Saint-Point brings together Romanesque church art, cultural activities and trails through the Valouzin Valley, along with a lake where swimming is possible. These themes offer different ways to explore the area: the church features architectural elements dating from around 1100 and a 15th-century fresco; the Circuit des croix passes through almost all of the hamlets. At Lac Saint Point Lamartine, you’ll find swimming, a picnic area and parking. You can shape your stay around culture, activity or time by the water.
Romanesque architectural features and a 15th-century fresco
Saint-Point Church is located outside the château park, along the boundary wall, and is open to visitors free of charge all year round. Dating from around 1100 are the Romanesque choir, transept, the last three bays of the nave and the Romanesque bell tower. A bay is a section of the nave defined by its architectural divisions; specifying the last three bays makes the Romanesque part more precisely identifiable.
The apse has its own art-historical feature: it is decorated with a 15th-century fresco of Christ in Majesty. The church thus brings together two distinct periods—the Romanesque features dating from around 1100 and the later fresco. The church is open to visitors free of charge; check local conditions before your visit in case anything has changed.
Culture in rural Saint-Point
La Pimenterie is a multifaceted cultural and social venue in rural Saint-Point. Le P’tit Pim, a children’s festival, is associated with La Pimenterie. This adds a glimpse of local cultural life to a visit to the historic church. If you’d like to include the festival in your trip, check the dates in advance.
Trails through the Valouzin Valley
The marked Circuit des croix is about 15 km long and passes through almost all of Saint-Point’s hamlets. Its route runs along both slopes of the Valouzin Valley. You can follow it on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. Its length, the valley route and the three listed ways of getting around provide practical details to help you factor the trail into your travel plans.
The GR76 also passes through Saint-Point. The pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela and Assisi also pass through the area, following the GR76 there. This gives you a clear distinction when choosing a route: the Circuit des croix is described by its approximate length and its path along both valley slopes, while the GR76 is notable for passing through the area and connecting with the two pilgrimage routes.
Saint-Point is also connected to the Route des Châteaux en Bourgogne du Sud. This route includes fourteen châteaux and offers a distinct cultural focus alongside the trails through the valley and the church in the village.
Swimming at Lac Saint Point Lamartine
Lac Saint Point Lamartine lies in a protected setting, and swimming is possible there. The site also has a picnic area and parking. You can combine a swim at the lake with an outdoor break. Local swimming conditions may vary, and the listed facilities may change. Check local conditions and facility availability before your visit.
When planning your trip, you can focus on what matters most to you: church art and La Pimenterie, activity on one of the listed routes, or time by the lake. The sights and trails offer different ways to shape a stay in Saint-Point.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Symphorien-De-Marmagne, Saint-Vallier, Volesvres, Sancé, Nochize, Sens-Sur-Seille, Igé, Mont.
For the regional travel guide: Saône-Et-Loire.
