When planning a visit to Anthien, you can focus on different things: architectural history, historical connections to the Way of St James, or a hike that starts and ends in the village. The Church of Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens, the Croix du Chemin and the Circuit du Mont Sabot offer specific points of interest. This helps you decide whether to focus your stay more on historical topics or on an outdoor excursion.
Church of Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens
The Church of Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens dates in part from the 13th century. The present-day church comprises a bell tower porch, a nave with three bays and side aisles, and a transept. The three bays divide the nave into sections; the side aisles and transept are other parts of the church building. The church therefore offers several specific architectural features to focus on when looking at its design.
The dating is deliberately qualified: parts of the church date back to the 13th century; this does not apply to the entire present-day building. Visitors interested in sacred architecture can consider the recorded construction period alongside the described features of the present-day church. Anthien thus offers both a historical date and a specific description of the church complex.
Pilgrim Routes and Historic Landmarks
The Voie de Vézelay – Branche Sud par Nevers route reaches Anthien at kilometre 25.0. Another connection to the Way of St James can be seen at the Croix du Chemin: the Calvary cross was erected in 1756 in the hamlet of Le Chemin, on a former Roman road that is used there by the Way of St James. The cross marks the first stage of the Via Lemovicensis from Vézelay.
The Croix du Chemin is a destination for walks for residents of the commune and surrounding area. Thousands of pilgrims and hikers pass by each year. The Lavoir d’Anthien adds to these historic route connections: it dates from the mid-19th century and lies on the Way of St James between Vézelay and Corbigny. Together, the cross and the washhouse offer two distinct points of interest for exploring the connection between buildings and pilgrim routes.
Hike to Mont Sabot
The Circuit du Mont Sabot starts and ends in Anthien and climbs from there to Mont Sabot. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from the plateau and at Mont Sabot. This makes the hike an option in its own right alongside the historic route connections: it starts and ends in the village and climbs to the viewpoints mentioned. Your planning therefore comes down to two different questions: would you like to explore the historic connections of the Way of St James, or choose a hike with a climb and panoramic views?
Château de Villemolin: Construction Phases and Seasonal Visits
The fortified Château de Villemolin dates from the 15th century. Large parts were rebuilt in the 17th century; in the 18th century, the château was renovated and expanded. These three construction phases give the estate a complex architectural history. The grounds of Château de Villemolin have been listed as a historic monument since 2002.
Visits are possible during the summer season. Guided tours offer access to the salons, library, vestibules, dining room, kitchens, chapel and grounds. As visits are offered seasonally, check whether a visit is possible before you travel. This lets you include a château visit in your plans without confusing it with the routes or buildings in Anthien.
Discover more destinations: Glux-En-Glenne, Magny-Cours, Châtillon-En-Bazois, Vignol, Montsauche-Les-Settons, Dornecy, Larochemillay, Nuars.
For the regional travel overview: Nièvre.
