Vermenton brings together a complex church building, a park along the Cure and a history in which waterways changed the transportation of timber. This offers a choice of destination that combines architecture, local history and time outdoors: Notre-Dame preserves Romanesque features and a richly detailed portal, while Parc des Îles offers green spaces and a variety of leisure activities.
Waterways and Local History
The Vermenton branch canal was built in 1880. When the connection between the Cure and the Canal du Nivernais opened in 1881, timber transport by rail came to an end; barges took over. The two consecutive dates therefore mark not only the development of a waterway, but also a change in the means of transport. The Cure is both the scenic setting for Parc des Îles and part of this history of waterways.
Parc des Îles on the Cure
Parc des Îles stretches along the Cure and consists of seven picturesque small islands connected by footbridges. You can walk and picnic on the green spaces; there are also children’s playgrounds. Quiet spots along the banks invite you to fish, and there are boules courts as well. The park thus offers several different ways to spend time, from relaxing on the green spaces to activities along the banks and on the boules courts. The old mill at the entrance to the park was renovated after a period of decline, adding to the historic character of the site.
Notre-Dame: Building Phases and Portal
Notre-Dame incorporates remains of a Romanesque church within a 13th-century building that was extended eastward in the 14th century. The church has an unusual hall-church design. In a hall church, the aisles are nearly as high as the nave, unlike in a basilica, where the nave is significantly taller. The two towers also preserve Romanesque bases dating from 1158. These different dates make clear that the building’s history spans more than one era.
The portal has three rows of carved archivolts. Archivolts are the decorative rows that follow the curve of a portal arch. The motifs include angels and the months, as well as the martyrdom of Saint Stephen. They are joined by the musical elders of the Apocalypse and scenes from the life of Saint Nicholas. The architecture and sculpture offer two different ways to approach the church: its Romanesque features and medieval building phases can be observed, while the portal presents a varied religious iconographic program.
Sentier Cure: Routes and Use
A municipal route description dated July 25, 2023, takes the Sentier Cure through Reigny and lists a continuation as far as Vézelay and Avallon. It also describes a route between Lucy and Bessy-sur-Cure, used on foot or by bicycle. The descriptions emphasize different aspects: the route through Reigny lists the onward destinations, while the route between Lucy and Bessy-sur-Cure also specifies the ways it can be travelled. Check current route conditions before setting out, as they may change.
Discover more destinations: Lixy, Collan, Thorigny-Sur-Oreuse, Diges, Lindry, Pisy, Ligny-Le-Châtel, Vincelles.
Return to the regional travel overview: Yonne.
