Saint-Florentin: Town History, Church Art and Canal Views

Saint-Florentin offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: town history, church art and the Canal de Bourgogne. The themes range from prehistory in the museum to historic buildings and a marked walking trail to Avrolles. You can focus on exhibitions and architecture or include a longer route in your plans.

Town History and Church Art

The Musée en Florentinois presents the history of the town of Saint-Florentin and the Florentinois region, from prehistory to the 1950s. In addition, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions from February to December, inviting one or more artists to take part. Alongside the broad historical overview, changing exhibitions are therefore a focus in their own right.

The Église Saint-Florentin is a Gothic church dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, with Renaissance elements. Its notable features include a stone rood screen and 16th-century stained-glass windows from the Troyes school. Those interested in church architecture will find both architectural forms from different periods and distinctive details in stone and glass.

Historic Traces in Town

The Fontaine aux Dragons combines Gothic and Renaissance styles. The fountain features bronze dragons from the 16th century and was rebuilt in 1984. Another historic trace is the Tour des Cloches: it dates from the 12th-century fortifications and is the last of six towers that once defended the town.

The Prieuré also brings together history and views over the surrounding area. A monastery at the Prieuré housed canons and hospital sisters in the 9th century; today, the Prieuré offers a viewpoint. The Grenier à Sel tells a story of a different use: in the 18th century, salt was stored in three large vaulted rooms. The remaining room now serves as an exhibition space.

The Canal de Bourgogne and a Walk

At the Site d'écluse 108 du versant Yonne, the waterway runs above Saint-Florentin, where there is a viewpoint over the town. The site is at the end of the only decorated canal bridge on the Canal de Bourgogne. Here, views of Saint-Florentin and a remarkable example of canal engineering come together.

The Sentier des Gaulois runs for 12 kilometres from Saint-Florentin to Avrolles and starts at Place des Fontaines. It follows a marked, shaded towpath along the Canal de Bourgogne. With its starting point, destination and distance clearly defined, the walk offers a different way to shape your stay from visiting individual buildings and viewpoints.

Practical Information

The Église Saint-Florentin is open for free visits throughout the year. To do so, borrow the key from the Office de Tourisme Serein et Armance by presenting an identity document. As this procedure may change, it is best to check locally before your arrival.

The Théâtre de Verdure is located in the Jardin de l'Octroi in Saint-Florentin and adds another named place in the town to your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Fontenay-Sous-Fouronnes, Villeperrot, Saint-Agnan, Pontaubert, Accolay, Armeau, L'Isle-sur-Serein, Nailly.

For the broader travel overview: Yonne.