Monéteau: Yonne, Forest and Historic Bridges

In Monéteau, riverside scenery, trails and architectural history lead to very different discoveries: the Yonne cycling route passes through the town, the Church of Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte preserves a furnishing from the 17th century, and two bridges represent different building periods. If you’re looking for a hotel in Monéteau, this overview can help you choose the focus of your trip—whether that’s outdoor activities, local history or practical travel information.

The Yonne, Forest and Trails

The Forêt du Thureau du Bard covers 11 hectares. Marked trails provide access to the forest for recreational and sporting activities. The trails and towpaths in Monéteau are also suitable for walking and cycling. The Yonne cycling route passes through the town along the right bank of the Yonne. These details point to different ways to enjoy the outdoors during your stay, without combining them into a single route.

The Parc des Peupliers lies on the banks of the Yonne. Another distinctive spot by the water is where the Ru de Baulche flows into the Yonne in Monéteau. The riverside park and the confluence offer two different points of interest for a visit: a landscaped green space in one place, and the meeting of two waterways in the other.

The La Jonchère heritage orchard adds a varied planting to the landscape: it has around 30 apple, peach, plum and cherry trees of various types, as well as 120 berry bushes; there are also four beehives. A festive morning is held in the orchard every year. When planning your trip, you can consider the orchard both as a landscape feature and in terms of this recurring event.

Two Bridges, Two Histories

The stone bridge on the border between Perrigny and Monéteau was built between 1781 and 1786. It has two arches and is made entirely of stone. A Greek-inspired frieze—a decorative band—runs along the outside of the balustrade, giving the bridge a distinctive architectural character. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1947; the relevant decree is dated 22 April 1947. Its construction period and protected status mark different stages in its history.

The Pont Léon Cuffaut, formerly called the Pont Eiffel, represents a different period of construction. It was built from 1909 to 1913 to replace an older bridge and is compared with the Austerlitz Viaduct in Paris. On 5 April 2025, the former Pont Eiffel was renamed Pont Léon Cuffaut. Together with the stone bridge, it offers a comparison between a structure from the late 18th century and a bridge from the early 20th century, each with its own form and history.

The Church and Practical Information

The Church of Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte also reflects several periods. Its architecture is shaped by building phases from the 12th and 13th centuries; later changes were made in the 17th and 19th centuries, among other periods, as well as in 1910. Inside, the church preserves a choir enclosure bench dating from 1672, which came from the former Church of Saint-Loup in Auxerre. It is decorated with a scene depicting the legend of Saint Nicholas. The church can be visited during service times.

For train travel, Monéteau–Gurgy station is a useful landmark: trains still stop there. The ticket office is closed, but there is a TER ticket machine on the platform. Check service details before you travel. At the Monéteau boating stop, boaters can access water and electricity connections, as well as toilets. There is also a bicycle repair kit and a charging point for electric bikes.

The town’s features offer different experiences: forest trails, the cycling route and towpaths invite you to get active; the orchard and riverside landscape make different impressions; and the bridges and church offer specific insights into architectural and local history. You can shape your stay in Monéteau around whichever of these aspects interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Cussy-Les-Forges, Collan, Vermenton, Noyers, Saint-Père, Sommecaise, Poilly-Sur-Serein, Vareilles.

For the broader travel overview: Yonne.