Saint-Georges-Sur-Baulche: Forest Trails and Cultural History

Saint-Georges-Sur-Baulche combines green trails with a diverse architectural heritage. This offers two clearly distinct areas of interest when choosing a destination: time outdoors and local history. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in the municipality, these interests can help you decide which themes will shape your trip.

Forest, Trails and Activities

Twenty-eight percent of the municipality is forested—more than a quarter of its area. Long-distance hiking trails pass through Saint-Georges-Sur-Baulche. Walking paths connect the different parts of the town and provide safe, environmentally friendly routes to the town center. Long-distance trails and walking connections therefore differ in scale: the former pass through the municipality, while the latter link its districts and center.

Routes for Different Interests

The Coulée verte and the Chemin de Celle differ mainly in their routes and locations. The Coulée verte crosses Saint-Georges-Sur-Baulche and is suitable for walking, cycling, and running; the Chemin de Celle, near the town center, is suitable for family walks, bike rides, and jogging. When choosing a route, you can therefore take both its course and the activities mentioned into account.

The “Evasion en forêt” route leaves the town center and quickly reaches the forest. Following the GR 13 long-distance trail, it leads into the forests of La Sinelle before returning via the heights above Saint-Georges-Sur-Baulche and the Ru de Baulche. You can also discover the former route of the Tacot along the way. The Tacot was a metre-gauge railway: it connected Auxerre with Joigny via Charbuy and Perrigny, with branches to Fleury and Aillant. Check the latest route and booking information before setting out.

Another natural landmark is the Chêne de Saint-Marien. The remarkable oak is estimated to be around 500 years old and can be reached via the GR 13 and a forest path. The age estimate is intentionally approximate; the tree offers a distinct point of interest for visitors who are interested in individual natural landmarks as well as the routes.

Buildings and Local History

The Tour de Celle stands on the site of the former 13th-century Notre-Dame-de-Celles Abbey. The tower was built in 1576 and was probably the tower of Saint-Georges-Sur-Baulche’s first windmill. The windmill associated with the Tour was in operation until the 1850s. This timeline distinguishes the abbey’s earlier history from the site’s later use as a windmill.

The Church of Saint-Georges was probably built between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Its composite style combines Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements. Notable details include the statue of Saint George, which still bears traces of its original polychromy.

The priory is a 17th-century building dating from the time of Louis XIII. The Château de Billy underwent a much later phase of construction: from 1902, the Poterat de Billy family extensively remodeled the building. The town’s history thus features two clearly datable milestones: a building from the 17th century and a renovation at the beginning of the 20th century.

Discover more destinations: Sougères-En-Puisaye, Savigny-sur-Clairis, Collemiers, Mélisey, Chemilly-Sur-Serein, Tonnerre, Bléneau, Courlon-sur-Yonne.

For the broader travel overview: Yonne.