Villy-le-Moutier can be explored through three specific points of interest: the Church of Saint-Blaise-et-Saint-Révérien, the Meuzin and Circular Trail No. 7. The easy circular trail starts at the church and is about seven kilometres long. This makes it possible to consider local history and a hike together when planning, without having to follow a fixed itinerary. Visitors particularly interested in architecture will find several historical layers at the church; those who prefer to explore the village on foot can make the circular trail their main focus. The landscape and the buildings by the river complement these two ways of exploring the area.
A church with several construction phases
The Church of Saint-Blaise-et-Saint-Révérien is early Romanesque and may date from the 10th or 11th century. The nave was renovated in the 15th or 16th century. Changes made at the time include the current ceiling and two large windows. In terms of its architectural history, the church brings together an early period and later alterations to the nave.
The church also houses a gilded wooden reliquary containing part of the skull of Saint Révérien. This religious connection adds a specific detail about the veneration of the saint to the church’s history.
The Meuzin and historic buildings
The Meuzin flows through the area from north to south. Beside the river is a stone mill that forms part of Ferme Joigneault. The stone washhouse also projects into the Meuzin, supported by its retaining walls. Inside, there was a fireplace where washerwomen could warm themselves and boil their laundry. The mill and washhouse thus point to different former uses of the water: the mill as part of the farm, and the work carried out in the washhouse.
Another historical connection dates back to the Gallo-Roman period: a paved ford crossing or paved glacis lies on the route of a Roman road that linked Autun with Besançon. The wooded areas in the commune include the Bois du Biez des Vernes. The river and the woodland offer two distinct ways to experience the local landscape.
Circular trail and getting your bearings
Chemin de randonnée No. 7 is an easy circular trail of about seven kilometres that starts at the church. It passes through the villages of Villy-le-Moutier and Villy le Brûlé and explores the surrounding countryside. The church is therefore both a historic landmark and the starting point for the circular route. Before setting off, check the trail markings and current condition locally.
The route of the RD 20 is also useful for finding your way around the commune: it crosses the area from northeast to west via Longvay. Heading west, it connects with the commune of Beaune. Together with the Meuzin’s north–south course, this provides two different directions to help you understand the area’s layout.
Discover more destinations: Flagey-Échézeaux, Courban, Thury, Velars-sur-Ouche, Villers-La-Faye, Voudenay, Quincey, Aisy-sous-Thil.
For the wider travel overview: Cote-Dor.
