The Irancy appellation is exclusively for red wines, and winegrowing here is documented as far back as 861. Other defining features of the area include its amphitheatre-shaped hollow, the Église Saint-Germain, the birthplace of Jacques-Germain Soufflot and its gastronomic offerings. Irancy brings together several travel themes: landscape and winegrowing, local history and cuisine.

Landscape and winegrowing

Irancy lies in an amphitheatre-shaped hollow. Its natural slopes are well suited to vineyards and cherry trees. The landscape therefore links two specific agricultural uses: the suitability of the slopes for vineyards and for cherry trees. If you choose a destination partly for its landscape, this combination is a distinctive feature. Winegrowing also has a historical context here: it is documented in Irancy as far back as 861.

The Irancy appellation

The Irancy appellation is a protected designation of origin for Burgundy wine and is part of the Auxerrois wine-growing area. Its wines are exclusively red, made from Pinot Noir and César, with César accounting for no more than 10 percent. The designation and grape-variety details serve different purposes: the appellation’s place in the Auxerrois identifies its regional context, while its colour, grape varieties and the limit on César define the parameters of its wine profile. The year 861, by contrast, relates to the history of winegrowing in Irancy.

Church and local history

The main building phases of the Église Saint-Germain date from the 12th and 13th centuries. The church has been classified as a Monument historique since September 3, 1969. The building phases and protected status are two different historical details: the former date the main parts of the church, while the latter refers to its classification in 1969. Local history thus spans the church’s medieval building phases and Soufflot’s birth in the 18th century.

Another connection to the area is Jacques-Germain Soufflot: he was born in Irancy in 1713, in a Renaissance house on the village’s main street. Alongside the church’s building history, the village’s story includes both a biographical connection and a specific place. The two subjects offer distinct ways to explore the area: the church through its dated building phases and protected status, and Soufflot through the story of a person and his birthplace.

Food and drink

The Le Soufflot restaurant in Irancy serves bistro-style cuisine featuring traditional products and dishes. Its cuisine is designed to bring out the wines. The Brasserie de la Cuverie offers organic beers in a range of styles. The two gastronomic offerings therefore have different focuses: bistro-style cuisine with a connection to wine on the one hand, and beers in a range of styles on the other. Check the opening arrangements for both venues before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Vareilles, Préhy, Magny, Saint-Bris-Le-Vineux, Courlon-sur-Yonne, Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses, Mailly-Le-Château, Vermenton.

For the wider travel overview: Yonne.