The Jacques Coeur Palace and Saint-Étienne Cathedral, listed as a Historic Monument in 1862 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, invite you to immerse yourself in an incredible historical past.

This masterpiece of Gothic art, unique in its conception, was built in 1195 at the request of Archbishop Henri de Sully in agreement with King Philippe Auguste. The building, whose plans are inspired by Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, replaces the old Romanesque church.

You will quickly understand why this construction, located in the heart of the historic center, witness to royal power and the archbishops, attracts more than 600,000 people each year. Imposing and majestic, it remains visible for miles around. The length of its nave, its stained-glass windows from the 13th to the 17th century, the 396 steps of the Butter Tower and the absence of a transept surprise all visitors.

Before entering this technical and artistic feat, you will remain in awe of the 5 sculpted portals, including the Saint-Etienne portal and their respective tympanums.

Inside, the thirteenth-century stained-glass windows represent scenes from the Old and New Testaments, the Last Judgment … These high-quality stained-glass windows let in a striking light. The Cathedral is also distinguished by its organ dating from 1424, its astronomical clock and its first Romanesque crypt which houses the relics of Saint-Etienne.

A pair of buttocks sculpted in the middle of a frieze, signature of a stonemason, is hidden in the cathedral! Can you spot it?

Accompanied by your guide, you will continue your journey by visiting the Jacques Coeur Palace, one of the most beautiful civil Gothic buildings in France, built in the 15th century.

Jacques Coeur began his career in the father business. His marriage to Macée de Léodepart in 1418 allowed him to get closer to the world of money. Over the years, he has forged great notoriety. King Charles VII then decided to name him Argentier in 1438 and ennobled him in 1141.

At the height of his activity and to assert his rank, Jacques Coeur bought the Domaine de la Chaussée, a privileged location adjoining the Gallo-Roman rampart and two houses. The private hotel called “La Grant’Maison”, built between 1443 and 1450, symbolizes the finest example of civil Gothic architecture in France from the 15th century.

But his meteoric rise aroused such jealousy that he was arrested in 1451. Jacques Coeur escaped taking refuge in Rome. He died in 1456 during a crusade.

The palace, confiscated by the Crown, will be returned to his heirs in 1457 and then resold many times. The installation of the Court of Appeal and the courts will cause serious damage. The state bought the building in 1923 and began extensive restoration work.

Today, the building, inscribed on the first List of Historic Monuments of 1840, owned by the State, is managed by the Center des Monuments Nationaux.

This building stands out for its oriental frontage, the richness of its decoration in the flamboyant style of the late Middle Ages and its splendid chapel where its famous maxim “With valiant heart, nothing impossible” holds its place. The facade and that of the main building are dexterously designed.

You will be able to see a multitude of sculpted figures as well as representations of the daily life and travels of Jacques Coeur, including one of his boats on a magnificent stained glass window.

Inside, you will find that this exceptional man has put a lot of emphasis on comfort and hygiene. The staterooms and private apartments are richly decorated. The perfectly functional circulation system which consists of spiral staircases, service corridors and galleries testifies to the genius of the ancient builders.

The omnipresence of references to the crown of France attests to the influence of this illustrious personage with the royal court. His fame would forever be remembered. The statue of Jacques Cœur made by Auguste Préault sits on the square.

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Take a little break from your schedule and book this day of surprising discoveries with family, group, or friends. This rich programme of meetings and face-to-face meetings is sure to interest and entertain both adults and children.

At Poses in the Eure department, the Seinoscope, located near the dam is an observatory 235 meters long, built between 1878 and 1881, equipped with a room with three bay windows, below the water level, and a viewing chamber. This is the only viewing chamber on the Seine open to the public!

This base includes a fish pass, a device offering them the possibility of going up the Seine and passing the dam, which is the first obstacle on the Seine, so that they can reproduce in freshwater or simply live their life.

Two species of fish cross the dam: migrants who have sometimes travelled thousands of kilometers such as salmon, trout, lampreys, shad, eels or the most ordinary such as roach, barbel, bleak and bream.

The video-counting system set up in this room makes it possible to count the exact number of fish that migrate and to ensure scientific monitoring over the seasons.

