Attractions and Places To See around Cravant - Top 20

Cravant boasts several significant historical landmarks. You can visit the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, known for its unique architectural style and historical prominence. Other notable sites include the 14th-century Cravant Keep, the 22-meter tall Tour de l'Horloge (Belfry) which was part of the town's ramparts, and the charming Château du Chastenay with its sculpted frieze and Jacquaire shell.

The region around Cravant is defined by its natural beauty, particularly the confluence of the Cure and Yonne rivers, which was historically vital for trade. The Canal du Nivernais also borders Cravant, offering scenic towpaths. You'll find picturesque vineyards overlooking the Yonne valley and numerous marked trails along the rivers for pleasant walks.

Yes, Cravant is home to the Pierre Merlier Museum, which showcases the diverse works of the artist Pierre Merlier, including sculptures and paintings. Additionally, the 15th-century market halls, known as Halles du XVe siècle, have been transformed into the municipal library, offering a glimpse into the town's past.

Cravant holds significant historical importance, particularly its role in the Hundred Years' War. It was the site of the pivotal Battle of Cravant on July 31, 1423, where Anglo-Burgundian forces defeated a Franco-Scottish army. A monument near the Cravant Keep commemorates the soldiers who fell during this battle.

Several attractions near Cravant are suitable for families. You can explore Meung-sur-Loire, a medieval town with a castle-park. The Royal Basilica of Our Lady of Cléry is also considered family-friendly. For outdoor enjoyment, the towpath along the Canal du Nivernais is great for walking or cycling, and the Jardin de Roquelin offers a beautiful garden experience with farm animals.

Cravant is an excellent base for cycling. You can find various routes, including MTB, touring bicycle, and gravel biking options. For example, there are routes like 'The Harbour Master's Office – César Tower loop from Beaugency' for MTB or 'Meung-sur-Loire – Pont de Muides-sur-Loire loop from Baule' for touring bicycles. Explore more options on the dedicated cycling guides: Cycling around Cravant, MTB Trails around Cravant, and Gravel biking around Cravant.

Yes, Cravant offers several pleasant walking opportunities. You can enjoy numerous marked trails along the Cure and Yonne rivers. The towpath alongside the Canal du Nivernais also provides a scenic and relatively flat route for walking, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding nature and picturesque landscapes.

The Royal Basilica of Our Lady of Cléry is a historical site renowned for its flamboyant Gothic architecture. It is particularly significant as it houses the tomb and skull of King Louis XI. The basilica has been a place of pilgrimage since the discovery of a statue of the Virgin in 1280 and has held the title of Basilica since 1894.

Meung-sur-Loire is a charming settlement on the Loire River, known for its medieval town with winding streets and historical monuments. Visitors can enjoy a stroll back in time and explore the Meung-sur-Loire castle-park, which is considered a must-see monument in the Loire Valley.

Cravant serves as a convenient base for exploring other significant heritage sites in the Yonne department. You can easily reach the Vézelay basilica St Madeleine, a monument on French pilgrim routes located about 24km away, or visit Auxerre, which is 16km away and features a cathedral and a historic city center.

The Jardin de Roquelin is a remarkable garden located in Meung-sur-Loire, perfect for rose lovers. It features over 500 varieties of old roses, along with other plants and shrubs. Visitors can stroll along grassy paths, admire the colors and fragrances, observe farm animals, and purchase roses or homemade jams. It's open from April to October, except Tuesdays.

The Château de Beaugency is an 11th-century castle located in the heart of the medieval town of Beaugency. Once owned by the lords of Beaugency and later the French crown, it now houses a Digital Art Center, making it one of France's leading cultural centers dedicated to digital art. The exhibition has been newly renovated and showcases medieval objects.