Sermizelles: Heritage and Activities on the Cure

If you are planning an overnight stay in Sermizelles, you can get to know the area through two distinct themes: architectural and cultural history, and activities on the Cure. Tour Malakoff towers over the valley; Chapelle Notre-Dame d’Orient combines a specific construction date with distinctive design details. Canoe and kayak trips offer a different focus on the river. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth considering first whether you would like to include historic buildings, time on the water, or both in your stay.

Tour Malakoff and Chapelle Notre-Dame d’Orient

Tour Malakoff was built in 1859 and towers over the Cure Valley in a remarkable natural setting. Its year of construction provides a clear historical reference point. Chapelle Notre-Dame d’Orient was built in 1958 to plans by the architect Marc Hénard. There are 99 years between the two construction dates: the tower dates from the 19th century, while the chapel dates from the mid-20th century. This chronological comparison gives your exploration a common thread without reducing both buildings to the same era. The chapel adds specific details about its design to the comparison.

The exterior door of the chapel is decorated with a frieze depicting the apostles; the windows feature abstract stained-glass motifs. The contrast between the figurative depiction at the entrance and the abstract window motifs brings two distinct design languages into view. The chapel was protected in its entirety as a historic monument in 2013. This protection applies to the whole building, not just one individual design element.

Notre Dame d’Orient dite La Flamme is movable cultural heritage; it is protected and classified as such. This protection status applies to the movable cultural property and differs from the protection of the chapel building as a whole. These two heritage designations therefore concern different objects of protection.

In the past, a procession followed the unpaved path to Chapelle Notre-Dame d’Orient. This historic religious tradition adds a perspective on past use to the architectural history.

Canoe and kayak trips on the Cure

The Cure offers a different focus. While the procession to the chapel was a tradition in the past, Canoë-Cure offers canoe and kayak trips departing from Sermizelles. A 14-kilometre route is listed for Sermizelles. The activity takes place on a calm stretch of the Cure River. The route length gives you an indication of the scope of the offering; the calm stretch of river provides another specific point of reference. Check the current offering details before planning.

Accommodation on the banks of the Cure

The Château de Sermizelles accommodation complex is located on the banks of the Cure and includes a 1.5-hectare park. Access to the park may be reserved for guests. If you plan to visit the park, check access directly with the accommodation provider; also confirm the complex’s availability there.

Discover more destinations: Villeblevin, Sacy, Chemilly-Sur-Serein, Pourrain, Avallon, Arcy-Sur-Cure, Piffonds, Paroy-Sur-Tholon

For the main travel overview: Yonne.