Attractions and Places To See around Pontigny - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Pontigny, France, offer a blend of historical sites, natural waterways, and cultural settlements. The region, part of Pontigny Yonne, is characterized by its vineyards and the Canal de Bourgogne. Visitors can explore well-preserved historical architecture and scenic routes. This area provides opportunities for both historical exploration and outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Pontigny
- The most popular attractions is Canal de Bourgogne at Brienon-sur-Armançon, a river that connects the…
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Saint-Martin Collegiate Church
Highlight • Religious Site
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Canal de Bourgogne at Brienon-sur-Armançon
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Chablis Village and Vineyards
Highlight • Settlement
The surrounding vineyards, planted solely with the Chardonnay grape variety, cover 4,800 hectares, …
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Chablis Old Town
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Saint-Florentin
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during the …
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful church in Chablis currently being renovated
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I walked past without seeing it 😂😂
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The Saint-Martin collegiate church from the 12th and 13th centuries is very well preserved. The church is definitely worth a visit. A special feature is the south portal, whose door wings are decorated with various horseshoes. Built in 1160, rebuilt from 1220. Apart from the tower, all the walls date from the Middle Ages. The paintings from the 13th century and the horseshoes on the side gate identify the building as a stage on the St. James pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The various restorations have not changed the building, with the exception of the tower, which was added in 1852. https://www.moulindelacoudre.fr/de/2017/02/11/die-stiftskirche-saint-martin/
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Nicknamed the golden gate of Burgundy, Chablis is a charming town obviously famous for its prestigious wine. The surrounding vineyards, planted solely with the Chardonnay grape variety, cover 4,800 hectares, making it the largest in Yonne. And one of the oldest as well since vines have been cultivated there since the 9th century; and from the Middle Ages, Chablis wines were exported to England, Paris, Rouen, Picardy and Flanders. The old town therefore offers an interesting historical heritage including two churches, a priory, a picturesque wash house and an old gate with two towers. Every Sunday morning (from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) a Burgundian market is held in the heart of the city where you can find many local producers.
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Good news: the Migennes Esnon section of the Burgundy canal, stony and not very passable, has just been completed on the other bank by a magnificent section of perfectly asphalted cycle route! Much easier to go from Migennes (SNCF station) to BRIENON
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Every Sunday morning from 8:30 a.m. there is a large market in the old town of Chablis. A visit to the market and also the old town is highly recommended. And of course there are lots of wineries here. Only Chardonnay is grown.
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The Saint-Martin collegiate church from the 12th and 13th centuries is very well preserved. The church is definitely worth a visit. A special feature is the south portal, whose door wings are decorated with various horseshoes. Like many church buildings from the early Middle Ages, the Saint-Martin collegiate church (built in 1160, rebuilt from 1220) was inspired by the cathedral of Sens. Apart from the tower, all the walls date from the Middle Ages. The paintings from the 13th century and the horseshoes on the side gate identify the building as a stage on the St. James pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The various restorations have not changed the building, except for the tower, added in 1852, whose top is 50 meters high. https://www.moulindelacoudre.fr/de/2017/02/11/die-stiftskirche-saint-martin/
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The Burgundy Canal, which begins at Migennes, linked the Seine basin to that of the Rhône via the Saône. The section between Migennes and Tonnerre is quite pleasant and allows you to visit many small towns. Be careful of the poor surfacing at the beginning of the route... Brienon is an interesting stopover: old port, mills, Renaissance church, castle, very beautiful 18th century wash house. Swimming, camping...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Pontigny?
The region offers a rich historical heritage. You can visit the well-preserved Saint-Martin Collegiate Church, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, known for its 13th-century paintings and horseshoes on the south portal, identifying it as a stage on the St. James pilgrimage. Additionally, Chablis Old Town and Chablis Village and Vineyards also boast interesting historical architecture, including churches, a priory, and a picturesque wash house.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Pontigny region?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Canal de Bourgogne at Brienon-sur-Armançon offers a recently asphalted cycle route, perfect for family bike rides. The old port, mills, and Renaissance church in Brienon also make for an interesting stopover. Both Chablis Old Town and Chablis Village and Vineyards are considered family-friendly, offering charming streets to explore and local markets.
What outdoor activities are available near Pontigny?
The Pontigny region is excellent for outdoor activities, especially along the Canal de Bourgogne at Brienon-sur-Armançon, which features a cycle route. You can also find numerous hiking, running, and mountain biking trails. For more details on routes, explore the hiking guide, running trails guide, and MTB trails guide around Pontigny.
Where can I go for a walk or hike around Pontigny?
There are several walking and hiking options. You can enjoy easy routes like the 'Hiking loop from Pontigny' (6.8 km), 'Beines lake – Bench with View of Vineyard loop from Beine' (4.8 km), or 'Wild water loop from Avrolles' (6.4 km). For a moderate challenge, consider the 'View of Pontigny Abbey loop from Ligny-le-Châtel' (11.6 km). Find more details and routes in the Hiking around Pontigny guide.
Can I cycle along the Canal de Bourgogne?
Yes, the Canal de Bourgogne at Brienon-sur-Armançon features a recently completed asphalted cycle route, making it very suitable for cycling. This section connects the Seine basin to the Rhône and offers a pleasant ride with interesting stopovers like Brienon.
What is special about Chablis Old Town and its vineyards?
Chablis Old Town is renowned for its historical heritage and hosts a large market every Sunday morning. The nearby Chablis Village and Vineyards are famous for their prestigious wine, with 4,800 hectares planted solely with Chardonnay grapes. The village itself offers an interesting historical heritage, including two churches and a picturesque wash house.
Are there any religious buildings worth visiting near Pontigny?
Absolutely. The Saint-Martin Collegiate Church, built in the 12th and 13th centuries, is very well preserved and features unique elements like horseshoes on its south portal, indicating its historical significance as a pilgrimage stop. Chablis also has two churches within its historical village.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Pontigny?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites, religious buildings, and scenic waterways. The well-preserved architecture, such as the Saint-Martin Collegiate Church, and the charming atmosphere of places like Chablis Old Town are frequently highlighted. The newly asphalted cycle route along the Canal de Bourgogne is also a popular feature for outdoor enthusiasts.
Are there any markets or local produce to discover?
Yes, Chablis Old Town hosts a large market every Sunday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This Burgundian market is an excellent place to find local producers and regional specialties, including the famous Chablis wine.
What kind of cycling routes are available around Pontigny?
Beyond the Canal de Bourgogne's cycle path, there are various mountain biking (MTB) trails. Options include routes like 'Gazebo at Square de la Paix loop from Seignelay' (32.5 km) or 'Maligny castle – Chablis Village and Vineyards loop from Ligny-le-Châtel' (35.7 km). You can find more detailed routes in the MTB Trails around Pontigny guide.
What are some easy hiking trails near Pontigny?
For easy hikes, consider the 'Hiking loop from Pontigny' (6.8 km), the 'Beines lake – Bench with View of Vineyard loop from Beine' (4.8 km), or the 'Wild water loop from Avrolles' (6.4 km). These trails offer pleasant walks through the local landscape. More options are available in the Hiking around Pontigny guide.
Is the Canal de Bourgogne suitable for a leisurely break?
Yes, the Canal de Bourgogne at Brienon-sur-Armançon is ideal for a leisurely break. Brienon itself is an interesting stopover with an old port, mills, and a Renaissance church, offering a charming setting for relaxation and exploration.
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