Saint-Jean-de-Vaux combines a historic village centre with paths through the landscape of the Vallée des Vaux. At Place des Tilleuls, you’ll encounter two distinct aspects of the village: the Calvaire de la Place des Tilleuls dates from 1622, and this is also where the Croix de Saint Jean de Vaux circular trail begins. Other features include the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, washhouses and an outdoor swimming pool that is open only in summer. You can therefore treat cultural sites, walks and seasonal attractions as distinct highlights of your trip.

Historic buildings in the village

The Calvaire de la Place des Tilleuls is listed as a historic monument. This protection has been in place since 20 September 1927. The date 1622 refers to when the calvary was created; its listing came more than three centuries later. For anyone interested in the village’s history, this gives two clearly distinct points in time: the creation of the structure and the later start of its protected status.

The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste can also be explored through its different construction phases. Its bell tower dates from the 11th century. Parts of the church date from the 11th and 12th centuries, as well as the 15th and 18th centuries. The church has several chapels, two of which form the transept. This means it offers not just a single historical date, but a range of architectural details that reflect its long history of construction. The term transept refers to the part of a church that runs across the nave.

Another element of the architectural heritage is the Lavoir du Haut. It is one of Saint-Jean-de-Vaux’s two washhouses. Together with the calvary and the church, it broadens the view beyond a single building to encompass different forms of local heritage.

Circular trail and countryside

The Croix de Saint Jean de Vaux circular trail starts at Place des Tilleuls in the village centre. After the washhouse, it continues along a path beside the stream. This connects the starting point with a specific stretch of countryside: at first, the focus is on the village centre, then on the waterside path. Before setting off, plan to check the route on site.

Paths around Saint-Jean-de-Vaux run between vineyards, meadows and forests. This adds other landscape features to the stretch of the circular trail that follows the stream, although not every route passes through the same surroundings. If you plan to spend most of your time outdoors, these different trails and landscapes may help you choose where to walk.

Another point of reference is the Balade au cœur de la vallée des Vaux route: it continues to Saint-Denis-de-Vaux and then on to Saint-Jean-de-Vaux. The sequence of villages provides additional regional context without specifying a particular mode of transport or stage length.

Seasonal outdoor pool and wine tasting

The Piscine de la Vallée is an outdoor pool that is open only in summer. The outdoor pool measures 25 × 8 metres, and there is also a paddling pool for children. The pool is supplied with water from a spring in the commune. Its seasonal opening is an important factor when planning a visit. Check the current opening period and facility information before you go, as opening dates or pool configurations may change.

At Burgundy Immersion, a guided tasting of five carefully selected wines follows a walk through the vineyards. The tasting takes place at 28 Pl. des Tilleuls, 71640 Saint-Jean-de-Vaux. Event details and availability may change, so check them before making plans. You can choose from several themes for your stay: construction history and architecture, walks through the countryside, the seasonal outdoor pool, or a combination of a vineyard walk and wine tasting.

Discover more destinations: La Vineuse, Mervans, Chassigny-Sous-Dun, Baudemont, Solutré-Pouilly, Charette-Varennes, Artaix, Montagny-Lès-Buxy.

Go to the overview of the wider region: Saône-Et-Loire.