Attractions and Places To See around Mailly-La-Ville - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Mailly-La-Ville include a blend of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural points of interest in the Yonne department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The area features significant rock formations, historical churches, and proximity to the Yonne River and Nivernais Canal. Visitors can explore a region known for its geological history and architectural heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Mailly-La-Ville
- The most popular attractions is The Saussois Rocks, a cliff that is popular with climbing enthusiasts. This site features imposing rocks and is a renowned rock climbing location.
- Another must-see spot is Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Cravant, a religious building. This church is a remarkable building with unique architecture in Burgundy and impressive dimensions.
- Visitors also love Châtel-Censoir, a village crossed by the Yonne River and the Nivernais Canal. It features the remains of Castrum and the Saint-Potentien collegiate church.
- Mailly-La-Ville is known for its historical sites, natural features, and cultural heritage. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to significant rock formations and waterways.
- The attractions around Mailly-La-Ville are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 170 upvotes and 60 photos shared.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
The Saussois Rocks
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Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Cravant
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Its impressive dimensions remind us that Cravant was a city of more than 3000 inhabitants.
The church then belonged to the bishops of Auxerre who came there regularly and did everything to make it beautiful and imposing. The interior of the church, with its nave, its Renaissance choir, its chapels, its keystones and its vaulted ceilings, bears witness to its prestigious past.
It was built in the 9th century, enlarged in the 12th century then rebuilt at the end of the 16th century.
bourgogne-tourisme.com/abbayes-et-autre-edifices-religieux/eglise-de-saint-pierre-et-saint-paul-de-cravant-3
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Châtel-Censoir
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The Nivernais canal greenway passes below the village. Don't miss the remains of Castrum and the Saint-Potentien collegiate church. For rock lovers, the Saussois climbing site is just a few kilometers away.
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Château du Chastenay
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The presence of a dovecote affirms the lordly character of the place. In principle, only lords, high justices, had one. The number of bowls was regulated according to the surface area of the owner's fiefdom. The pigeon was highly appreciated for its fine flesh and for its droppings, called columbine, which serves as excellent quality fertilizer.
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Cravant Keep
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The old public washhouse is right next to it.
A monument is erected facing the street. The 4,500 soldiers who fell here in a historic battle defending France in 1423 are remembered there.
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Tips from the Community
The woman who lives next door in the keep even washes her laundry here.
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How I love bathing my feet in a washhouse!
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Next to the Manor, there is the miniature village.
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very nice little village with a bakery, a grocery store, a garage with a gas pump.
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The extremely impressive church in Cravant was dedicated to the two SAINTS "PIERRE et PAUL". They are also known as the "Princes of the Apostles" and their common feast day in the calendar of saints is June 29th. * Simon, nicknamed Peter (Rock), was a fisherman on Lake Genesareth when he - together with his brother Andrew - was called by Jesus Christ to be a "fisher of men". According to Catholic understanding, he is the highest apostle and the two thousand year long line of popes - currently Francis - are his successors. In statues and paintings, Peter is almost always depicted with two keys in his hand; this attribute refers to the Bible verse in Matthew: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Chapter 16, Verse 19). * Paul was initially an opponent of the Christian movement and was not called to the apostleship of Jesus Christ during his lifetime like the other apostles, but was only converted later with the famous "Damascus experience". His attribute is the sword with which he was executed. According to the Roman law of the time, such a sentence was a "privilege" (quick death and not, like other types of execution, associated with a long, painful death struggle) that was available to the citizens of Rome.
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Châtel-Censoir, crossed by the Yonne and the Canal du Nivernais, has long been a prosperous town, just like its neighbor, Clamecy. This was particularly due to firewood, which was transported to Paris by canal. The Nivernais canal greenway passes below the village. Don't miss the remains of Castrum and the Saint-Potentien collegiate church. For rock lovers, the Saussois climbing site is just a few kilometers away.
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A pretty flat section of a well-paved route crosses the commune of Chatel Censoir. Châtel-Censoir is a small village of nearly 700 people. The village takes its name from the bishop of Saint-Censure, bishop of Auxerre.
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The Saint Pierre Saint Paul church is a remarkable building. It has a unique architecture in Burgundy. Its impressive dimensions remind us that Cravant was a city of more than 3000 inhabitants. The church then belonged to the bishops of Auxerre who came there regularly and did everything to make it beautiful and imposing. The interior of the church, with its nave, its Renaissance choir, its chapels, its keystones and its vaulted ceilings, bears witness to its prestigious past. It was built in the 9th century, enlarged in the 12th century then rebuilt at the end of the 16th century. https://www.bourgogne-tourisme.com/abbayes-et-autre-edifices-religieux/eglise-de-saint-pierre-et-saint-paul-de-cravant-3
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and landscapes can I explore around Mailly-La-Ville?
