Attractions and Places To See around Mailly-Le-Château - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Mailly-Le-Château. This fortified town is situated in the Yonne Valley, on the banks of the Yonne River and adjacent to the Nivernais Canal. The area features historical landmarks, natural landscapes, and cliffs, offering a blend of cultural heritage and outdoor exploration. Its unique setting includes both an upper and lower village.
Best attractions and places to see around Mailly-Le-Château
- The most popular attractions is The Saussois Rocks, a cliff popular with climbing enthusiasts. These imposing limestone walls rise some 50 meters high and offer a shady rest area.
- Another must-see spot is Historic centre of Clamecy, a historical site with old medieval buildings. Visitors can explore walks along the Yonne and a museum dedicated to log floating.
- Visitors also love Fortified Gate of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, a man-made monument classified as a historic monument. This 12th-century gate was part of the castle's enclosure and features machicolations from the 14th century.
- Mailly-Le-Château is known for its historical sites, natural features, and religious buildings. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient castles to river activities.
- The attractions around Mailly-Le-Château are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 170 upvotes and 60 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
The Saussois Rocks
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Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Cravant
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Its impressive dimensions remind us that Cravant was a city of more than 3000 inhabitants.
The church then belonged to the bishops of Auxerre who came there regularly and did everything to make it beautiful and imposing. The interior of the church, with its nave, its Renaissance choir, its chapels, its keystones and its vaulted ceilings, bears witness to its prestigious past.
It was built in the 9th century, enlarged in the 12th century then rebuilt at the end of the 16th century.
bourgogne-tourisme.com/abbayes-et-autre-edifices-religieux/eglise-de-saint-pierre-et-saint-paul-de-cravant-3
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Historic centre of Clamecy
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Fortified Gate of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines
Highlight • Monument
This gate is part of the enclosure of the lower courtyard of the castle which crowned the rock overlooking the valley and dominating the only possible crossing of the river.
A second gate existed on the current rue de la Rampe.
The enclosure dates from the 12th century. It was protected, to the east, by four still visible towers, one of which has just been restored.
On the west coast, the enclosure appears as a very large wall, 2 m thick and 4 m high. It is incorporated into gardens and houses, but still visible.
It was lined with a dry ditch.
The postern did not include a drawbridge. It was closed by a heavy double door, the stone pivot cups of which can still be seen in the lower part. The machicolations made it possible to throw stones at the attackers. They probably date from the 14th century.
This door has been classified as a historic monument since May 9, 1888.
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Château de Druyes
Highlight • Castle
Entrance costs 5 euros (as of 2021).
Out of season the castle is only open on weekends.
There is even a circular hiking trail where the castle is almost always visible.
chateau-de-druyes.com
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The extremely impressive church in Cravant was dedicated to the two SAINTS "PIERRE et PAUL". They are also known as the "Princes of the Apostles" and their common feast day in the calendar of saints is June 29th. * Simon, nicknamed Peter (Rock), was a fisherman on Lake Genesareth when he - together with his brother Andrew - was called by Jesus Christ to be a "fisher of men". According to Catholic understanding, he is the highest apostle and the two thousand year long line of popes - currently Francis - are his successors. In statues and paintings, Peter is almost always depicted with two keys in his hand; this attribute refers to the Bible verse in Matthew: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Chapter 16, Verse 19). * Paul was initially an opponent of the Christian movement and was not called to the apostleship of Jesus Christ during his lifetime like the other apostles, but was only converted later with the famous "Damascus experience". His attribute is the sword with which he was executed. According to the Roman law of the time, such a sentence was a "privilege" (quick death and not, like other types of execution, associated with a long, painful death struggle) that was available to the citizens of Rome.
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Beautiful little town with many medieval buildings. Definitely worth a visit
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The Saint Pierre Saint Paul church is a remarkable building. It has a unique architecture in Burgundy. Its impressive dimensions remind us that Cravant was a city of more than 3000 inhabitants. The church then belonged to the bishops of Auxerre who came there regularly and did everything to make it beautiful and imposing. The interior of the church, with its nave, its Renaissance choir, its chapels, its keystones and its vaulted ceilings, bears witness to its prestigious past. It was built in the 9th century, enlarged in the 12th century then rebuilt at the end of the 16th century. https://www.bourgogne-tourisme.com/abbayes-et-autre-edifices-religieux/eglise-de-saint-pierre-et-saint-paul-de-cravant-3
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It was only at the end of the 12th century that the current castle of Druyes appears in the texts. Previously, during the 11th century, a first wooden castle would have been built on the site of the said castle. Druyes is part of the first generation of castles from the time of King Philippe Auguste. It is built on a square plan of 52.3 meters per side. It is an imposing building which is one of the most important specimens of military architecture from the Romanesque period in Burgundy. Private property, the castle is open to visitors. It is reached by crossing the postern which is the gateway to the fortified village, where absolute calm seems to reign. The castle dominates the town of character of Druyes Les Belles Fontaines, which deserves to be listed among the most beautiful villages in France, if it were a little better highlighted. Note a beautiful climb to climb from the village to the castle
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The rocks of Saussois located in the town of Merry-sur-Yonne are very popular with climbing enthusiasts who do not hesitate to come from Paris (located only 200 kilometers) to climb these limestone walls some fifty meters high. .
