A 16th-century bell tower and a lock whose history spans the opening of the Canal de Bourgogne to navigation and its later adaptation to the Freycinet gauge give Lézinnes a distinctive cultural and historical character. At the same time, an introductory canoe-kayak session, a cycling stage described as a “small port” and a pétanque tournament reflect other local interests. If you are looking for a hotel in Lézinnes, you can first decide whether architectural history or an activity involving water and cycling will shape your stay.

Church, Cross and Washhouse

The Church of Saint-Etienne brings together several distinct architectural details. The nave has three bays and an aisle on the left. The bays divide the elongated main space into sections, while the aisle runs alongside it. The choir is thought to date from the 13th century; the bell tower dates from the 16th century. The two dates therefore refer to different parts of the church. The date 1694 is engraved on the front of the base of the monumental cross in Lézinnes. A crucified Christ and a Madonna and Child are depicted on its two sides. The washhouse was built in 1874 by Brisebard, an architect from Tonnerre. The church, cross and washhouse thus bring different architectural forms, motifs and periods of construction into view.

Canal History and Architecture at Lock 85

At the Canal de Bourgogne, the history of the waterway can be distinguished from the lock’s later structural adaptation. The site of Lock 85, known as the Lézinnes lock, was established for the section opened to navigation in 1832, from Pont-de-Pany to Tonnerre. From 1879, the lock was lengthened as part of its adaptation to the Freycinet gauge. The dates refer to different events: 1832 marks the opening of the canal section to navigation, while 1879 marks the start of the lock’s lengthening. The building at the lock is of the “Poirée” type, with a rectangular floor plan and a roof with long slopes. These features complement the historical sequence with a specific description of the building. On the Tonnerre–Ancy-le-Franc stage of Le Tour de Bourgogne by bike, Lézinnes is described as a “small port.” Check the route’s current conditions and facilities before setting out.

Canoeing, Cycling Route and Accommodation

At La Gravière du Moulin, Lézinnes Canoë-Kayak offers an introduction to navigating canoes and kayaks of various types. Unlike the cycling stage, the focus here is on navigating on the water; ask about the dates of the activity if you would like to include it in your plans. La Gravière campsite is on the banks of the Armançon and has 32 pitches. Check the current operating information before making plans. A traditional doubles pétanque tournament is also held at the Moulin de la Gravière in Lézinnes; the FR Tanlay football club invites participants. If the tournament interests you, check the specific event date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Jully, Collemiers, Mélisey, Bléneau, Ligny-Le-Châtel, Thorigny-Sur-Oreuse, Chaumot, Vaumort

For the overview of the wider area: Yonne.