The region offers diverse natural beauty. A prominent feature is The Saussois Rocks, a renowned rock climbing site with imposing cliffs. You can also visit the Bois du Parc Nature Reserve, known for its unique geology and flora, or enjoy the tranquility of the Yonne River and the Nivernais Canal, which offer opportunities for walking, cycling, and fishing.
Are there any significant historical churches or religious sites to visit?
Yes, the area is rich in historical religious architecture. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Cravant, is a remarkable building with unique architecture and impressive dimensions. Nearby, you can find the 13th-century Église St Adrien in Mailly-le-Château, the historic Saint-Nicolas Chapel on the oldest bridge in the Yonne department, and the Cemetery Chapel (Saint-Siméon) with Romanesque bays and frescoes.
What prehistoric sites or caves are accessible near Mailly-La-Ville?
Just a short distance away are the fascinating Caves of Arcy-sur-Cure, including the Great Cave of Arcy. These caves are famous for their prehistoric paintings, some dating back 28,000 years, and magnificent concretions. Neanderthals inhabited this site 200,000 years ago, making it a significant archaeological destination.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The region around Mailly-La-Ville is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the 'Discovering Arcy-sur-Cure and its Prehistoric Caves Trail' or explore the area by bike on routes such as 'Along the Yonne River'. For more options, check out the dedicated guides for hiking, running, and mountain biking around Mailly-La-Ville.
Are there any charming villages or towns to visit nearby?
Absolutely. Châtel-Censoir is a picturesque village crossed by the Yonne River and Nivernais Canal, featuring the remains of Castrum and the Saint-Potentien collegiate church. Further afield, you can visit Noyers-sur-Serein, recognized as a 'Most Beautiful Village' with its medieval charm and half-timbered houses, or the ancient fortified town of Avallon.
What historical castles or châteaux are in the vicinity?
You can discover several historical castles. The Château de Mailly-le-Château, located in the nearby village of the same name, is a fortified bastion with medieval ramparts and views of the Yonne River. Another notable site is the elegant Renaissance-style Château du Chastenay, which features a hexagonal staircase tower and richly carved details.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions around Mailly-La-Ville?
The region offers several options for families. Exploring the Great Cave of Arcy with its prehistoric paintings can be an educational and exciting experience. Additionally, the Nivernais Canal provides flat greenways perfect for family cycling or leisurely walks. The nearby Château du Chastenay also has a miniature village next to it, which can be fun for younger visitors.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints or places for photography?
For breathtaking views, the medieval ramparts of Château de Mailly-le-Château offer panoramic vistas of the Yonne River and the Nivernais Canal. The Bois du Parc Nature Reserve also provides scenic spots with its cliffs and unique landscapes. The The Saussois Rocks are particularly photogenic, especially when climbers are in action against the dramatic limestone backdrop.
What are some unique cultural experiences or hidden gems in the area?
A truly unique experience is visiting Guédelon, a medieval castle being reconstructed using only 13th-century techniques, offering a fascinating insight into historical craftsmanship. You can also explore the surrounding vineyards, including the famous Chablis region, and visit the Caves de Bailly where Crémant de Bourgogne is produced in ancient limestone quarries.
What is the best way to explore the Nivernais Canal and Yonne River?
The Nivernais Canal is ideal for tranquil exploration. You can cycle along its greenway, which offers a flat and scenic path, or enjoy fishing. The Yonne River provides opportunities for canoeing or kayaking, allowing you to experience the region's natural beauty from the water. Mailly-le-Château even serves as a rest stop along the canal.
Are there any UNESCO World Heritage sites nearby?
Yes, the monumental Vézelay Basilica, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, is approximately 16 km from Mailly-La-Ville and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a must-visit for those interested in historical and architectural marvels.
What kind of historical monuments or memorials are in Mailly-le-Château?
In Mailly-le-Château, beyond the castle and churches, you can find the striking Mailly-le-Château War Memorial, a unique creation by sculptor Blondat. There's also the Château des Ports House, which evokes the historical practice of log driving, and the Wolf Fountain, linked to a local legend, at the entrance to the Bourg-Bas bridge.
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