In the company of a specialised animator, you will be able to observe, through the windows, the migration of fish from the river. You can also better understand the operation of this establishment or learn more about the fish of the Seine, thanks to the information panels.

You will continue with a guided tour of the Biotropica zoological greenhouse, located in Val-de-Reuil in the Seine valley, and the second most explored site in Eure. This ten-hectare park, created in 2012, ranked among the best in Normandy, welcomes many visitors every year and has many surprises in store for you!

In a lush green setting divided into several circuits, mixing tropical forest, Asian garden and African bush, you will discover many fantastic and unusual animal species with hair, feathers or scales. You will evolve in a true concentration of nature where the well-being and the preservation of the residents remain a great priority!

Every day, the park does everything it can to conserve endangered animals and all its energy to save endangered species such as the red panda, giant turtles, the Comodo dragon, the sloth, etc.

The animal reserve consists of an indoor course and a second outdoors. The gardens, waterfalls and vegetation offer a breathtaking view.

In the tropical greenhouse, you will meet rare species that you will not see in any other park, mole rats, Leopoldi rays, black fish with golden dots, elephant shrews, azure frog with blue skin, and Mississippi alligators.

Many aquariums are home to strange animals such as tiger catfish, endangered freshwater fish or the enormous arapaïma.

You will be able to admire, in the greenhouse of the birds, magnificent parrots, rainbow lorikeets that fly towards the public, pinched tamarins or emperors and small monkeys.

You will be amazed to see, in the enclosure of the African bush, free penguins, kangaroos, wallabies who are not afraid to approach visitors, meerkats or the Sudanese cheetah.

The famous red panda and the attractive dwarf otters blooming in the heart of the Asian Garden will amaze you! Your guide will lead you to the Pelican Lake where all kinds of birds hunt and roost.

The Children’s Farm where dwarf donkeys, mandarin ducks, owls, guinea pigs, turkeys, giant rabbits and many others roam freely will not fail to fascinate young and old alike!

Live a hectic and unique adventure

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A former monastery dating from 1122, the college of Thiron, located in Thiron Gardais, founded in 1630 by Henri de Bourbon-Verneuil, son of Henri IV, was intended to teach languages, arithmetic, geography, fencing, dance and botany.

Students from Perche, Beauce, Paris and neighbouring provinces flock to join the establishment run by teachers, monks and lay people.

Under the aegis of Louis XVI and with the help of the Count of Saint-Germain, one of the twelve royal and military colleges was founded in 1776. They later decided to transform and expand the establishment. The objective of this work was then to welcome young boys of the kingdom from noble families, but ruined so that they receive a decent education.

An anecdote tells that in 1778, Napoleon Bonaparte admitted to the college, preferred to join his brother Joseph at the college in Brienne.

On the other hand, the Marquis Bernard René Jourdan de Launay (1740-1789), an illustrious character emblematic of the history of France, governor of the Bastille, studied at Thiron Gardais.

The Revolution did not spare the establishment, which was forced to close its doors in 1793. From 1803 to 2005, the same family kept the buildings. The Regional Council of Eure et Loire is recovering them, but will not be able to maintain them.

The building fell asleep for 8 years before Stephan Bern journalist-host committed defender of French heritage decided to buy this historic monument during a site visit in 2013.

This lover of old stones signed an act in 2014 and undertook the necessary work for the restoration of this heritage. It took 3 years for the buildings to regain their appearance. A museum, installed in the old classrooms and dedicated to the history of the college and the abbey, will be inaugurated in 2016.

Through this museum visit, you will discover many objects brought together by Stéphane Bern, which bear witness to the daily life of the residents and the fascinating past of the royal and military college.

You can admire a portrait of King Louis XVI and the Comte de Saint-Germain, Minister of War, a uniform worn by the King’s students, a reconstructed classroom, a portrait of a 19th-century cadet.

The cross of Saint Bernard, from the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Chartres, owned by the founder of Tiron Abbey in the 12th century, is also on display.

Assisted by Louis Bench, renowned landscaper, Stéphane Bern works to revive the gardens near the abbey church. Some ancestral trees date from the Ancien Régime, others more recent, have been added to enhance the park.

