Toucy: Church, Ceramics and Nature Trails

Toucy can be explored through several distinct themes: church and history, ceramics and crafts, the market, and trails through the countryside. When planning your stay, you can choose the focus that interests you most. The places and activities below offer specific points of interest without requiring you to combine everything into a single itinerary.

Church, History and Pierre Larousse

The Church of Saint-Pierre dates from the 13th century; the Tour des Évêques is a symbol of the church. The Pyramide du Loup offers a different historical perspective: its eco-museum traces the history of the wolf from prehistoric times to the present day. This brings together a specific link to medieval architectural history and a chronological account of the wolf.

The Espace “Pierre Larousse” currently houses more than 500 books in its old collection. They can be consulted by request through the Association. The Association also offers tours entitled “Sur les pas de Pierre Larousse à Toucy” and conferences on request. If you are interested in the collection, take the request requirement into account; the tours and conferences are separate offerings.

Market, Ceramics and Crafts

The Toucy market offers fresh produce, local specialties and handcrafted goods. This is a different way to get to know the town than through its church or museum: the focus here is on products and craftsmanship.

The galleries also offer different points of focus. The Galerie de l’Ancienne Poste showcases contemporary ceramics. Unique ceramic pieces, signed by their makers, are displayed in a 17th-century hôtel particulier. L’Atelier Galerie promotes crafts, art and design in the Puisaye region. The fields represented range from ceramics and sculpture to furniture, engraving and lighting. This lets you choose between a gallery focused on ceramics and one covering a broader range of artistic and craft disciplines.

Trails, Viewpoints and Wet Meadows

“Nature et patrimoine de Toucy” is a signposted walking trail along scenic paths, with several viewpoints. The also signposted route “Des ruelles pavées de Toucy aux trognes du Bois des Quatre Francs” has a different focus: it connects Toucy’s old streets and lanes with the pollarded trees in the Bois des Quatre Francs. The first route therefore focuses on scenery and views, while the second features old lanes and pollarded trees.

The Chemin le long de l’Ouanne adds the wildlife and plant life of the wet meadows to these trail themes. Five playful information panels about them are located along the path. Check the conditions for each route before setting out: for “Nature et patrimoine de Toucy,” this means trail conditions and signage; for the route featuring pollarded trees, it also means seasonal conditions. You should also check conditions on the Chemin le long de l’Ouanne in advance.

Architecture, Cinema and Practical Planning

The Centre Aquatique La Baignade draws its architectural inspiration from traditional regional longhouses. Wood, flat tiles and large openings facing the pond promenade are part of its design. If you plan to visit the building, check the current opening arrangements beforehand, as they may change.

CINETOILE is a 74-seat cinema that grew out of the reopening of the former Lux cinema. As screening schedules change, it is advisable to check the current listings in advance.

For the Train de Puisaye, the following applies until further notice: trains from Toucy-Ville run only as far as Dracy-sur-Ouanne. As this restriction is temporary, check the latest service update before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Chaumot, Poilly-sur-Tholon, Lixy, Accolay, Monéteau, Villebougis, Yrouerre, Saint-Cyr-Les-Colons.

For the regional travel overview: Yonne.