Saint-Sernin-du-Bois: Keep, Museum and Nature

Explore the history of Saint-Sernin-du-Bois through its keep, museum and religious architecture; the forest, wetlands and walking trails offer another perspective on the area. When planning your stay, you can decide in advance whether culture, wildlife watching or hiking is your priority.

Keep, Museum and Architecture

The Raymond Rochette Museum is housed in the keep of Saint-Sernin-du-Bois. Its palaeontological, archaeological and ethnological sections include fossils and fossil slabs, Gallo-Roman remains, historical objects, and documents and accounts of local life. You can visit the museum by appointment and during the annual Heritage Days, held on the third weekend of September. Confirm the arrangements for your visit before you arrive.

The keep was built around 1360 by Jean de Saint-Privé, prior of Saint-Sernin-du-Bois, to protect the monastery and the land of Saint-Sernin. The church next to the priory also reflects several phases of construction: it retains features of the 18th-century Baroque rebuilding, including pointed arches in the transept and a barrel-vaulted choir. Its furnishings are listed as a historic monument.

In Gamay, the Chapelle St Plotot has two openings from different periods: a 16th-century Gothic opening with a curved lintel and a narrow 13th-century pointed-arch opening. A section of the Roman road also survives within the commune. The fortified route, about 400 metres long, runs between the hamlet of La Bruyère and the former La Croix Fichot forester’s house.

Forest, Reservoir and Wetlands

The state forest of Saint-Sernin-du-Bois covers 724 hectares and is open to the public. Activities available there include family outings, picnics, wildlife watching, hiking, jogging and mountain biking. Restrictions may apply to particular activities or areas. The reservoir and dam in the centre of the village were built in 1921; they are a pleasant place to observe biodiversity and go for walks.

The Fontaine Sainte peat bog has a boardwalk with welcome and information signs. Before you arrive, check whether the path and signs allow for the visit you have planned. The Marais de Fontaine Sainte wetland has a walkway from which numerous plant species can be observed. Conditions in the wetland may vary seasonally.

Hiking and Accommodation

Eleven yellow-marked PR hiking loops range from 2 to 31 kilometres; their starting point is near the dam. Confirm the trail markings and starting arrangements locally. The GR137 long-distance trail passes through Saint-Sernin-du-Bois and connects Autun and Nolay. From Bas de Chêne, a variant heads towards Le Creusot. The PR loops offer a choice of distances, while the GR137 can be considered in terms of its connection between the two towns and the variant.

For long-distance hikers, the Halte du Barrage offers accommodation for up to four people. Facilities include beds, a shower and WC, as well as a kitchenette; bicycle storage is available nearby. Confirm your reservation and availability before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Grury, Oyé, Saint-Jean-De-Vaux, Saint-Eusèbe, Brandon, Saint-Bonnet-De-Cray, Mussy-Sous-Dun, Beaurepaire-En-Bresse.

Return to the regional travel guide: Saône-Et-Loire.