This green setting, a true haven of peace, is also home to a labyrinth, one of the oldest greenhouses in the region, and other wonders that you will enjoy admiring.

Discover in an unusual way the charming medieval city of Bonneval (28) south of Chartres and board an electric boat to explore this exceptional village. An original and calming way to learn the history of the city, especially for children.

Bonneval, once called Bona Vallis, has developed over the centuries, but there are still many historical defensive elements dating from the Middle Ages.

This village, nicknamed “the little Venice of Beauce” because of the abundance of water in the heart of the town, contains many wonders.

At the controls of your boat, you navigate the canals in a pleasant and green setting while crossing ducks.

You will also be able to admire the unique architecture of the buildings of the Middle Ages, the successive washhouses, the viaduct erected in 1865, the impressive Porte Saint-Roch. The King’s Tower, the Gothic Notre-Dame church and the former Saint-Florentin abbey, founded in 857, which has now become a hospital center are worth a look.

You will take advantage of your free time to appreciate the charm of the alleys, to contemplate the environment, buildings and bridges. A must-see site to visit with family, friends or in a group.

The post THE ROYAL AND MILITARY COLLEGE AND 12TH-CENTURY GARDENS OF THIRON-GARDAIS appeared first on Suite Voyage Discovery.

This stay punctuated by walking tours, by coach, small train or barges, old flat-bottomed boats, on the Dordogne river, will delight both adults and children.

The Périgord and the Dordogne department, the same territory located in the southwest of France in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, are full of treasures, vestiges, cultural or archaeological heritage, historical monuments …

Synonymous with nature, gastronomy, the art of living, legends, this region allows you to discover medieval villages for some classified among the most beautiful villages in France, for others, steeped in history, castles, gardens, prehistoric caves and pits …

Did you know that the Dordogne is listed as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO? You will feel completely out of place in front of the beauty of the landscapes, magnificent greenery, vineyards and other natural curiosities.

Among the villages marked by history, at the gates of the Dordogne, you will discover Oradour-Sur-Glane, in Haute-Vienne sadly renowned for having experienced the genocide of more than 640 inhabitants on June 10, 1944.

You will continue with a visit to the castle of Monbazillac, built in the middle of the 14th century in the town of the same name, listed in the directory of historic monuments of the 17th century. Its medieval and renaissance architecture invites you to make history.

How about exploring the city of Cyrano, the historic district of Bergerac, labelled City of Art and History, rich in historical, architectural and wine heritage. The village proudly displays on the square the statue of Cyrano, a character from the famous play by Edmond Rostand. You will also be able to admire along the river different types of barges used over time for the transport of goods.

You will dive under the rocky caves of Maxange, a true natural masterpiece, the Lascaux IV cave, a replica of the original one discovered in 1940, or the Padirac chasm in Rocamadour called the “devil’s hole”, the first site in the underground world. in France. Emotions are guaranteed!

Another equally fascinating place in the Vézère valley is the Rocque Saint-Christophe troglodyte site in Peyzac-le-Moustier (24). You will experience an authentic journey through time going from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages! This limestone wall with reconstructed dwellings allows you to better understand the way of life of our ancestors.

A stone’s throw away, near Montignac, the Château de Losse in Thonac (24), classified as a “Historic monument since 1928, symbolizes the elegance of the French Renaissance. This enchanting setting, surrounded by ramparts and gardens labelled Remarkable Gardens tells the story of John II de Losse, tutor of Henri IV.

Near Salart, Domme invites you to meet the most famous monuments including the royal bastide dating from 1281. On board the little tourist train, you will observe all the riches that bear witness to the tumultuous past of this town. Take advantage of your free time to appreciate the blond stone houses, ramparts.

At the gates of this village, you will have the pleasure of meeting the operator of a truffle field. A captivating story about this passionate profession awaits you. Culture, harvest, techniques used, you will know everything about this coveted mushroom.

In the Dordogne valley, the castle of Castelnaud, classified as a historic monument in 1966, built on a rocky outcrop offers an exceptional panorama. This guided tour of the 12th-century fortifications takes you back to the Middle Ages. Also, discover the War Museum with its collections of weapons and armour.

