Attractions and Places To See around Bure-Les-Templiers - Top 20

Bure-les-Templiers is rich in medieval heritage. You can explore the ruins of the oldest Templar commandery in Burgundy, established around 1120. The village also features the 12th-14th century Saint-Julien Church, which originally served the commandery, and remnants of the 12th-century Maladrerie Saint-Julien, a leper hospital. Additionally, the nearby Grancey-le-Château Castle offers a glimpse into 18th-century architecture.

Yes, the area boasts several natural wonders. You can visit the Chalmessin Nature Reserve, a significant marshland with diverse flora and fauna, and a spectacular tufa formation. Another unique spot is the Tufière d'Amorey, where water and limestone create a distinctive landscape of waterfalls and pools. Don't miss the curious twisted beech tree, often called the 'umbrella tree,' on the southern heights surrounding the village, or the Marais du Cônois marsh.

The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find routes like the easy 'Hiking loop from Grancey-le-Château-Neuvelle' or moderate options like the 'Étang de la Juchère loop from Colmier-le-Bas'. Cyclists can enjoy road cycling routes such as the 'Quiet road with nice views – Lavoir de Vivey loop from Poinsenot'. There are also running trails, including the 'Petit Tour of the Chalmessin Nature Reserve'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for hiking, road cycling, and running around Bure-les-Templiers.

Families can enjoy exploring the artistic lavoirs in the village, two of which have been enhanced with art installations, including one by Liam Gillick in Romprey. The Auberive Abbey, with its gardens and contemporary art collection, can also be an engaging visit. For adventurous families, the Grotte des Muns, an ancient underground quarry, offers an interesting exploration opportunity.

Bure-les-Templiers features well-preserved old houses dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries. You can also observe unique village features like a traditional bread oven, fountain terminals with sculptures, watering troughs, and two square pigeon lofts with stone slab roofs. The Grancey-le-Château Castle is another excellent example, known for its colorful roof tiles typical of the Burgundy region.

Bure-les-Templiers is historically significant as a cradle of the Templar Order in France. It is home to the ruins of the oldest Templar commandery in Burgundy, established around 1120. The village's Saint-Julien Church originally served as the commandery's chapel and preserves Templar tombstones. The Borne de Justice, a cross-marked stone, also highlights the Templars' historical judicial authority in the area.

The Templar Commandery itself is private property. However, visitors can still explore the vestiges of its past, which include remnants of the seigneurial lodging, refectory, chapter house, and a Romanesque tower south of the church. Guided visits can sometimes be arranged by appointment.

Absolutely. The Saint-Julien Church in Bure-les-Templiers, dating from the 12th to 14th centuries, is a notable Romanesque and Gothic structure with Templar tombstones and Gothic paintings. The nearby hamlet of Romprey also features the Saint Renorbert Chapel. Further afield, the 12th-century Cistercian Auberive Abbey is a beautiful site with historical tours available.

Hikers have several options, ranging from easy to moderate. You can find an easy 'Hiking loop from Grancey-le-Château-Neuvelle' covering about 5 km, or a slightly longer 'Hiking loop from Saint-Broing-les-Moines' at over 10 km. For a moderate challenge, consider the 'Étang de la Juchère loop from Colmier-le-Bas', which is about 15 km. More details and routes are available in the hiking guide for Bure-les-Templiers.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The Auberive Abbey is praised for its architecture, gardens, and contemporary art collection. The Chalmessin Nature Reserve is highly rated for its guided trails through remarkable marshland and diverse wildlife. The unique landscape of waterfalls and pools at Tufière d'Amorey also receives positive feedback for its rare ecosystem.

Beyond the main attractions, you can find several unique spots. The Grotte des Muns, an ancient underground quarry with multiple entrances and passages, offers a fascinating exploration. The Borne de Justice, a historical boundary stone, marks a unique piece of Templar judicial history. Also, the artistic enhancements to the lavoirs, particularly the one in Romprey, provide an unexpected cultural touch.

Yes, Bure-les-Templiers offers equestrian trails for those who enjoy exploring the countryside on horseback. These trails provide a unique way to experience the natural beauty and landscapes surrounding the village.