Marked paths with views of Auxerre and the Yonne Valley, a church remodelled several times and a public impluvium washhouse reveal different sides of Quenne. There is also the Ecomusée de la Vigne et du Vin: a visit introduces the history of winegrowing and includes a tasting. The landscape, architectural history and wine are distinct highlights for your stay.
Location, Landscape and Paths
Quenne lies 6 km southeast of Auxerre, near exit 20 of the A6 and the RD 965 towards Chablis. These road connections help you locate the village when planning your journey.
Vineyards, cherry trees and extensive arable fields cover the slopes and plateau. The landscape is shaped by agriculture and encompasses more than winegrowing: fruit trees and wide stretches of arable land are part of it too.
The Coteau Est de Quenne is a type 1 ZNIEFF site, with the national number 260014983 and an area of 57.12 hectares. This natural area includes dry grassland on stabilised scree, semi-dry hillside grassland, scrub and dry oak-hornbeam woodland. Numerous orchid species also grow on the Coteau. This diversity of habitats offers a different landscape highlight from the views along the marked paths.
Quenne has marked paths with views of Auxerre and the Yonne Valley. These paths combine exercise with far-reaching views, while the Coteau is notable for its diverse habitats and flora. This lets you experience the landscape according to two different interests, without conflating the paths with the natural area.
Church and Washhouse
The church of Notre-Dame de Quenne is a building with a composite style and was remodelled several times between the 12th and 19th centuries. Its west façade features an eight-rayed rose window and a round-arched portal with four sculpted archivolts. Inside the church is a 17th-century Vierge de l’Apocalypse, listed as a historic monument. The church’s long development, the design of its façade and a single work of art can therefore be considered distinct aspects of the village’s history.
Another feature of cultural and historical interest is Quenne’s public washhouse. The remains of a livestock watering trough have been preserved outside; inside, there is a fireplace used to boil laundry. The washhouse is an impluvium washhouse, designed to collect rainwater. Its name refers to this design principle, while the trough and fireplace reveal specific functions of the building.
The History of Winegrowing at the Ecomusée
A visit to the Ecomusée de la Vigne et du Vin presents the family history and the history of winegrowing over the past two centuries. The visit includes a tasting of four wines from the estate and gougères. This brings the history of winegrowing together with a tasting, rather than focusing solely on the development of the vines.
Another way to visit is a theatrical guided tour lasting about an hour and a half. Check the booking details before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Thory, Vinneuf, Héry, Chassignelles, Lignorelles, Bierry-les-Belles-Fontaines, Nailly, Merry-La-Vallée.
For the broader travel overview: Yonne.
