cycling route along the track of a former railway, a themed experience about the circular economy, and a local wine-growing history. Visitors can choose to focus on culture, outdoor activities or regional production. When planning your trip, first consider which of these perspectives you want to shape your stay: the local attractions range from a protected church building to a cycling route and a visitor centre.
Church architecture and heritage preservation
The Église de l’Assomption includes major construction phases from the 15th and 17th centuries. On 20 May 1988, it was listed as a historic monument in France. The Notre-Dame de l’Assomption church retains the flat-ended choir of its predecessor building. Those interested in architectural history will find several periods represented here: the 15th- and 17th-century construction phases sit alongside a surviving part of the earlier church. The older choir points to the predecessor building, while the date of protection marks the later recognition of the structure. The church therefore cannot be reduced to a single date of origin; its different architectural elements offer a tangible way to explore the history of the area.
Cycling on the Voie du Tacot
The Voie du Tacot passes through Sainte-Marie-La-Blanche, following the route of the former PLM railway line between Beaune and Allerey-sur-Saône. The former railway route gives today’s cycling path a historical connection: the use of the track has changed, but the course of the former railway remains part of its history. The route is considered easy to ride and is also suitable for families with children. Cycling is therefore another way to experience the area, alongside its church architecture and building history. Check local conditions before setting off.
Infineo and the circular economy
An operator’s statement dated 31 December 2023 describes Infineo as a visitor experience for businesses, local authorities, universities and associations. These groups could learn about the circular economy and visit Plastipak’s recycling plant in Sainte-Marie-La-Blanche. The visitor programme at the time covered reuse and eco-design as well as climate and carbon footprints, illegal dumping and waste sorting. The statement also mentioned year-round visits and registration through an online booking calendar. If you plan to visit Infineo, check the current visitor offer and booking options in advance. The centre offers a different focus from the church, cycling route and wine-growing: here, the emphasis is on the circular economy and waste management.
Wine-growing and the local landscape
The Cave de Sainte-Marie-La-Blanche was founded in 1957 and has a 200-hectare wine-growing area. Its founding year and area provide two concrete points of reference for the local wine-growing history. In the southern part of Sainte-Marie-La-Blanche, there are also two landscaped ponds with benches. They add a designed landscape feature to the area’s architectural and activity-related attractions. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide what brings you on your trip: do you want architectural history to shape your stay, would you like to explore the Voie du Tacot by bike, or are you interested in wine-growing and the circular economy? Check Infineo’s current visitor offer in advance before planning a visit.
Discover more destinations: Labergement-Lès-Seurre, Bussy-Le-Grand, Chanceaux, Ménétreux-Le-Pitois, Vitteaux, Daix, Buffon, Aisey-Sur-Seine
Back to the wider travel guide: Cote-Dor.
