Attractions and Places To See around Menades - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Menades are found in this small commune located in the Yonne department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, north-central France. The region, despite its small population, offers 20 hidden gems for exploration. It is primarily a rural and agricultural area, providing a quiet setting for discovering historical sites and religious buildings.
Best attractions and places to see around Menades
- The most popular attractions is Avallon, a settlement that features a historic town on a hill. This location offers a shopping street and various restaurants, alongside a collegiate church with unique architectural elements.
- Another must-see spot is Cordelle Chapel, a religious building with a modest Romanesque decor. This chapel marks the site where Saint Bernard preached the Second Crusade in 1146 and was the location of France's first Franciscan monastery.
- Visitors also love Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père, a religious building built in Burgundy Flamboyant style. This late Gothic church features a 50-meter-high bell tower and an open narthex with intricate sculptures.
- Menades is known for its religious buildings, historical sites, and settlements. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including architectural landmarks and natural features like the Crescent Dam.
- The attractions around Menades are appreciated by the komoot community, with 175 upvotes and 96 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene in Vézelay
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Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père
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The Église Notre-Dame de Saint-Père church is built in Burgundy Flamboyant style and is considered a masterpiece of this Late Gothic style. The three-nave church with its 50-meter-high bell tower was built in the 13th century and has been listed as a monument historique since 1840. The two chapels were in the 14./15. and the narthex added in the 15th century. The iconography of the church is not very enlightening, but inside you can find the rather worn-out portrait of a Geizkragens, which keeps his purse hanging around his neck. He is flanked on both sides by a dragon that seems to bite his ears off. This symbol can be seen quite ambiguously: The man turns deaf, although he certainly had the means to help (egoism) or the man is so fixated on his belongings that he forgets to protect himself - himself something good to do (greed as obsessive-compulsive disorder). The richest is the open narthex. For more than two centuries, sculptors were able to realize their ideas and stonemasons could prove their skill in craftsmanship. Upon entering the covered narthex you can see on the right two statuettes in half relief, which are to represent Girart de Roussillon and his wife Berthe or his daughter Eve. They are considered the founders of the former abbey of Saint-Père.
Probably the church (former abbey) had a function as the last stop in the pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Mary Magdalene in Vézelay.
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Cordelle Chapel
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The 17th-century southern porch is what remains of a Franciscan church.
The site of La Cordelle, at the foot of the Eternal Hill towards Asquins, marks the place where Saint Bernard preached the Second Crusade in 1146. The Romanesque chapel was built in the mid-12th century by the Abbot of Vézelay in memory of this great historical event. It is also the site of the first Franciscan monastery in France, founded around the chapel in 1217. Long forgotten, the chapel is once again inhabited by the Franciscans and is open to visitors.
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Avallon
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This is composed of a central nave flanked by two side aisles. You will notice the difference in level of almost 3 meters between the portal and the choir. The height of the pillars as well as the cord which surmounts them follow, like the floor of the church, the slope of the rocky spur on which it is built.
The current organ was built in 1850 by the Grenoble maker Nicolas Chambry, in a classical style from the 16th and 18th centuries. At the same time, a new musical universe is emerging for organists and Avallon is joining in...
When you leave, don't forget to go to the apse of the Collegiate Church to admire the Romanesque cornices whose sculpted modillions (sculpted architectural element supporting a cornice) are interesting.
Source: “The Frog Circuit”
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Saint Martin Church
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If during the French Revolution the building served as a remand center, barracks or factory, in 1804, it resumed its religious function and became the second parish church of Avallon under the name of Saint-Martin Church.
In 1829, the bell tower was transferred from the roof of the Ladies Chapel to that of the current nave. Proving too small as a parish church, the building underwent major transformations in 1850...
In 1840, Father MUARO, founder of the Abbey of Pierre-qui-Vire, then parish priest of Saint-Martin, installed the reliquary of Saint-Clement, the shrine and the Main Altar.
Despite all these construction restarts, the whole Church remains homogeneous, recalling the vaults of Saint-Vorles in Châtillon-sur-Seine or that of the Abbey of Fontenay-près-Montbard,
(Extracts from bulletin n°3 of the “Friends of old AVALLON”)
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Tips from the Community
This church, dedicated to the Holy Cross (Latin: "Santa Croce"), derives its patronage from the cross on which Jesus Christ died. The veneration of the Holy Cross is largely based on Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great (who, after his victory at the Milvian Bridge in Rome, recognized Christianity as a religion and ended the long period of persecution with the Edict of Toleration of Milan in 312). She made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine) in the early fourth century and brought numerous relics back to Europe, including the "True Cross," on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Helena is therefore often depicted with a cross as an attribute. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Discovery, public presentation, and veneration of the Holy Cross—called the "Exaltation of the Holy Cross"—on September 14th.
