Vandenesse-En-Auxois: Harbor, Church and Nature

Vandenesse-En-Auxois brings together several distinct themes to help you plan your stay: architectural history at the Église paroissiale de l’Assomption, the harbor on the Canal de Bourgogne, a cycling stage through the Ouche Valley, and nature and water activities at Lac de Panthier.

Church and historical building phases

Several building phases can be distinguished over time at the Église paroissiale de l’Assomption. The transept arms, the oldest parts of the building, date from the late 12th or early 13th century. The choir was rebuilt in the second half of the 13th century. The church has been listed as a historic monument since June 3, 1927. The building thus brings together early structural elements, a later reconstruction of the choir, and a protection status that has been in place for a long time. If you are interested in architectural history, the church offers more than a single date: its oldest parts and the reconstruction of the choir belong to different building phases.

Harbor and cycling stage on the Canal de Bourgogne

The Port de Vandenesse-en-Auxois was expanded in 1833, shortly after the Canal de Bourgogne began operating along its entire length. The port has a rectangular basin on the left bank, as well as a quay with retaining walls, a keeper’s house and a shed. It is bounded upstream by the bridge at Lock 08. The church and harbor thus represent two different historical perspectives: the building phases of a religious structure and the expansion of a harbor in connection with the canal.

A 25 km cycling stage from Pouilly-en-Auxois to La Bussière-sur-Ouche runs through the Ouche Valley. It passes a series of locks on the way to the small harbor at Vandenesse; the entire route follows a cycle path. For cyclists, the stage is a practical part of planning a stay, with a route that takes in the valley, the locks and the harbor. The 25 km gives the length of the stage, while the route itself is described by the places and features mentioned.

Birdlife and water sports at Lac de Panthier

Lac de Panthier is a protected area for birds, where numerous species nest. This aspect of nature differs from the architectural themes of the canal and church: here, the focus is on the area’s protection status and its nesting birds. The Base nautique du lac de Panthier offers sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, with or without supervision. When planning, you can therefore choose between different water sports and the option of having supervision.

Swimming is not possible at Panthier during the 2026 season. Before your trip, check whether the water sports activities at the Base nautique have resumed. This seasonal restriction applies to swimming; the water sports mentioned are a separate consideration.

Fishing at Étang de Vandenesse-en-Auxois

The tourist office’s 2024 fishing guide lists Étang de Vandenesse-en-Auxois as suitable for fishing with family or friends. This complements the water sports at Lac de Panthier with a different activity on the water. If you would like to include fishing in your travel plans, this offers a distinct focus, separate from sailing and paddling.

Discover more destinations: Is-Sur-Tille, Fauverney, Gerland, Bressey-Sur-Tille, Marey-Lès-Fussey, Fénay, Genlis, La Rochepot.

For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.