In the heart of the Périgord Noir, between Sarlat and Lascaux, you will have the pleasure of contemplating the Gardens of the Manoir d’Eyrignac, historical monuments of the 17th and 18th centuries and its set of plant sculptures, yew plants, boxwood … The owners of this family heritage are keen to preserve the topiary art handed down from generation to generation. 

Take advantage of this beautiful educational walk

Satisfy your desires of escape by reserving this circuit composed of a very varied range of activities. From excursions, strolls to guided tours, your stay promises to be well filled.

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This site gives way to a Renaissance castle built in the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1794, General Louis-Marie Turreau affirmed his desire to plunder and destroy villages and hamlets. On January 26 of the same year, the infernal columns or incendiary columns arrived in Epesses. The castle would not escape the devastating flames. The walls and the left wing were spared.

After having been the property of different families, Maître Louis Savard Notaire acquired the burg and the land in 1947 and restored the premises. The building was classified as a historical monument in 1962. His heir son sold it to the General Council of Vendée in 1977. Philippe de Villiers, then sub-prefect of Vendée, discovered the castle, fell under its spell and wrote his show “La Cinéscénie” which was very successful.

Each year more than 2 million people flock to browse the Park, attend various performances such as the Cinesceny, the Wedding of Fire or the Imaginary World of La Fontaine.

Immerse in the heart of an incredible story staged at the typical Café de la Madelon and do not miss the magnificent shows accompanied by special effects, waterfalls, giant machinery and adventures; a real treat for young and old alike.

Then head to Saumur, the Mecca of French horse riding, for a special guided tour. The Black Frame promises civic and cultural enrichment.

This prestigious equestrian school, which was open to the public in 1968 and listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011, educates senior managers of the National Riding School.

After the Revolution, Louis XVIII created in 1815 the school of mounted troops dedicated to the formation of an elite corps for the training of horses. Did you know that the name Black Frame refers to the color of the squires’ outfits?

You will discover the history and the universe of this famous institute, the stables, the large arena, the saddlery, etc. The school’s mission is to transmit this exceptional heritage and to maintain the French tradition of horse riding built over the centuries.

Apart from the reputation of the Black Frame, the city of Saumur invites you to discover its pretty pedestrian streets, magnificent residences and troglodyte dwellings.

On foot or by small electric train, this place will amaze you. Among the many monuments, the castle of Saumur, classified as a Historic Monument, remains the unmissable and emblematic building of the city.

This fortress resembling a fairy-tale castle, erected in the tenth heaven by Thibaud le Tricheur, Count of Blois, offers an absolutely remarkable view.

Alternately the residence of the governors of Saumur, prison, arms and ammunition depot, the city acquired the building in 1906 and today houses the municipal museum, labeled Musée de France.

A stone’s throw away, the city of Angers, capital of Anjou, is full of treasures and historic places. On request, you can visit, accompanied by a guide, the 13th-century royal fortress and the Terra Botanica theme park, revealing the secrets of six centuries of plant history.

Inside the fortress, you can admire the Apocalypse tapestry, commissioned by Louis 1st of Anjou in 1375. This unique work, woven in wool and composed of 6 pieces, describes an illustration between the property and the mall of the last book of the bible.

With its 100 m by 4.50 meters height, it remains the largest perfectly preserved medieval tapestry.

Book this stay combining discovery of our regional heritage and industrial know-how that we have concocted for you. A beautiful, unforgettable cruise that you can share with family, group or friends, during a professional outing or seminar.

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The Chablis vineyard, a charming little village among the vines, located in Yonne (89), is one of the must-see places to visit for its grand crus.

You will meet Olivier, the harvester and owner who runs the Alexandre domain. This 13-hectare family farm spreads over 4 communes, notably, Beines, La Chapelle Vaupelteigne, Lignorelles and Villy, obtained the highest level of environmental certification for farms in 2020: the HVE (High Environmental Value).

Alexandre domain mainly produces white wines of various appellations and denominations: Petit-Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Vieilles Vignes and Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume.

Discover industrial know-how and cultivation practices of the vine handed down for 3 generations! The estate warmly welcomes you and invites you to live an astonishing experience with family, friends or in a group.