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Very worthwhile visit to this beautiful church
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Very small chapel with a Franciscan monastery. The monastery was only returned a few years ago. The monks are trying to rebuild the monastery through a project
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The town of Avallon is home to very old monuments such as the Saint-Lazare church which is in front of you and a little further on the Clock Tower. The city center is very pleasant with its squares and fountains, and its very beautiful Maison des Sires de Domecy. By heading towards Quarré-les-Tombes you will see several islands located on the course of the Cousin, as well as remarkable old bridges spanning it. The statue of the famous Avallon frog, which you will not fail to see, was sculpted in Châtillonnais stone by Yvan Baudoin.
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Saint Martin, to whom the church in Avallon is dedicated, is - along with Saint Nicholas - probably one of the most popular saints of all. The memorial day of the former officer in the Roman army is November 11th. On the night after the famous “parting of the coat,” when he leaves half of his army cloak to a freezing beggar, Jesus Christ appears to him in a dream. He then converted to Christianity and was later elected bishop of Tours (France) - initially against his will.
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A true jewel of Burgundian Gothic art, the church of Saint Père sous Vézelay deserves a moment of attention. Built from the 13th to the 15th century and dedicated to the Virgin, it only became a parish church in the 16th century, succeeding the old Saint Pierre church which gave its name to the village and whose ruins can still be seen at the exit. south of the village. The 13th century bell tower, elegant and airy, 50m high, is visible for miles around. In the middle of the 19th century, the building was in a very advanced state of disrepair. However, Prosper Mérimée describes it as "a gothic cathedral in miniature". Viollet-le-Duc, then 26 years old, fell in love with the church of Saint Père, the restoration of which he launched in 1841. He worked until 1844 on the choir, the chapels and the nave. and in 1868, ends with the bell tower. However, due to a lack of resources, he practically does not intervene on the porch (or narthex). This part, which is the most striking because it evokes real stone lacework, was then restored by Boeswilwald between 1888 and 1889.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Menades?
The area around Menades is rich in history. You can explore the historic town of Avallon, which features a collegiate church and a charming shopping street. Don't miss the Cordelle Chapel, a site where Saint Bernard preached the Second Crusade, and the impressive Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père, a masterpiece of Burgundy Flamboyant style.
Are there any notable religious buildings to explore near Menades?
Yes, the region is known for its religious heritage. Besides the collegiate church in Avallon, you can visit the Cordelle Chapel, which also housed France's first Franciscan monastery. The Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père with its 50-meter-high bell tower and intricate sculptures is another significant religious site. Additionally, the Saint Martin Church in Avallon offers impressive glass ornaments and a rich history.
What natural features or man-made structures are worth seeing?
The Crescent Dam is a significant man-made structure worth visiting. Built between 1929 and 1932, this gravity dam is 330 meters long and 37 meters high. It was constructed to regulate the Yonne and Seine rivers and prevent flooding in Paris, while also producing electricity. The dam created a large reservoir, offering scenic views.
What outdoor activities can I do near Menades?
The area around Menades offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, mountain biking, and road cycling. For detailed information and routes, check out the guides for Running Trails around Menades, MTB Trails around Menades, and Road Cycling Routes around Menades.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Menades?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The historic town of Avallon is considered family-friendly, offering a pleasant environment for strolling, shopping, and dining. The Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père is also listed as family-friendly, allowing for an educational and cultural outing.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Menades?
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical depth and architectural beauty of the sites. The picturesque village of Saint-Père and its stunning Notre-Dame Church are often highlighted as impressive. The charm of Avallon, with its historic town on a hill, shopping street, and restaurants, is also a favorite. The community has shared 96 photos and given 175 upvotes to these attractions, reflecting their positive experiences.
Are there any hiking trails near Menades?
While Menades itself is a small commune, the surrounding region offers various trails. You can find running trails that are also suitable for hiking, with options ranging from moderate to difficult. Explore the Running Trails around Menades guide for routes like the 'La Cure – View of Vézelay loop' or the 'Zervos Museum loop'.
What is the terrain like for cycling around Menades?
The terrain for cycling around Menades varies. You can find routes with moderate difficulty, such as the 'Cousin Road – Château d'Island loop' for road cycling, or more challenging options like the 'Lake Crescent – Cousin Road loop'. Mountain biking trails also offer diverse terrain, including routes with some unrideable sections like 'View of Vézelay – Stairs are not rideable !!! loop'. Refer to the specific cycling guides for detailed terrain information.
Can I find places to eat or shop near the attractions?
Yes, the town of Avallon is a good option for dining and shopping. It features a shopping street and various restaurants, making it a convenient stop after visiting nearby historical sites. While Menades itself is very rural, Avallon serves as a hub for amenities in the broader area.
Is there parking available at the attractions?
Specific parking details for each attraction are best checked locally upon arrival. However, for towns like Avallon, public parking is generally available. For the Crescent Dam, the road across it is narrow, but traffic is typically very light, suggesting some roadside parking might be possible.
What is the best time to visit the attractions around Menades?
Given the rural nature of the region and the focus on historical sites and outdoor activities, spring and autumn generally offer pleasant weather for exploration. These seasons avoid the peak heat of summer and the colder, potentially wetter conditions of winter, making it ideal for walking around towns and visiting religious buildings.
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