In Sainpuits, historic buildings and a marked hiking route shape the way visitors experience the area. The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Lorette combines architectural history with a historic role as a pilgrimage site; the parish church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and the Château des Barres offer further points of interest for architecture enthusiasts. A route of 18.3 kilometres also leads to the Montagne des Alouettes.

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Lorette

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Lorette and the surrounding district were listed as historic monuments by decree on 2 March 1987. The façades are made of brick; some of the façade bricks are glazed and arranged in a decorative diamond pattern. The chapel can therefore be understood both through its protected status and the specific design of its façades. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it became an important pilgrimage site for wet nurses and pregnant women. The decree dates the protected status, while the pilgrimage history places the site’s former use in context. This offers a different perspective from the brick patterns and tells of the chapel’s religious significance.

The church and Château des Barres

The main fabric of the parish church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine appears to date from the 13th century. Its square bell tower is topped by a Flamboyant-style balustrade. A statue of Saint Mary Magdalene in the church dates from the mid-16th century. The possible date of the building’s core and the later date of the statue mark different historical points of reference; both help place the church in context and do not indicate a single construction date.

The Château des Barres dates from 1786 and comprises a central building, a chapel and a large tower on the west side. Compared with the parish church, whose main fabric appears to date from the 13th century, the château has a precise date: 1786. The chapel at the Château des Barres is open to visitors; check locally that visits are possible before you travel.

The marked hiking route

The “Promenade à Sainpuits dans les vallons de Forterre vers la voie romaine” is a marked hiking route measuring 18.3 kilometres. It starts at the car park on Place de la Mairie and leads to the Montagne des Alouettes. Both the starting point and the direction of the route are clearly specified. At 18.3 kilometres, this is a substantial hike rather than a short walk. Markings and trail conditions can change; check both before setting out.

For planning your day, the hike is quite different from the cultural sites: its length, starting point and destination are specified, while each building has its own architectural and historical details. You can plan the route as a longer activity and make exploring the area’s history a separate focus.

Discover more destinations: Charny, Champignelles, Rouvray, Fontenay-Près-Vézelay, Lindry, Villeblevin, Quenne, Annay-Sur-Serein

For the wider travel overview: Yonne.