More than 30 potters, ceramic artists and craftspeople create artistic pieces in Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye; the number may change over time. The Château, the Musée du Grès and the Maison de la Mémoire Potière provide tangible points of connection to the area’s ceramic and cultural history. At the Étang de la Forge, fishing, outdoor activities and nature observation offer additional pursuits. For trip planning, two distinct highlights sit side by side: the town’s craft heritage and leisure by the water.
Ceramics and the Renaissance at the Château
The Château de Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye was completely rebuilt during the Renaissance, around 1530, by Antoine de Rochechouart. In the Renaissance château, the Musée du Grès presents four centuries of history in several rooms through a collection of utilitarian stoneware. The building’s history and pottery craftsmanship are thus at the heart of two distinct but connected themes.
In the Château park stands a monumental stoneware arcade. It is 3 metres high and 4 metres wide and consists of 28 shaped elements. Its dimensions and number of parts make the work tangible as a ceramic object in its own right. Since 17 September 2003, the Musée du Grès has held the French designation “Musée de France” under French heritage law.
A glimpse into pottery history
The Maison de la Mémoire Potière preserves an almost completely intact 19th-century pottery complex. It includes an almost unique, complete group of buildings typical of pottery production. While the Musée du Grès presents utilitarian stoneware and history in several rooms of the château, the Maison showcases a group of production buildings. Guided tours explore the history of pottery in the Puisaye; their dates may vary by season. A demonstration at the potter’s wheel can bring the visit to a close.
Leisure at the Étang de la Forge
The Étang de la Forge is an artificial pond covering about 15 hectares. Its original purpose was to supply hydraulic power to a mill building constructed near the main dam. Its wild appearance, typical of the ponds of the Puisaye, is deliberately preserved. Its origins and present-day character show two sides of the pond: it served a specific purpose and is also maintained as a landscape feature.
The Étang is used mainly for fishing, including night fishing and no-kill fishing for carp and sturgeon; local rules apply. It is also suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding, and serves as a place to observe local wildlife and plant life. This means visitors can pursue different interests in the same place: fishing, outdoor exercise or observing the flora and fauna.
Walking route and practical information
The Les Méandres de la Vrille walking route starts on Avenue de la Gare, near the tourist office. Along the way, it passes an old, horizontal kiln on the grounds of the CNIFOP. The kiln provides a tangible link to pottery history, while the route is also a walking highlight in its own right. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Nuars, Ville-Langy, Lavault-De-Frétoy, Pouques-Lormes, Glux-En-Glenne, Tazilly, Lucenay-Lès-Aix, Limanton.
For the broader travel overview: Nièvre.
