Saint-Florentin reveals itself through several distinct themes: local history at the Musée en Florentinois, architecture at the Église Saint-Florentin, the Canal de Bourgogne, and a hike to Avrolles. This gives you a clear choice when planning your stay: should you focus on culture and history, or would you also like to include a longer hike? Each of the sights and the route offers its own perspective.
Local History and Changing Exhibitions
The Musée en Florentinois presents the history of Saint-Florentin and the Florentinois region from prehistoric times to the 1950s. Its scope therefore spans a long period of local and regional history. Temporary exhibitions are also held from February to December, featuring one or more invited artists. Exhibition dates vary. If you would like to include a particular artist or exhibition in your stay, check the dates in advance.
Church Architecture and Historical Landmarks
The Église Saint-Florentin is a Gothic church dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, with Renaissance elements. Its notable features include a stone rood screen and 16th-century stained-glass windows attributed to the Troyes school. The church is open to visitors free of charge throughout the year. To enter, borrow the key from the Office de Tourisme Serein et Armance by presenting an identity document. As this procedure may change, check the arrangements before your visit.
Other landmarks also offer glimpses into different periods of the town’s history. The Fontaine aux Dragons features bronze dragons dating from the 16th century; the fountain is designed in the Gothic and Renaissance styles and was rebuilt in 1984. The Tour des Cloches dates from the 12th-century fortifications. It is the last of six towers that once served to defend the town.
In the Prieuré, a monastery housed canons and hospital sisters in the 9th century. The Prieuré also offers a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding area. The Grenier à Sel reflects a different historical use: in the 18th century, salt was stored in three large vaulted rooms. The remaining room is now used as an exhibition space. Together, these places show different aspects of local history—from religious institutions and the town’s former defences to salt storage.
Canal Views and a Hike to Avrolles
At Site d'écluse 108 du versant Yonne, the waterway runs above Saint-Florentin and offers a viewpoint overlooking the town. The site is at the end of the Canal de Bourgogne’s only decorated canal bridge. Here, views of Saint-Florentin meet a distinctive example of canal engineering: the decorated bridge is a feature in its own right.
If you would like to plan a hike alongside visits to historic sites, the Sentier des Gaulois is a named route from Saint-Florentin to Avrolles. It is 12 kilometres long and starts at Place des Fontaines. The route follows a marked, shaded towpath along the Canal de Bourgogne. Its starting point, destination, and length provide a clear framework for planning your hike, without specifying a particular walking time. This makes it easy to decide whether to include the route in your stay or focus instead on the town’s history and architecture.
Discover more destinations: Collan, Villebougis, Crain, Jussy, Thorigny-Sur-Oreuse, Courson-Les-Carrières, Villeperrot, Vézelay
For the broader travel guide: Yonne.
