Saint-Amand-En-Puisaye: Pottery Tradition, Château and Nature

Saint-Amand-En-Puisaye combines Renaissance heritage and pottery craftsmanship with a landscape whose distinctive character is shaped by the Étang de la Forge. To help you plan your trip, the highlights can be divided into two groups: the château, Musée du Grès and historic production buildings showcase cultural and craft history; by the water, fishing, outdoor activities and observing local flora and fauna shape the visit.

The Château, Collection and Pottery Craft

The Château de Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye was completely rebuilt during the Renaissance around 1530 by Antoine de Rochechouart. In several rooms of the Renaissance château, the Musée du Grès presents four centuries of history through a collection of utilitarian stoneware. Here, you encounter two different scales: the architectural history of a single château and a broader perspective on the history of utilitarian stoneware. Since 17 September 2003, the museum has held the French designation “Musée de France” under French heritage law.

The château park is also home to a monumental stoneware arcade. It measures three metres high and four metres wide and consists of 28 shaped elements. It is therefore one metre wider than it is high; the measurements give the work a clear sense of scale, while its material connects it to the town’s ceramic tradition.

Another way to explore pottery history is at the Maison de la Mémoire Potière. It preserves an almost completely intact 19th-century pottery works. The site includes an almost unique, complete group of buildings typical of pottery production. While the Musée du Grès presents four centuries of history through a collection, the Maison focuses on the production site itself. Guided tours introduce the history of pottery in Puisaye; their dates may vary by season. A pottery-wheel demonstration can conclude the visit. If a guided tour is important to your plans, check the dates in advance.

The contemporary craft scene includes more than 30 potters, ceramicists and craftspeople who create artistic pieces in Saint-Amand-En-Puisaye. This number may change over time. The range extends from the collection and historic production site to contemporary artistic work.

Étang de la Forge and Outdoor Activities

The Étang de la Forge is an artificial pond covering about 15 hectares. It was originally intended to supply hydraulic power to a mill building constructed near the main dam. Its wild appearance, typical of the ponds of Puisaye, is deliberately preserved. Both aspects are interesting when considering the site: the pond is man-made, yet its regionally characteristic, wild character is maintained.

The Étang is used primarily for fishing, including night fishing and no-kill fishing for carp and sturgeon; local rules apply. It is also suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding, and serves as a place to observe local flora and fauna. These different options are available side by side: a specific type of fishing, outdoor exercise and nature watching. If you plan to fish, take the local rules into account.

The Les Méandres de la Vrille walking route begins on Avenue de la Gare, near the tourist office, and passes an old horizontal kiln on the CNIFOP grounds. The starting point and the kiln provide two clear landmarks along the route. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Corbigny, Planchez, Oulon, Marigny-l'Église, Pougny, Menestreau, Pougues-Les-Eaux, Montaron.

For an overview of the wider region: Nièvre.