Best attractions and places to see around Molosmes, a commune in the Yonne department of France, serve as a gateway to diverse historical, cultural, and natural attractions. The region offers a variety of points of interest within a reasonable distance. Visitors can explore architectural marvels and significant natural features.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Magnificent Exterior Trompe l'oeil Gallery
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A "chemin de halage", in German "treidelpfad", which runs alongside the waterway right next to the bed of the river or canal, was an indispensable part of the transport infrastructure in earlier times. Before ships could move using motor power, horses ran along the bank and pulled the ship against the current. This was called "treideln", and that is how the "treidelpfad" got its name. Where these paths directly on the bank have been preserved, they are now popular with hikers and cyclists.
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The church in Tonnerre was dedicated to Saint Peter / “Saint-PIERRE”. Simon, nicknamed Peter (the word means "rock"), was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee when he - together with his brother Andrew - was called by Jesus Christ to be "fishers of men". According to Catholic understanding, he is the supreme apostle, and the two millennia-long line of popes - currently Francis - are his successor. On statues and paintings, Peter is almost always depicted with two keys in his hand; this attribute refers to the biblical saying 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). Saint-Pierre is - together with Saint-Paul - also known as the “Princes of the Apostles”, their common feast day in the saints' calendar is on June 29th.
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We enjoyed a remarkable guided tour.
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We were there in the morning and the church was still closed. The building from the outside and the beautiful view of the city from there made up for it.
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The deep basin of the karst spring with the historic washhouse around it is, in my opinion, the main attraction in Tonnerre. Depending on your perspective, when the sun is shining you will see deep turquoise water in front of you. Plus the rushing of the water. You can also just sit here for a while and enjoy. When we visited the spring on a Friday morning, there was surprisingly little going on.
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It has, among its furniture, a shrine which contains relics of Saint Thierry from the Saint-Michel de Tonnerre abbey, a statuette of Saint Eloi from the 15th century, a painting commemorating the deaths of the epidemic of 1632. It represents Charles-Henri de Clermont, Count of Tonnerre, interceding with Saint Roch on the occasion of the plague epidemic; Saint Roch is seated, an angel stands at his side and a dog brings him bread. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89glise_Notre-Dame_de_Tonnerre
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A real must-see - this round wash house around a turquoise green source is unique in its kind and well worth the detour.
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The region around Molosmes is rich in history. You can explore the magnificent Château de Tanlay, a Renaissance castle known for its trompe l'oeil gallery and frescoes. Also, visit the medieval Hôtel-Dieu de Tonnerre, an ancient hospital founded in the 13th century, and the historic Notre-Dame Church in Tonnerre, which evolved from an 11th-century oratory.
Yes, the area offers several natural points of interest. A must-see is the Fosse Dionne in Tonnerre, a remarkable karst spring with a significant flow rate and an extensive underground network. You can also enjoy the scenic Towpath of the Canal de Bourgogne, perfect for walking or cycling alongside historic locks.
The region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. For hiking, explore trails like the 'Saint Peter's Church – Notre-Dame Church loop from Tonnerre'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Yonne Vineyards and Burgundy Canal Loop' for road cycling or the 'Canal de Bourgogne – Château de Tanlay loop from Lézinnes' for mountain biking. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Hiking around Molosmes, Road Cycling Routes around Molosmes, and MTB Trails around Molosmes.
Many attractions in the area are suitable for families. The Château de Tanlay offers a fascinating historical experience. The Towpath of the Canal de Bourgogne is ideal for leisurely walks or bike rides with children. The Fosse Dionne and the town of Tonnerre also provide an engaging historical and natural exploration for all ages.
The best time to visit is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling along the Canal de Bourgogne. Many historical sites, such as the Château de Tanlay, also host various events and are fully open during this season.
Beyond the main highlights, consider visiting the charming village of Noyers-sur-Serein, recognized as one of France's most beautiful villages, with its half-timbered houses. The Abbaye de Pontigny, a significant Cistercian abbey, and Château Ancy-le-Franc are also notable historical sites worth exploring in the vicinity.
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. For instance, the 'Tonnerre Lock – Burgundy Canal loop from Tonnerre' is an easy 6.9 km route, and the 'Lock loop from Saint-Martin-sur-Armançon' is another accessible 5.5 km trail. These routes often follow the flat terrain of the canal towpaths, making them suitable for a relaxed walk. More options can be found in the Hiking around Molosmes guide.
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich history and architectural beauty of sites like the Château de Tanlay, often highlighting its stunning Renaissance features and the unique experience of its trompe l'oeil gallery. The natural beauty and historical significance of the Fosse Dionne are also frequently praised, as is the opportunity for tranquil walks and bike rides along the Towpath of the Canal de Bourgogne.
Yes, besides the prominent Château de Tanlay, the region boasts other historical castles. You can visit Château Ancy-le-Franc, another significant historic castle, and Chateau de Maulnes, both located within a reasonable distance from Molosmes, offering further insights into the area's rich past.
To delve deeper into local culture and history, consider visiting the Hôtel-Dieu de Tonnerre. This medieval hospital provides a unique glimpse into 13th-century life and healthcare, with its well-preserved architecture and historical context. The town of Tonnerre itself, with its connection to the Fosse Dionne, offers a rich narrative of urban development shaped by natural features.
The area around Molosmes offers a variety of cycling routes for different skill levels. For road cycling, you can find routes like the 'Montbard and Tanlay Castle Loop from Tonnerre' or the 'Yonne Vineyards and Burgundy Canal Loop'. Mountain bikers can explore trails such as the 'Canal de Bourgogne – Château de Tanlay loop from Lézinnes'. Detailed routes are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Molosmes and MTB Trails around Molosmes guides.


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