Étais-La-Sauvin combines a hilly, wooded landscape with two specific hiking routes and traces of local history. You can plan your visit around different interests: getting active on the trails, following the historic route along the ridge of the Montagne des Alouettes, or exploring the architectural history of the churches. There are also named producers and places to buy local products, where it is important to arrange your visit in advance.
Hiking with two different route profiles
The Chemin de Bel-Air is a marked, easy circular hiking trail, 10.11 kilometres long, starting in Étais-La-Sauvin. As a loop, it returns to its starting point. Check trail conditions locally before setting out. The Randonnée des Écoliers also starts in Étais-La-Sauvin; it is 10.92 kilometres long and rated moderate. Both routes start in the village and are similar in length; they differ mainly in difficulty and in the Chemin de Bel-Air’s stated circular route. So when choosing, consider not only the distance but also each route’s profile. When planning your day, also take into account the pace and breaks that work for you.
Hilly landscape and historic routes
Étais-La-Sauvin lies on the southern edge of the Yonne department and borders the Nièvre department. The landscape is hilly and wooded; the Montagne des Alouettes reaches an elevation of 364 metres. The route of a former Roman road between Auxerre, Entrains and Mesves is still visible along its ridge. Here, different aspects of the landscape sit side by side: the terrain around the Montagne des Alouettes and a historic transport route whose course remains visible along the ridge. Those interested in ancient routes will find a specific point of interest in the road’s trace, alongside the natural landscape and hiking.
Church architecture from two periods
The history of religious architecture reflects two distinct periods. The Église Saint Pierre was built around 1539 to replace an earlier religious building; a sundial is located on its south façade. By contrast, the choir of a 14th-century church survives as a chapel in the cemetery at Montivieux. The church was partly demolished in 1808, but the choir remained. The construction of the Église Saint Pierre around 1539 is linked to an earlier building; in Montivieux, part of the older church has survived and now serves as a chapel. The sundial adds a specific detail to the architectural history of the south façade.
Local products: plan your visit in advance
At the Ferme du Buisson, farm-gate sales are available by appointment via email or telephone. In Les Villenots, the farm offers organic poultry, organic fruit, apple juice, oil and vinegar. Arrange your visit in advance and check whether the products you want are available. The Chèvrerie Fondriot is a cheese dairy in Bois Avril, Étais-La-Sauvin. If you are interested in buying directly from the producer, check availability before your visit as well.
Discover more destinations: Sens, Maillot, Villeblevin, Lignorelles, Bussy-Le-Repos, Roffey, Arcy-Sur-Cure, Courgis.
See the main travel overview: Yonne.