From harvesting the grapes, pressing, settling, fermentation in enamelled steel vats, bottling to storage in the cellar, you will know everything about these exceptional wines marketed by the estate.

At the end of the journey, enjoy a pleasant tasting and expert advice from the owner on food and wine pairings.

A few kilometers from Chablis, you will discover a remarkable and unique site in the world: The D’Arcy-Sur-Cure cave.

Dive into the Depths! 

Arcy-sur-Cure, a village located on the left bank of the Cure river, has an extraordinary regional heritage. This historic town, a true witness of human presence since prehistoric times, will amaze you.

The large Cave of Arcy-sur-Cure visited for more than 400 years and classified as an archaeological site of national interest, groups together 11 cavities dug by La Cure in a coral limestone massif between Auxerre and Avallon.

Numerous earthquakes pierced the rock which allowed the river to rush through and dig galleries. Several underground lakes and basins have formed with the flow of the water.

Accompanied by your guide, you will discover this amazing cave where traces of the Paleolithic period and cave paintings made in charcoal and red ocher are still visible.

Numerous representations of animals, mammoths, bears, rhinos, felines, birds … dating back 28,000 years were discovered in the great Grotto in 1990 by archaeologist Pierre Guilloré.

This prehistoric underground world, a legendary curiosity of scientists for decades, has been the subject of multiple excavations and research to uncover its remains.

Illustrious characters frequented the cave: Vauban, the Prince of Condé, the Duchess of Berry, Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon naturalist …

Enter a surprising universe, between stalactites and stalagmites, to contemplate the vestiges and riches that it contains underground: female engravings, cave paintings, negative hands including that of a child, bones, tools, fossils, flint …

You will be able to admire the richness of the natural concretions and the traces of the human being present in the successive rooms, Coquille Saint Jacques, La Vierge, Grand Désert….

Your guide will tell you the story of this Natura 2000-listed wonder. A real open-air geology course and an introduction to the ancestral art that will delight both adults and children.

Do not miss this fascinating journey through time in the heart of this uniquely decorated underground chasm that served as a refuge for prehistoric men and animals for 200,000 years! Reserve this day full of magical discoveries concocted especially for you.

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This fabulous excursion in Burgundy in Yonne in the heart of the Morvan has many treasures in store for you.

Noyers-sur-Serein, located to the southeast of Auxerre, will charm you at the very onset of your arrival. This town, where the wine and grain trade flourished, protects numerous buildings classified as Historic Monuments and offers an absolutely magnificent setting.

The lords of Noyers resided in the city during the 12th century. After a long period of inactivity, the city came back to life thanks to the Duke of Luynes when he married, in 1710, with the last descendant of the Condés.

Each half-timbered house, bourgeois mansion, fortification, aristocratic hotel and chapel tells you 10 centuries of history. In this medieval city, known for its famous castle destroyed by the order of Henri IV, time has literally stood still!

This authentic place, surrounded by 23 towers in the 13th century which give access to the center of the village, today has 19 towers. The Tower of the Wolves Cave and the old ramparts pierced by three doors- the Painted Door to the south, the Porte de rue Franche and rue de la Venoise – reveal a mesmerising medieval past.

Walking through the cobbled streets, you will discover the superb Place des Arcades, the 17th-century town hall with its Baroque facade and Gothic style, and the magnificent Gothic Notre-Dame Church, built between 1491 and 1515.

You can also admire the Golden Fleece, a noble residence built in the 15th century in a Renaissance style, the Place de la Petite Etape aux Vins, and the Yellow House where Bourvil and Louis de Funès shot a scene from the film “La Grande Vadrouille”.

Not far from Noyers-Sur-Serein and about ten kilometers from Avallon, you will visit the village of Montreal! Overlooking the Serene, this former feudal town with civil, military and religious architecture will surely entice you.

Montreal bore the name of Mont-Royal following the stay of the Queen of the Franks Burnehaut (Brunehilde: 547-613) and her grandson Thierry , during the 6th century. From the 11th to the 13th century, the Anséric family reigned over the town. Then, it was the turn of the Grand Dukes of Burgundy. In 1542, King François 1st governed the states of Burgundy.

