Attractions and Places To See around Ciez - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Ciez, located in the Nièvre department of central France, offer a range of historical sites and architectural landmarks. The region features structures dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, reflecting its historical significance. Visitors can explore ancient fortifications, castles, and religious buildings. The area provides opportunities to engage with local history and observe preserved architectural elements.
Best attractions and places to see around Ciez
- The most popular attractions is Château de la Motte-Josserand, a castle that was built in the 13th century. It features strong circular towers at its four corners and a gate tower that once housed a drawbridge.
- Another must-see spot is Château de Saint Vérain (ruins), a castle. This historical site indicates that the castle and village were once integrated, suggesting a castral village.
- Visitors also love Porte de Cosne, a historical site. This gate was formerly known as the Porte du Vieux Château de Cosne and originally included a tower over 20 meters high, designed with heavy gates and a portcullis.
- Ciez is known for historical sites, castles, and religious buildings. These attractions provide insights into the region's past and architectural heritage.
- The attractions around Ciez are appreciated by the komoot community, with 5 upvotes and 5 photos shared.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Porte de Cosne
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Saint-Mammés Church of Perreuse
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From this period only the choir and the walls remain since it was partly destroyed during the wars of religion in 1587.
The three naves are in Gothic style (late 16th and 17th centuries).
The thirteen windows, all Romanesque, light the building.
Mademoiselle de Montpensier gave 50 crowns in 1667 to finish repairing it.
The porch bell tower is from 1880, it replaces the old bell tower which was on the choir and which was burned and partly destroyed by lightning on June 29, 1873.
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Château de la Motte-Josserand
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Perreuse Old Linden Tree and Historic Village
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The village has many very old houses dating back to the 16th century. It is also distinguished by a remarkable tree, an old lime tree planted under Henri IV on the site of a fortified castle which has now disappeared. The small church is also remarkable.
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Château de Saint Vérain (ruins)
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Tips from the Community
This castle was built in the 14th century. At that time, the towers were twice as high. It was inhabited by soldiers during the period when Burgundy belonged to England and there was a battle against the French. The castle is currently being renovated. The knights' hall is almost finished
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Perreuse derived its wealth from the vineyards planted on its hillsides, probably during the Roman Empire. The monks continued the cultivation of vines after the departure of the Romans. In 1208 the bishop of Auxerre Guillaume de Seignelay gave the temporal order of the Saint-Mammert church to the Saint-Amâtre abbey of Auxerre. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perreuse
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The Château de Saint-Vérain and the village were once one. The proximity of the Porte de Cosne suggests that Saint-Vérain was a castral village.
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The Porte de Cosne was formerly known as the Porte du Vieux Château de Cosne. In the 9th century the village was surrounded by a wooded fortification until in the 12th century stone fortifications began to be built. Looking closely, one can see that the roof of the gate is exceptionally steep. The tower that originally existed was to be over 20 meters high and closed with heavy gates and a portcullis to prevent enemy attacks.
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The Porte de Cosne was formerly known as the Porte du Vieux Château de Cosne. In the 9th century the village was surrounded by a wooded fortification until in the 12th century stone fortifications began to be built. If you look closely, you can see that the roof of the gate is unusually steep. The tower that originally existed was to be over 20 meters high and closed with heavy gates and a portcullis to ward off enemy attacks.
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The Château de Saint-Vérain and the village were once one. The proximity of the Porte de Cosne suggests that Saint-Vérain was a castral village.
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The castle of La Motte-Josserand was built in the 13th century. Today the castle looks more like an amalgamation of buildings, but it can be seen if one focuses on the strong circular towers at the four corners. There is still a gate tower which once housed the traditional drawbridge.
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Super beautiful town! I was happy to pass by, even if it was at night.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Ciez?
The region around Ciez is rich in historical sites. You can visit the impressive Château de la Motte-Josserand, a 13th-century castle with strong circular towers. Another significant site is the Château de Saint Vérain (ruins), which suggests a historical integration with the village. Don't miss the Porte de Cosne, a historical gate that once featured a tower over 20 meters high with heavy gates and a portcullis.
Are there any religious buildings of historical interest near Ciez?
Yes, the Saint-Mammés Church of Perreuse is a notable religious building. Originally built between 1150 and 1190, it features Romanesque windows and Gothic-style naves, with parts restored after being damaged during the wars of religion in 1587.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Ciez?
Ciez offers various outdoor activities, particularly cycling and hiking. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, such as the 'On the trails of the Gallo Romans — loop of Entrains-sur-Nohain' or the 'In the Footsteps of Colette Loop'. For hiking, consider the 'Nohain and Château de Réveillon Loop' or the 'Saint-Vérain Loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like the 'Château de Couloutre loop from Perroy'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the dedicated guides for Road Cycling Routes around Ciez, Hiking around Ciez, and MTB Trails around Ciez.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Ciez?
Yes, the Porte de Cosne is categorized as family-friendly, offering an interesting historical site for all ages. Additionally, the Moulin Blot, a restored 19th-century mill, is also considered family-friendly and provides an engaging visit to see how flour is produced.
What is the Moulin Blot and can I visit it?
The Moulin Blot is a fantastic 19th-century mill that was restored in the 2000s by local activists. It is still used to produce flour from local wheat. You can visit the mill and see it working, making it a recommended eye-catcher in the landscape with its round tower and four preserved wings.
What are some easy walking trails near Ciez?
For easy walking, the 'Saint-Vérain Loop' is a good option, covering approximately 5 km. This trail offers a chance to explore the area at a relaxed pace. More details on this and other hiking options can be found in the Hiking around Ciez guide.
What historical significance does the Porte de Cosne hold?
The Porte de Cosne, formerly known as the Porte du Vieux Château de Cosne, is a significant historical site. It was part of the stone fortifications built in the 12th century, replacing earlier wooden defenses. The gate originally featured a tower over 20 meters high, equipped with heavy gates and a portcullis to defend against attacks.
Can I find any castles with unique architectural features around Ciez?
Yes, the Château de la Motte-Josserand, built in the 13th century, is notable for its strong circular towers at its four corners. It also retains a gate tower that once housed a traditional drawbridge, showcasing medieval defensive architecture.
What do visitors appreciate most about the attractions around Ciez?
Visitors to the Ciez area appreciate the insights into the region's past and its architectural heritage. The historical sites, castles, and religious buildings provide a tangible connection to history. The komoot community has shown its appreciation with 5 upvotes and 5 shared photos of these attractions.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots near Ciez?
The Moulin Blot serves as a notable viewpoint. Its exposed location and round tower make it visible from afar, offering a picturesque sight in the landscape and likely providing views of the surrounding area.
What is the historical context of the Château de Saint Vérain?
The Château de Saint Vérain (ruins) and its village were historically integrated, suggesting it was a 'castral village'. Its proximity to the Porte de Cosne further indicates its strategic importance and connection to the region's medieval defenses.
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