Attractions and Places To See around Surgy - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Surgy include a variety of historical sites and natural landscapes. The region offers 20 hidden gems, ranging from medieval architecture to scenic river crossings. Visitors can explore towns with rich histories, fortified structures, and picturesque bridges. Surgy provides opportunities for discovering cultural heritage and outdoor exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Surgy
- The most popular attractions is Historic centre of Clamecy, a historical site that features old medieval buildings and walks along the Yonne river. The town also has a museum detailing log floating history and a notable collegiate church.
- Another must-see spot is Bridge Over the Druyes, a historical bridge built in the 12th century. This structure replaced an earlier wooden bridge and was widened in 1859, then renovated in 2004.
- Visitors also love Fortified Gate of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, a man-made monument classified as a historic monument since 1888. This 12th-century gate is part of the castle's enclosure, featuring thick walls and machicolations.
- Surgy is known for historical sites, castles, and bridges. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including family friendly activities and opportunities for beginner hiking routes.
- The attractions around Surgy are appreciated by the komoot community, with 27 photos and 102 upvotes from visitors.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Historic centre of Clamecy
Highlight • Historical Site
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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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Bridge Over the Druyes
Highlight • Bridge
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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Châtel-Censoir
Highlight • Other
The Nivernais canal greenway passes below the village. Don't miss the remains of Castrum and the Saint-Potentien collegiate church. For rock lovers, the Saussois climbing site is just a few kilometers away.
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Tips from the Community
very nice little village with a bakery, a grocery store, a garage with a gas pump.
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Beautiful little town with many medieval buildings. Definitely worth a visit
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Châtel-Censoir, crossed by the Yonne and the Canal du Nivernais, has long been a prosperous town, just like its neighbor, Clamecy. This was particularly due to firewood, which was transported to Paris by canal. The Nivernais canal greenway passes below the village. Don't miss the remains of Castrum and the Saint-Potentien collegiate church. For rock lovers, the Saussois climbing site is just a few kilometers away.
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A pretty flat section of a well-paved route crosses the commune of Chatel Censoir. Châtel-Censoir is a small village of nearly 700 people. The village takes its name from the bishop of Saint-Censure, bishop of Auxerre.
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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Surgy?
The region around Surgy is rich in history. You can visit the Historic centre of Clamecy, known for its medieval buildings, walks along the Yonne river, and a museum detailing log floating history. Don't miss the Fortified Gate of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, a 12th-century monument with thick walls, or the impressive Château de Druyes, a 12th-century castle visible from afar.
Are there any family-friendly attractions near Surgy?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Historic centre of Clamecy offers pleasant walks and a museum. The Bridge Over the Druyes is also considered family-friendly, offering a glimpse into the region's past. The area generally provides opportunities for outdoor exploration that can be enjoyed by all ages.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Surgy's attractions?
Beyond visiting the attractions, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. There are numerous hiking trails, including easy and moderate options like the "Porte de la Ville Parking Loop" or the "Prachtige bloemen – Basseville Rocks loop." For cycling enthusiasts, road cycling routes like the "Clamecy, Asnières, and Canal du Nivernais Loop" are available. Mountain biking trails also exist, such as "The Saussois Rocks – Merry-sur-Yonne loop." You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for hiking, road cycling, and MTB trails around Surgy.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints around Surgy?
The Château de Druyes offers excellent views, as it crowns a rock overlooking the valley. The town of Druyes Les Belles Fontaines itself, which the castle dominates, is noted for its picturesque setting. Additionally, the walks along the Yonne river in the Historic centre of Clamecy provide scenic river crossings and views.
Are there any easy walking trails suitable for beginners near Surgy?
Yes, there are easy walking trails. For instance, the "Porte de la Ville Parking Loop" is an easy hiking route near Surgy. Another easy option is "The Druyes Viaduct – Bridge Over the Druyes loop from Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines." These routes are ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll. More options can be found in the hiking guide for Surgy.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Surgy?
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and natural beauty of the area. The medieval architecture and river walks in the Historic centre of Clamecy are highly rated, with its collegiate church often highlighted. The impressive 12th-century structures like the Château de Druyes and the Bridge Over the Druyes are also popular for their historical significance and picturesque settings. The komoot community has contributed 27 photos and 102 upvotes, reflecting a strong positive sentiment.
Can I find any hidden gems or less-known spots around Surgy?
While the guide highlights popular spots, the region is noted for offering 20 hidden gems. One such place is Châtel-Censoir, a charming village crossed by the Yonne and Canal du Nivernais, with remains of Castrum and the Saint-Potentien collegiate church. It also has the Saussois climbing site nearby for rock lovers.
Are there any attractions related to water or rivers in the Surgy area?
Yes, the region has strong ties to water. The Historic centre of Clamecy is situated along the Yonne river, offering pleasant walks and a museum dedicated to log floating. The Bridge Over the Druyes is a significant historical river crossing. Additionally, Châtel-Censoir is crossed by both the Yonne and the Canal du Nivernais, with the Nivernais canal greenway passing below the village.
Is there an entrance fee for the castles or historical monuments?
For the Château de Druyes, there is an entrance fee of 5 euros (as of 2021). Other historical sites like the Fortified Gate of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines are classified as historic monuments, but specific entrance fee information for all sites is not provided. It's advisable to check local information for individual attractions.
What is the best season to visit the attractions around Surgy?
While the guide doesn't specify a single 'best' season, many outdoor activities and historical sites are best enjoyed in milder weather. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and exploring the medieval towns and castles. Some attractions, like the Château de Druyes, may have limited opening hours during the off-season, typically only open on weekends.
Are there any circular walks available near the attractions?
Yes, there are circular walks. For example, there is a circular hiking trail where the Château de Druyes is almost always visible. You can find more circular routes and other hiking options in the hiking guide for Surgy.
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