The best MTB trails around Arcy-Sur-Cure

Crescent Lake owes its name to its crescent shape. It is popular with local fishermen and also with swimmers who can visit its beach to cool off. Camping is also permitted. This lake, with its exceptionally bucolic setting, was chosen as the location in 2015 by Michel Gondry for filming his movie Microbe and Gazoil.

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.

The Eternal Hill… the arrival at the Basilica of the Madeleine is paid for by the final hill!

There is no possibility of touring the lake by mountain bike along the banks, but rather by taking the road. However, check that the road that passes over the dam is open (temporarily closed until June 25, 2025 for us!).

Beautiful cliffs that offer sublime views

Not too difficult route, more beautiful walk with beautiful landscapes and varied terrain (path, cycle path, forest and even possibility of deviating onto singletrack above Irancy)

This small sacred monument, which the hiker encounters here at a crossroads on the historic Way of St. James, is in need of renovation, as the body of the crucified Christ is unfortunately damaged. The stone base from which the cross extends is covered with some stones that were obviously left there. This custom comes from the well-known "Crux de ferro" on the "Camino Frances" in northern Spain. According to tradition, the pilgrims also lay aside their worries and troubles with the stones that they carry there, sometimes over many days and weeks.

On the Cure, the very old bridge of St-Père, remodeled several times, has kept its appearance from the end of the 18th century. It is difficult to date the first stone bridge. Like the Asquins bridge, it is very important due to its history and location. A Roman bridge may have existed at St Père, each bank being bordered by a Roman road. In the Middle Ages and after, the Cure separated the Duchy of Burgundy, the County of Nevers and the royal lands and St Père was located on strategic and very busy communication routes. In addition, the town was very close to the rich abbey and basilica of Vézelay and Avallon, therefore on a famous pilgrimage route.