Montreal underwent a series of decadences during the Hundred Years War in 1337, after the passage of Edward III, King of England in 1360, then the conflicts between the Armagnacs and the Burgundians in the 15th century. The war had heavy tolls on the village which saw itself steadily deprived of inhabitants.

The town now has vestiges from the medieval period as evidenced by the two fortified gates: Porte d’en Haut and Porte d’en Bas.

The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, erected by the Anséric in the 12th century, a splendid Romanesque and Gothic building, near the old castle, is a true masterpiece. Its immense facade, rose window, portal dating from 1200 demonstrate the grandeur of the builders of yesteryear.

Take advantage of the guided tour of Montreal, with its houses adorned with 14th and 17th-century turrets or watchtowers with colourful gardens, picturesque alleys and wells, and treat yourself to a breathtaking view of the countryside.

You will continue this route by discovering Vézelay, the seat of Christendom since the Middle Ages, gathering point for the pilgrimage to Saint Jacques de Compostela.

Vézelay is home to a jewel of Romanesque architecture: the majestic, emblematic and symbolic Sainte Madeleine basilica, built between the 11th and 12th centuries, impresses visitors from all over the world.

This building, with splendid decorative vaults, saved from destruction in the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc, would contain the relics of Marie-Madeleine.

Founded on the road leading to Santiago de Compostela, the basilica attracts thousands of people every year and you will understand, at the end of your visit, why UNESCO has listed the village and the monastery in the world heritage directory.

Did you know that Richard the Lionheart and Philippe Auguste started the 3rd Crusade from this monument?

Vézelay remains a pure pleasure for the eyes! The ramparts, the House of the writer Jules Roy, that of Romain Rolland, the Viollet-le-Duc Museum of Work, the old winegrowers’ residences, the Roman cellars … Come, learn and relive history through these 3 most beautiful villages in France!

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Treat yourself to a cultural tour and set off for the discovery of the regional heritage of Burgundy (21) in Yonne, a territory renowned for its exquisite sites and exceptional places!

This route invites you to explore prodigious buildings and villages classified among the most beautiful in France.

The guided tour of the Abbey of Fontenay, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981 and the Basilica of Sainte-Madeleine in 1979, will create ever-lasting memories.

Fontenay Abbey: Back in time!

Overlooking the Cure Valley, encamped in the hollow of a valley, between Auxerre and Dijon, the Abbey of Fontenay, built in the 12th century, at the request of the monk Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, is the oldest in Europe. A masterpiece of Cistercian art and Romanesque architecture, the monastery stands out before you with its 900 years of history!

You will discover a preserved natural environment, French gardens as well as a set of the abbey and monastic buildings, the abbey church, the cloister, the chapter house, the dormitory, the forge, the monks’ room…. Despite looting, wars and revolutions, the whole has managed to maintain a remarkable state of conservation.

The Abbey experienced great upheavals, especially after the French insurrection of 1789. The monks left the premises and the protesters sold it in 1791 as a national property.

Its first buyer, Claude Hugot, made changes and the Abbey became a paper factory. In 1820, the Montgolfier brothers developed the factory. In 1906 Édouard Aynard, son-in-law of the Montgolfiers, destroyed the stationery buildings and undertook renovation work. Fontenay regained all its medieval splendour in 1911.

Since then, the site has belonged to the same family that strives to safeguard this remarkable heritage. 100,000 visitors flock each year to admire this haven of peace, striking both for the authenticity and the special aura that emanates from the place.

Sainte-Madeleine Basilica: A stopover in the Middle Ages.

Vézelay, a Sanctuary city rich in history, spirituality and a starting point for Santiago de Compostela, will enchant you! The typical alleys, Romanesque houses, ramparts on the covered way transport you through time.

Called the Eternal Hill, this site also contains a building combining Romanesque and Gothic art: the Basilica of Sainte-Madeleine erected between 1120 and 1150. A visit to this monument, with its landscaped park classified as a “Remarkable Garden” in 2004, promises moments full of emotions.

