Attractions and places to see around Bazoches, a village in the Nièvre department of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, are characterized by historical landmarks and natural landscapes. The area is known for its association with Marshal Vauban and its location within the Morvan Regional Natural Park. Visitors can explore a mix of historical sites, religious buildings, and natural features.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
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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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View of the bridge and the village, take the small path to go down below and reach the small stone bridge
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The view from above of the old stone bridge is worth it. You have to stop on the upper bridge.
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Great section, exciting bridge and great view of Vezelay
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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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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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The Crescent Dam was built between 1929 and 1932. A gravity dam, it is 330 meters long and 37 meters high. Its width at the base is 24 meters and at the crest 3.5 meters. It was built on the initiative of SA Compagnie HydroElectrique de la Cure and was owned by the City of Paris until 1946. The dam was built to regulate the waters of the Yonne and Seine rivers and thus prevent flooding in Paris, while also producing electricity. More than 165 hectares of cultivated land, hamlets, mills, and paths were flooded to allow the creation of the reservoir (maximum depth of 40 meters). It occupies four municipalities and two departments, and is fed by the Cure and Chalaux rivers. The structure was partly financed by war reparations owed by Germany to France after the First World War. This is why much of the dam's mechanisms are German-made. The road across it is narrow and only allows passage for one vehicle. Fortunately, there is very little traffic.
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Bazoches is rich in history, primarily known for its association with Marshal Vauban. You can visit the Château de Bazoches, his primary residence and workplace for over 30 years, which offers insights into his life and work. The village also features the Romanesque Saint-Hilaire Church, housing the Vauban family tomb, and an ancient Roman road passes through the area. For more information on the château, you can visit burgundy-tourism.com.
Yes, several notable religious sites are in the vicinity. The Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père, a 13th-century masterpiece of Burgundy Flamboyant Gothic style, is a must-see with its 50-meter-high bell tower and intricate sculptures. The Cordelle Chapel marks the spot where Saint Bernard preached the Second Crusade in 1146 and was home to the first Franciscan monastery in France. Additionally, the Saint-Roch Chapel is located on the route of the Camino de Santiago.
Bazoches is nestled in the heart of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, offering lush green landscapes, forests, and granite formations. The area is close to several lakes, such as Lake Chaumeçon, Lake Settons, and Lake Pannecière, which are ideal for nature lovers. You can also visit the impressive Crescent Dam, a gravity dam built between 1929 and 1932, which plays a role in regulating the Yonne and Seine rivers.
Absolutely! The region offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking. Several marked trails originate from Bazoches, such as the 6 km 'Loop of the Roman Way,' the 2 km 'Loop of the Fountain of Love,' the 10 km 'Bazoches loop,' and the 6 km 'Vauban circuit.' For more detailed hiking routes, you can explore the hiking guide for Bazoches, which includes routes like the 'Château Bazoches — loop in the Morvan Regional Natural Park' and the 'Château de Bazoches loop from Bazoches'.
The Château de Bazoches is open for visits from February to December, making spring, summer, and autumn excellent times to explore the historical sites and enjoy the natural beauty of the Morvan Regional Natural Park. The warmer months are ideal for hiking and outdoor activities around the lakes, while the shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
While specific 'family-friendly' categories are not explicitly listed for all attractions, historical sites like the Château de Bazoches can be engaging for families interested in history and architecture. The natural landscapes of the Morvan Regional Natural Park and the various hiking loops, including easier ones like the 5.7 km 'Château de Bazoches loop from Bazoches' found in the hiking guide, offer opportunities for family outings.
Marshal Vauban, the renowned military engineer, acquired the Château de Bazoches in 1675 and made it his primary residence and workplace for over 30 years. It was from this château that he planned and directed many of his fortification projects across France. Visitors can explore his study, map room, and bedroom, gaining a unique insight into his life and monumental contributions to French military architecture and urban planning. An exhibition dedicated to 'The Ideal Fortification' is also held at the château.
Yes, the area around Bazoches is well-suited for cycling and mountain biking. You can find various routes, including challenging ones like the 'Avallon – Lake Crescent loop' for mountain biking or the 'Bazoches, Saint-Aubin-des-Chaumes et la vallée de La Cure' for touring bicycles. Explore the dedicated guides for MTB Trails around Bazoches and Cycling around Bazoches for detailed route information.
The Pierre-Perthuis Stone Bridge is a beautifully restored Roman bridge located south of Pierre-Perthuis. It offers a great photo opportunity and a scenic rest area. It's appreciated by visitors for its historical charm and the picturesque views it provides, making it a popular spot for a short stop during your exploration of the region.
The Château de Bazoches itself is situated on a Morvan hillside and provides exceptional views of the Vézelay hill and the surrounding mountains. The Pierre-Perthuis Stone Bridge also offers scenic views. The entire Morvan Regional Natural Park is characterized by its lush landscapes, providing many picturesque spots for enjoying the natural beauty.
Beyond the historical landmarks, Bazoches lies on the Vézelay route of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, offering a unique cultural and spiritual experience for those interested in the historic pilgrimage route. Nearby towns like Corbigny, Avallon, and Clamecy host local markets on different days of the week, providing a taste of local life and regional produce.
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of history and natural beauty. The intricate architecture of the Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père and the historical significance of the Château de Bazoches are highly praised. The scenic beauty of the Pierre-Perthuis Stone Bridge and the tranquil setting of the Cordelle Chapel are also frequently highlighted, along with the overall charm of the Morvan countryside.


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