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Fortified Gate - classified as a historic monument. This gate is part of the enclosure of the lower courtyard of the castle which crowned the rock overlooking the valley and dominating the only possible crossing of the river. A second gate existed on the current rue de la Rampe. The enclosure dates from the 12th century. It was protected, to the east, by four still visible towers, one of which has just been restored. On the west coast, the enclosure appears as a very large wall, 2 m thick and 4 m high. It is incorporated into gardens and houses, but still visible. It was lined with a dry ditch. The postern did not include a drawbridge. It was closed by a heavy double door, the stone pivot cups of which can still be seen in the lower part. The machicolations made it possible to throw stones at the attackers. They probably date from the 14th century. This door has been classified as a historic monument since May 9, 1888.
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Beautiful 12th century castle visible from afar. Entrance costs 5 euros (as of 2021). Out of season the castle is only open on weekends. There is even a circular hiking trail where the castle is almost always visible. www.chateau-de-druyes.com
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Pleasant trip along the river.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Mailly-Le-Château?
Mailly-Le-Château is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Mailly-le-Château Castle, perched on a cliff with medieval ramparts and offering magnificent views. Other notable sites include the 13th-century Church of St. Adrian in the upper village, the 15th-century Chapel of St. Nicholas located on a bridge in the lower village, and the Cemetery Chapel of St. Simeon with its Romanesque bays. The nearby Historic centre of Clamecy also features old medieval buildings and a museum dedicated to log floating.
Are there any natural features or viewpoints to discover around Mailly-Le-Château?
Yes, the area boasts several natural highlights. The Bois du Parc Nature Reserve is popular for its cliffs, fossilized coral reef, and unique plant life, offering landscapes over 150 million years old. You can also visit The Saussois Rocks, imposing limestone walls popular with climbers, providing a shady rest area and a pleasant trip along the river. Near Mailly-le-Château Castle, a terrace on the old ramparts offers exceptional views of the Yonne River's meanders, the Nivernais Canal, and the green countryside.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Mailly-Le-Château?
The Yonne River and Nivernais Canal provide excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, cycling, and walking along their banks. For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like the "From Mailly-le-Château to Lucy-sur-Yonne — loop along the Canal du Nivernais" or the "Historic centre of Clamecy – The Saussois Rocks loop". You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Mailly-Le-Château guide. Rock climbing is also available at the Bois du Parc Nature Reserve and The Saussois Rocks.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the area?
The Historic centre of Clamecy is considered family-friendly, offering walks along the Yonne River and a museum. The Mailly-le-Château Planetarium, created by volunteers, offers an astronomical and scientific immersion under its 6-meter-diameter dome, which can be an engaging experience for families. Exploring the banks of the Yonne River and Nivernais Canal by foot or bike also provides enjoyable family outings.
Where can I find impressive historical architecture near Mailly-Le-Château?
Beyond Mailly-Le-Château itself, you can visit the Fortified Gate of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, a 12th-century structure with 14th-century machicolations, classified as a historic monument. Nearby, the Château de Druyes is a beautiful 12th-century castle visible from afar, offering a glimpse into Romanesque military architecture. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Cravant also stands out with its unique and impressive architecture, rebuilt at the end of the 16th century.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Mailly-Le-Château?
Visitors particularly appreciate the unique natural beauty and historical depth of the region. They enjoy the imposing rocks and shady rest areas at The Saussois Rocks, often observing climbers. The Historic centre of Clamecy is praised for its medieval buildings, walks along the Yonne, and its superb cathedral. The historical significance and impressive scale of sites like the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Cravant and the Fortified Gate of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines are also highly valued.
Are there running trails available near Mailly-Le-Château?
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity. You can find routes like the "Beautiful view loop from Mailly-la-Ville" or the "The Yonne and the Park Rocks – Merry-sur-Yonne loop from Mailly-le-Château." These trails offer varying distances and moderate difficulty. More options are detailed in the Running Trails around Mailly-Le-Château guide.
What is the best time to visit Mailly-Le-Château for outdoor activities?
While specific data on the best time to visit isn't provided, the region's natural features like the Yonne River, Nivernais Canal, and various nature reserves suggest that spring and autumn would be ideal. These seasons typically offer pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and exploring historical sites without the extreme heat of summer or the chill of winter, allowing for comfortable enjoyment of both natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
Can I find places to eat or drink in Mailly-Le-Château?
While specific cafes or pubs in Mailly-Le-Château are not detailed, the Historic centre of Clamecy, a short distance away, is noted for having nice restaurants at the foot of its collegiate church and in the city center, offering options for dining and refreshments.
What is the significance of the Chapel of St. Nicholas?
The Chapel of St. Nicholas, located in the lower village of Mailly-Le-Château, is a small 15th-century chapel listed as a Historic Monument. It is particularly unique because it stands on one of the columns of the double humpback bridge over the Yonne River. Dedicated to the patron saint of bargemen, it is the only remaining chapel on a bridge in the entire Yonne department, highlighting the region's historical connection to river trade and navigation.
Are there any unique natural phenomena or geological sites?
Yes, the Bois du Parc Nature Reserve is notable for its geological features, including cliffs and a fossilized coral reef, showcasing landscapes that are over 150 million years old. This offers a unique opportunity for walkers and botanists to explore ancient geological formations and remarkable plant life.
What is the Mailly-le-Château Planetarium?
The Mailly-le-Château Planetarium is a local initiative created by volunteers. It provides an astronomical and scientific immersion experience under its 6-meter-diameter dome, offering visitors a chance to explore the cosmos and learn about science in an engaging environment.
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