Attractions and places to see around Crain, located in the Yonne department of France, offer a mix of natural features and historical sites. The region is characterized by its limestone cliffs and river valleys, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore medieval architecture and significant historical monuments. The area combines natural landscapes with cultural heritage, making it suitable for various interests.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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Beautiful little town with many medieval buildings. Definitely worth a visit
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City of character which deserves to be among the most beautiful villages in France with a little more development. To have : 1 - the castle and the small surrounding village after a beautiful climb from the village. 2 - the pond hidden behind the houses in the center. A quiet corner with a beautiful overview of the village. There you will understand where the name Belles Fontaines comes from.
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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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Bridge built at the time of the fortified castle and the church (12th century). It replaced a wooden bridge established over a ford by Saint Romain in the 6th century. In the Middle Ages, bridge and castle went hand in hand because any river crossing gave rise to a toll. In 1859, the bridge, which was 5.50 m wide, was widened by 2.50 m to adapt it to the transformation of the main roads into secondary roads. During 2004, it was completely renovated.
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Pleasant trip along the river.
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The area around Crain, located in the Yonne department of France, offers a diverse mix of natural features and historical sites. You can explore imposing limestone cliffs, medieval architecture, and significant historical monuments. The region is known for combining natural landscapes with rich cultural heritage.
Among the most popular attractions is The Saussois Rocks, a cliff popular with climbing enthusiasts. Another must-see is the Historic centre of Clamecy, known for its old medieval buildings and cathedral. Visitors also appreciate the Fortified Gate of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, a 12th-century historic monument.
Yes, The Saussois Rocks are a prominent natural feature. These imposing limestone walls, approximately 50 meters high, are located along the river and are very popular with climbers. Visitors also enjoy observing the climbers and the wonderful area.
Beyond the Fortified Gate, you can visit the Château de Druyes, a beautiful 12th-century castle visible from afar. The Historic centre of Clamecy also offers a rich historical experience with its medieval buildings and cathedral.
Yes, the Historic centre of Clamecy is considered family-friendly, offering walks along the Yonne river, a museum, and restaurants. The Bridge Over the Druyes, a historic 12th-century bridge, is also noted as family-friendly.
The Crain area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, running, and gravel biking. For detailed routes and guides, explore the Hiking around Crain, Running Trails around Crain, and Gravel biking around Crain guides.
Yes, popular hiking trails include the 'Saussois Rocks Loop from Châtel-Censoir' (moderate, 11.5 km) and 'Merry-sur-Yonne – Le Saussois loop from Châtel-Censoir' (moderate, 13.1 km). For an easier option, try 'The Saussois Rocks – The Saussois Rocks loop from Merry-sur-Yonne' (easy, 5 km). You can find more options in the Hiking around Crain guide.
Absolutely. There are several gravel biking routes available, such as the 'Pousseaux loop' (moderate, 21.1 km) and longer routes like 'The Saussois Rocks – The Yonne and the Park Rocks loop from Lucy-sur-Yonne' (moderate, 57.8 km). Discover more routes in the Gravel biking around Crain guide.
Visitors particularly enjoy the impressive natural beauty of The Saussois Rocks, often observing climbers and appreciating the shady rest areas. The historic charm of the Historic centre of Clamecy, with its medieval buildings and cathedral, is also highly praised, especially its weekly market and riverside walks.
Yes, the Historic centre of Clamecy offers several nice restaurants at the foot of the collegiate church and in the city center, perfect for a meal after exploring the town.
Yes, the Château de Druyes, a magnificent 12th-century castle, is located nearby. It is an imposing building and one of the most important specimens of Romanesque military architecture in Burgundy. It is open to visitors, though opening times may vary seasonally.
The Bridge Over the Druyes is a historic structure built in the 12th century, replacing an earlier wooden bridge. In the Middle Ages, bridges and castles were often linked, as river crossings were subject to tolls. This bridge was widened in 1859 and fully renovated in 2004, maintaining its historical importance.


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