A bell tower shaped like a “Burgundy bottle,” springs beneath arches of different designs, and routes on foot, by bike or on horseback give Lainsecq several concrete ways to explore. The town appeals to a range of interests: Saint-Martin offers a glimpse into architectural history and distinctive architecture, while the fountains, washhouses and landscape offer a different perspective. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between culture, water features and your preferred way of getting around.
Saint-Martin Church: tower, portal and architectural history
The bell tower of Saint-Martin Church is shaped like a “Burgundy bottle” and is unique in the region. The church portal is listed in the register of historic monuments. The church was built in the late 15th or early 16th century; its construction was funded by the village’s lord, the Count of Beauvais. For those interested in culture, Saint-Martin can thus be viewed from several angles: its distinctive tower shape, the portal’s status and the history of its construction and funding.
Saturday market and springs
The Petit Marché de Lainsecq takes place every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This one-hour time slot is a useful reference when planning your Saturday; check the schedule again before your trip.
Distinctive shapes also define the springs. Near Lainsecq, the oldest spring lies beneath a small arch; another spring emerges beneath three large arches, where it has flowed since 1832. The differing number and size of the arches offer a brief architectural comparison; alongside the church, water-related structures thus come into focus as a subject in their own right.
Landscape at Montagne aux Alouettes
A description of Montagne aux Alouettes, last updated on November 22, 2016, mentions small wooded areas, cultivated land, meadows, dry grasslands, orchards and vineyards. This list includes both areas shaped by human use and those with a more natural character. It complements the town’s architecture with a view of the landscape and shows that Montagne aux Alouettes is not defined by just one type of scenery.
On foot, by bike or on horseback
The routes vary in their mode of travel, starting point and named features. A walking trail starts in the town center and takes in seven more fountains and washhouses near the hamlets of Lainsecq. The riding route “À cheval sur le Roichat et la Montagne des Alouettes” runs through Lainsecq and starts at the Champ de Foire car park; check the trail conditions before setting out.
As a cycling option, “Petit tour sur la Montagne des Alouettes” passes springs, washhouses, a section of a Roman road and viewpoints. The route is designated for VTT, VTC or VAE—mountain bikes, touring bikes or electrically assisted bikes—and also starts at the Champ de Foire car park in Lainsecq. To choose, consider both the activity and the starting point: the walking trail starts in the town center, while the cycling and riding routes both start at the car park. The route features mentioned also differ: the walking trail focuses on fountains and washhouses near the hamlets, while the cycling route also includes a Roman road and viewpoints.
Discover more destinations: Annay-Sur-Serein, Périgny, Charentenay, Villeneuve-Les-Genêts, Passy, Mézilles, Épineuil, Courlon-sur-Yonne
For the regional travel overview: Yonne.
