Vaux-en-Pré brings together Romanesque church architecture, a longer route through the countryside and the craft of wood gilding. These offer different points of interest: a building with a long history, a 14-kilometre route and gilded wooden objects. If you would like to include culture and outdoor activity in your travel plans, these themes offer a practical starting point. The church and La Plâtrière appeal to different interests; the craft adds a specialised tradition to the picture of the area.

Romanesque Church of Notre-Dame and Saint-Roch

The Church of Notre-Dame and Saint-Roch is entirely Romanesque. Its tall bell tower and façade with Lombard bands define its exterior appearance. Inside, notable features include a timber-framed nave and frescoes dating from the 13th to the 16th century. The bands create a repeating pattern across the façade and, alongside the tower, provide a distinctive feature of the building.

The building’s history can also be traced through different periods: its oldest part is the small nave, dating from the mid-11th century; the frescoes were created over several centuries that followed. Here, you can see different historical layers in one place, from the early nave to the later wall paintings. The church is open year-round and admission is free; check access information again before your visit.

La Plâtrière: A circular route through the countryside

La Plâtrière offers a different way to get to know Vaux-en-Pré. The walking trail starts in the village and is an easy, 14 km circular route. It is suitable for walking, mountain biking and horse riding. The route passes through woods, fields, vineyards and meadows, as well as a varied bocage landscape. Several landscape features are therefore part of the same route, rather than the focus being on just one building or landmark.

The 14 km distance is a useful planning detail when choosing an outing; the circular route sets La Plâtrière apart from a visit focused on a single building. The activity also offers a different focus: you can take the route on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. The church brings together architectural details and frescoes in one place, while La Plâtrière spreads the countryside experience along the route.

Wood gilding and local craftsmanship

Vaux-en-Pré also offers various ways to explore the craft of wood gilding. The Sous les Ors boutique sells antique and contemporary gilded wood, as well as frames, mirrors, sculptures, paintings, lights, furniture and other items. Its range therefore extends from decorative pieces to furniture, all linked by the theme of gilded wood.

The Bertrand Lotteau workshop in Vaux-en-Pré specialises in traditional wood gilding, as well as the restoration and conservation of gilded wooden objects. Sous les Ors focuses on selling a wide selection of items; the workshop focuses on the craft of working with gilded wood.

Discover more destinations: Joncy, Vauban, Épinac, Montceau-Les-Mines, Saint-Martin-La-Patrouille, Givry, Sarry, Saint-Aubin-Sur-Loire.

For the overview of the wider area: Saône-Et-Loire.