The Allée de la Vierge offers views of the Morvan and the Avallonnais; local history also introduces you to a former priory, châteaux and a chapel with stained-glass windows. Sauvigny-Le-Bois thus brings together landscape and architecture. A biodiversity trail and an automobile museum appeal to other interests. To plan your visit, you can first decide whether landscape, architectural history or a themed visit should be your main focus.
Landscape and Trails
The Allée de la Vierge is a public promenade. Along this green path, lined with centuries-old oak trees, you can enjoy views of the Morvan and the Avallonnais. The Allée is also one of the Yonne department’s scenic sites. Its landscape and distinction give this place a different focus from the châteaux and historic buildings of Sauvigny-Le-Bois.
Cycling is another theme to consider: the VĂ©loroute du Serein runs from Sainte-Vertu to Sauvigny-le-Bois. The stated route makes the village a destination on the route, without specifying a particular stage or duration. Those interested in nature can visit a trail dedicated to biodiversity at the EcopĂ´le Suez centre est. Group visits are available there by reservation.
Châteaux and Architectural History
The Château de Montjalin is partially protected as a historic monument; its main construction phase dates to the second half of the 18th century. The protection covers the château’s façades and roofs, the boundary wall, the dry moat and the railings, including the gateway. This means the protected site can be understood not only through the château building, but also through the specified parts of its enclosure.
The Château de Sauvigny-le-Bois offers a different perspective on its history. It is listed in the supplementary inventory of France’s historic monuments and preserves architectural features from the late 16th or early 17th century, the 18th century and the first third of the 19th century. In 1988, the château was reunited with a 24-hectare park. Restoration and construction work subsequently enabled its restoration. In contrast with Montjalin, the focus here is on a sequence of architectural features spanning several centuries.
The Prieuré de Saint-Jean-des-Bonshommes was a monastery of the Order of Grandmont. Its surviving remains are classified as a historic monument; the classification was made by decree dated 14 November 1905. The three historic sites therefore differ markedly: a former priory with protected remains, a partially protected château with a clearly specified main construction phase, and a château with features from several centuries.
Chapel, Museum and Exhibitions
The Chapelle de Montjalin was built in 1858 as a family burial chapel. It has four noteworthy stained-glass windows by Olivier Wegmann, a master glassmaker born in Sauvigny. The chapel hosts exhibitions in summer. If you would like to include one in your plans, check the current dates in advance.
The Château de Montjalin is also home to the Musée Olaf DeLafon de l'automobile. It features a collection of cars and documentation about vehicles used by heads of state. Visits are available as guided tours; check the current dates in advance. The museum’s subject matter is clearly distinct from the architectural history of the château itself.
For a group visit, the biodiversity trail at the EcopĂ´le is another option, provided you make a reservation. Together, these offer different focuses for planning a trip: landscape and promenades, cycling, historic monuments, stained-glass windows, automobiles or biodiversity. Which of these interests you most can guide your choice of activities during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Courlon-sur-Yonne, Villeneuve-L'archevêque, Pierre-Perthuis, Villy, Saint-Georges-Sur-Baulche, Yrouerre, Merry-Sec, Les Sièges.
View the broader travel guide: Yonne.