The fame of this former abbey church was forged in 1037 when Abbé Geoffroy acquired and exhibited the relics of Mary Magdalene and made it a high place of pilgrimage. It was also the beginning of the crusades led by Bernard de Clairvaux (Saint Bernard), Philippe-Auguste, Richard the Lionheart, Louis IX …

Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (1814-1879), an architect, saved the emblem of Christianity from demolition then from the damage caused by the revolution in 1793 and the fire of 1819. This genius wished to rehabilitate the monument of the time, and the restoration work would last 19 years!

The exterior and interior architecture reveals the supremacy of the builders of the Middle Ages. You can only be in awe after seeing the western facade decorated with statues and the two towers. The style, sculptures and different parts of the basilica, namely the central portal of the narthex and its tympanum, capitals, nave, vaults, choir, transept and the crypt will captivate your attention. The Municipality, the owner of the Vézelay site, welcoming thousands of visitors each year, works to preserve the universal value of the basilica and public spaces.

Did you know that certain cinematographic scenes were shot in Fontenay, Vézelay: Les Trois Mousquetaires, Cyrano de Bergerac, Angélique, Marquise de Bourgogne, La Grande Vadrouille…?

Close to these two high places, Noyers sur Serein, classified among the most beautiful villages of France, is full of charm and is worth the detour.

Many directors have also chosen this wonderfully preserved medieval town and wine-growing place. The half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, squares, fortifications, Renaissance mansions and aristocratic hotels look like a movie set.

This tour, which is a true invitation to relaxation, culture and discovery of our regional heritage, awaits you for a unique and incredible experience. Book quickly!

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Just 1.5 hours from Paris, Auxerre in the Yonne department (89) brings together places rich in art and history. The city has an exceptional and priceless regional heritage!

Whether you are passionate about culture, architecture or monuments, you are going to live a special experience. The guided tour of this authentic city, both historical and instructive, has many surprises in store for you.

Saint-Germain abbey and Saint-Etienne church 

These two buildings are among the must-sees in Auxerre and are not to be missed both for their beauty, styles and the mysteries they contain.

The Abbey of Saint-Germain, a necropolis of the vicars, forms a remarkable architectural ensemble combining Carolingian, Romanesque, classical and Gothic buildings. Holder of 16 centuries of epic history, it houses a museum that showcases life in Auxerre from prehistoric times to medieval times.

The marvellous site of Saint-Germain was built in the 5th century on the tomb of Saint-Germain in honour of the Bishop, at the request of Queen Clotilde, wife of Clovis.

This former monastery will reach its peak in the 9th century thanks to the monastic school of Auxerre, founded in 840, one of the most decisive in West Francia and the Christian West.

During the eleventh and fourteenth centuries, major renovations were regularly undertaken with the aim of asserting the abbey power of this building. The crises of the XVIIth – XXth centuries and the revolution will not spare the buildings which will undergo numerous degradations.

Today, this work reveals its magnificent Saint-Jean tower, a former 12th-century bell tower of 51m high and its perfectly preserved prestigious archaeological crypts from the 9th century.

The Carolingian frescoes from the 9th century, the cellar of Saint-Germain, its vaulted rooms where the activity of monks appears, the sculptures, and even the paintings are altogether fascinating! You stay in ecstasy in front of the furniture classified as a Historic Monument.

A few yards away from the clock tower, in the city center of Auxerre, the Saint-Etienne Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art and protected as a Historic Monument since, will also impress you!

Dedicated to Saint-Étienne, the first martyr of the Church, the construction of the current cathedral on the site of the Romanesque building dates from 1215. Only the 11th-century crypt remains where the mural of Christ on horseback is found, the cross of Luca Pénni and many collector’s items.

Its facade adorned with numerous sculptures depicting scenes from the life of the period and its portals with remarkable bas-reliefs is a real pleasure for the eyes. Without forgetting the stained-glass windows from the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, the best preserved in France, the choir, the tympanums of the transepts and the great organ.

Your guide will reveal to you anecdotes, details of the ornaments and the countless treasures hidden in the corners of the cathedral.

After having contemplated these wonders, you will take the coach which will take you, through the Cure Valley, to Vézelay in Burgundy, at the gates of the Morvan Regional Natural Park.

Throughout this route, magnificent views await you: exquisite natural sites, superb landscapes of hillsides and vineyards …

Vezelay: A dream destination!

