Préhy brings together a wine-growing landscape, architectural history and wine experiences in one place. From Préhy, you can enjoy panoramic views over the Chablis vineyards; the 16th-century church stands outside the village, right in the heart of the wine-growing area. There is also the washhouse dating from 1866 and experiences offered by several wineries. When planning your visit, the key question is therefore less about making a long list and more about what you would like to spend time on: church history, historic water use, or wines from Chablis and the Auxerrois. The options have different focuses, so you can choose according to your interests.

Church and Wine-Growing Landscape

The church of Préhy dates from the 16th century and was formerly called Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens. Its northern transept chapel is dedicated to Saint Clare. A decree dated 23 February 1977 listed the church as a historic monument. Its construction date, former name, chapel dedication and listing date each offer a distinct perspective, giving you several specific points of reference for learning about the building. Its location outside the village, in the heart of the Chablis wine-growing area, is another point of interest. The church’s history and the wine-growing landscape are thus part of the same local setting, even though the church is not in the village itself.

Washhouse and Local Tradition

The washhouse on Rue de la Fontaine was built in 1866 according to the impluvium model. A central basin was designed to collect rainwater; the washhouse is also fed by a spring. Here, the model refers to a specific type of construction, with the basin at its centre. Unlike the church, the washhouse draws attention to construction and water: its year of construction, rainwater basin and spring are the defining details of this historic building.

Another trace of local history leads to the Fontaine du Tôt. It lies in a small valley north of the village. Tradition attributed healing powers to it against “mal des ardents” (a burning disease). This power belongs to traditional belief and is a historical local tradition, not a present-day wine or architectural offering. The Fontaine thus differs from the dated buildings: the focus here is on an attribution passed down through generations.

Wine Experiences with Different Focuses

Domaine des Marronniers welcomes visitors to an old vaulted cellar to introduce and explain the estate’s Chablis wines. It also offers tours of its facilities. At Domaine Clotilde Davenne, located in Préhy, tours and tastings of wines from Chablis and the Auxerrois are offered Monday through Saturday. Topics include the characteristics of the different terroirs and grape varieties, winemaking and work in the vineyards. Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard offers introductory and themed wine tastings, as well as tours of its cellars.

You can choose according to the kind of insight you are looking for: Clotilde Davenne explicitly covers terroir, grape varieties and vineyard work; at Marronniers, the focus is on introducing its Chablis wines in the vaulted cellar. Brocard offers introductory and themed tastings, as well as cellar tours. Before planning a visit, it is advisable to check the latest visitor and booking details, as arrangements may change.

Discover more destinations: Lindry, Pourrain, Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, Malay-Le-Grand, Escamps, Roffey, Sarry, Lézinnes

For the broader travel overview: Yonne.