Discover Salives: a medieval village and culture

Salives is a medieval village in a green valley where the Tille rises. Buildings from several centuries, a cultural centre and walking routes focused on history and geology give the place its distinct character. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus mainly on historic architecture, connections to water, landscape themes, or culture and sport.

Building history and water supply

The rectangular keep dates from the early 11th century and is approximately 18 metres high. The Église Saint-Martin stands above the source of the Tille. Two periods of construction can be distinguished: the Romanesque choir dates from the 11th century, and the nave from the 12th century. Together, these buildings offer insight into the medieval architecture of Salives.

The Croix de rogations was built in 1677 and listed as a historic monument on 8 July 2009. Another historic feature is the fortified well. It was probably built in the 14th century to protect the castle’s water supply during a siege and was directly connected to the source of the Tille. The well was probably built in the 14th century to protect the castle’s water supply during a siege.

Walking routes with different themes

The heraldic trail uses reconstructed coats of arms to guide visitors to notable places and homes in Salives. The coats of arms provide a common theme and draw attention to several locations in the village. The geological trail has a different focus: it includes about 15 waymarked sites along a route of approximately 20 kilometres. The sites explain the geology of the region and its effects on the landscape, flora and fauna. While the heraldic trail explores buildings and homes through the theme of coats of arms, the geological trail focuses on connections between nature and the landscape. Access to individual sites may change; check in advance if particular stops are important to your plans.

Spring, washhouse and evening stroll

The Lavoir de la Source-de-la-Tille was built in 1843. Its architecture includes a monumental vaulted ceiling with a round arch and five double arches; it is fed directly by the source of the Tille. John M. Armleder’s installation “La grotte merveilleuse” was unveiled in the washhouse in 2001. Visitors can activate its lighting programme. The washhouse therefore brings together a 19th-century building and a later artistic work.

Salives’ nighttime appearance also highlights notable features of the village: the keep, town walls and spring are illuminated. When the lighting is operating, it makes an evening stroll through the historic village possible. As operation may vary, do not assume that the lights will be on in the evening.

Cultural centre and golf course

L’Abreuvoir is a cultural centre and cinema with 220 seats. It can also be used for conferences, seminars and performances. This venue complements the historic buildings and themed trails with a cultural offering. The programme and availability may change; if you plan to attend a performance or event, check the current offering in advance.

The Golf de Salives adds a sporting focus to the cultural and geological themes. Its natural, hilly course has nine holes and measures 2,800 metres. Numerous changes in elevation, as well as groups of trees, beech trees and oaks, shape the course. The number of holes and the length provide useful details if you are considering including the golf course in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Montigny-Sur-Aube, Marcenay, La Chaume, Châtellenot, Villars-Et-Villenotte, Molinot, Viserny, Fixin

For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.