The village of Vézelay, the most beautiful village in France and the starting point for Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle is famous for its Sainte Marie-Madeleine Basilica, surrounded by ramparts.

Former 12th-century abbey, the cathedral between 1120 and 1150 overlooks Mount Scorpion called the “Eternal Hill”. This high place of spirituality, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features architecture characteristic of Romanesque art.

Let yourself be dazzled by its impressive silhouette and size: 120 meters long! This building has stood the test of time in spite of events and torments. The western facade adorned with two towers and statues is a real gem.

With your guide, you will discover other treasures behind the walls of this majestic building completely restored by Viollet-Le-Duc in the 19th century. The central tympanum of the narthex, the nave, the crypt, the murals, the columns surmounted by superb sculpted capitals, the Gothic-style choir transport you out of time.

Each year, nearly a million visitors, comprising both tourists and pilgrims, come to explore with wonder the emblematic Cathedral of Vézelay. Do not miss this great opportunity too!

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Follow the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh!

Auvers-Sur-Oise, located in the Val-d’Oise department (95) in the Île-de-France region, near Paris, is a peaceful and pleasant green town with a remarkable regional heritage.

The guided tour of this town marked by the presence of celebrities brings together picturesque, exceptional and fascinating cultural places.

Indeed, the charm of this city has awakened the inspiration of many artists and impressionists. Imagine artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Charles François Daubigny, Paul Cézanne, Camille Pissarro and Camille Corot strolling through the streets of Auvers-sur-Oise!

Van Gogh (1853-1890), painter and draftsman, put down his suitcases in Auvers-Sur-Oise in May 1890 where he rented a modest room at the Ravoux inn called Maison de Van Gogh. He tragically died on July 29, 1890, only 70 days after his arrival. During this short period, this enthusiast would paint 80 paintings, some of which would become true masterpieces.

Now listed as a historical monument, this place of authentic memory remains imbued with the soul of this immense artist. The typical and symbolic streets of Auvers-Sur-Oise also invite you to follow in the footsteps of this mysterious character.

Your guide will tell you about the tormented life of Vincent Van Gogh, allowing you to discover the places where he liked to go to realize his paintings as well as the cemetery in which he rests alongside his brother Theo.

This visit promises a real flashback filled with emotions and an extraordinary artistic experience! You also benefit from the best way to understand the pictorial universe of illustrious impressionists.

Many other sites in Auvers-Sur-Oise attract visitors: the house of Doctor Gachet where a plethora of artists has set up their easels, the Atelier de Daubigny, the Romanesque church founded in the 11th century, not to mention the castle.

The Castle of Auvers-Sur-Oise: An art-packed place!

Owned by the department of Val-d’Oise, the castle built in the 17th century contains a museum dedicated to impressionist painting. The journey through this establishment takes you for a stunning visual, sensory and cultural journey!

This Renaissance-style building, built on the heights of the village in the heart of Vexin, for an Italian banker, has been completely restored to welcome the public. Through the successive rooms, you can admire the representations of the painters who drew their inspiration from the beauty of the light pouring in the Oise valley and understand the evolution of painting from the end of the 19th century till the beginning of the 20th century.

Thanks to the installations, immense screens, scenographies and arrangements mixing sound and light, the 8 rooms of the castle reveal to you with “Impressionist Vision” an unforgettable real and virtual spectacle.

Even if the focus is on Vincent Van Gogh, emblematic figure of Auvers-sur-Oise, the work of painters like Charles François Daubigny, Camille Pissarro, Claude Monet, Karl Daubigny, Ludovic Piette, Louis Hayet and many others will still captivate any visitor.

You will contemplate the Ile-de-France landscapes which inspired these great creators. The site also houses paintings by Gustave Caillebotte, Pissaro and Claude Monnet amongst others, belonging to the Departmental Council of Val-d’Oise.

The estate has a magnificent nine-hectare park, enhanced by a French garden, small turrets, fountains, collections of Iris and boxwood beds forming an embroidery. Admire the flora, trees, plants and dive into the labyrinth of arbours and its green rooms! This activity is sure to delight children and adults alike!

As lovers of history, heritage and culture, sharing this journey with friends, family or in a group will inevitably create lasting memories.

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