Best attractions and places to see around Sementron, a commune in the Yonne department of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, serves as a gateway to a range of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. The surrounding area features medieval castles, significant religious sites, and charming towns. This region offers diverse points of interest for explorers.
Last updated: October 10, 2026
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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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Very nice walk made in May 2019. I recommend!
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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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6th century: primitive church built by Saint-Romain, destroyed by a fire at the end of the 11th century. 12th century: current Romanesque church: very pure plan, three-bay nave with apses in the extension. Flat transsept. 14th century: construction of the Notre-Dame de la Pitié chapel on the lower north side. 15th century: construction of the defense tower enclosing the staircase, raising of the transept with the incorporation of Gothic glass roofs. 19th century: construction of the sacristy, installation of stained glass windows, transfer of the cemetery surrounding the church. Decoration in the portal and capitals, borrows from Arab and Roman styles. Bell installed in 1881 "Constance", diameter: 1.215 m, weight: 1066 kg replaces "Perette", dating from 1642. The church was classified as a historic monument on 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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Bridge built at the time of the fortified castle and the church (12th century). It replaced a wooden bridge established over a ford by Saint Romain in the 6th century. 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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very nice viaduct that served as a railway line until 1942
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The region around Sementron is rich in history. You can explore the medieval castle reconstruction site of Guedelon, the historic city of Auxerre with its stunning cathedral and Saint-Germain Abbey, or the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vézelay, home to the monumental Romanesque Sainte-Madeleine Basilica. Closer to Sementron, consider visiting the Fortified Gate of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines and the Château de Druyes, both dating back to the 12th century.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The ongoing medieval castle reconstruction at Guedelon offers an engaging experience for all ages. In Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, the Bridge Over the Druyes and The Druyes Viaduct are noted as family-friendly historical sites, perfect for a leisurely walk and exploration.
For scenic views, The Druyes Viaduct is a popular spot, offering a historical perspective along with its elevated position. The Château de Druyes also provides impressive vistas from its location overlooking the town.
While Sementron itself is a small locality, the surrounding region of Burgundy-Franche-Comté is known for its scenic beauty. Near Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, you can find a charming pond hidden behind houses and a historic river. The wider area offers opportunities for outdoor activities amidst natural landscapes, including forests and rolling hills.
The area around Sementron is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, running, and mountain biking. For example, explore road cycling routes like the 'Château de Druyes – Bridge Over the Druyes loop' or running trails such as the 'Toucy Reeds – Old Railway Bridge loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can tackle routes like 'The Saussois Rocks – Vineyards Around Auxerre loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Sementron, Running Trails around Sementron, and MTB Trails around Sementron guides.
Yes, the region offers various hiking opportunities. Many trails incorporate historical sites like the Château de Druyes, with some circular routes designed to keep the castle in view. You can find detailed hiking routes in the nearby outdoor activity guides.
Beyond historical sites, you can immerse yourself in local culture by visiting Chablis, famous for its wines, offering opportunities for vineyard tours and wine tasting. The region also hosts vibrant local markets in towns like Toucy, Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, and Auxerre, where you can experience local life and find regional products.
The Burgundy-Franche-Comté region generally offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities from spring through early autumn (April to October). These months provide comfortable temperatures for hiking, cycling, and exploring historical sites. Summer can be warm, while spring and autumn offer milder conditions and beautiful scenery.
One unique attraction is Guedelon, where a medieval castle is being built using authentic 13th-century techniques. Another interesting site is the Underground Quarry of Aubigny. In Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, a 'pond hidden behind the houses' offers a quiet corner with a beautiful overview of the village, hinting at the origin of its 'Belles Fontaines' (beautiful fountains) name.
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and architectural beauty of the area. The Fortified Gate of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines and the Château de Druyes are often highlighted for their medieval charm. The Druyes Viaduct is also praised for its historical significance and scenic views, making for a very nice walk.
Yes, several nearby towns host lively markets. You can visit Toucy on Saturdays, Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye on Wednesdays, Saint-Fargeau on Fridays, and Auxerre on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. These markets are great for experiencing local life and finding regional produce.
The Saint-Romain Church in Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines is a significant Romanesque church, with its current structure dating back to the 12th century, built on the site of a primitive 6th-century church. It features a pure plan, a three-bay nave, and has been classified as a historic monument since 1888, showcasing beautiful portal decorations and capitals with Arab and Roman influences.


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