Voutenay-Sur-Cure combines a striking hillside landscape with buildings whose details range from stone corbels to an unusual roof structure. The GR® 13 also passes through the village, and canoe and kayak trips run from here to Arcy-sur-Cure. This makes the landscape, local history and outdoor activities options to consider during a stay. Which activity you focus on also determines what conditions you should check in advance.
Landscape at the Côte de l’Étang
The Côte de l’Étang in the commune of Voutenay-Sur-Cure is the first site in the Yonne department to be designated an ENS. This sensitive natural area covers 25 hectares. Its landscape features include limestone grassland, as well as adjoining scrub, boxwood stands and thermophilic woodland. Open areas and wooded sections thus lie side by side.
The south-facing hillside overlooks the Cure Valley. From the summit, the view extends across Voutenay-Sur-Cure and its characteristic local architecture. The low-growing vegetation and intense sunshine also shape the area's character: the Côte de l’Étang is therefore considered a place with a Mediterranean atmosphere and the character of a “petit Causse.” Visitors who want to take in both nature and the village can find both within this landscape.
Church, clock tower and washhouse
The Église Saint-André is dated to the 12th and 13th centuries on the basis of a series of stone corbels along the edge of the roof. Another architectural feature is its roof of stone slabs, laid without a roof frame or rafters. The church also contains a bas-relief entitled “Saint André et saint Jean-Baptiste.”
The bridge and washhouse ensemble has a special connection to water. It has been protected as a Monument historique since 1960. The square washhouse stands on a circular platform that divides the water between the washhouse and the river into two channels. The building's shape and the round platform make the site distinctive, as does its relationship to the water.
The history of the clock also offers insight into local building history. The clock tower was built in 1829 to house an additional bell, after the church bell was considered too faint because of its distance from the population. The original clock had a wooden dial, a bronze mechanism and just one hour hand. Together with the details of the church and washhouse, these examples show different aspects of Voutenay-Sur-Cure's architecture and history.
Hiking route and canoe or kayak trip
The GR® 13 passes through Voutenay-Sur-Cure and connects the Gâtinais with the Morvan. If you plan to hike a section of the route, check the current trail markings and path conditions in advance. This helps distinguish the route connection from the conditions of your specific hike.
Canoe and kayak trips from Voutenay-Sur-Cure can cover a route of about ten kilometres to Arcy-sur-Cure. The trip takes approximately three hours, and participants must be able to swim. Before planning, check current providers and water conditions, as well as the swimming requirement. Unlike the hiking route, this trip has a stated approximate distance and duration, as well as a participation requirement—useful points for planning your time and activities.
Discover more destinations: Marmeaux, Andryes, Moulins-sur-Ouanne, Appoigny, Fontenay-Sous-Fouronnes, Molinons, Nailly, Quenne.
For the broader travel overview: Yonne.
