Villy: Vineyards and historic washhouses

Villy is a small winegrowing village on a hillside, surrounded by vineyards and forests. The Ruisseau du Pic runs through the commune and feeds three old washhouses. Alongside winegrowing, local highlights include a historic lavoir, restored old houses and a hiking route. Villy is therefore shaped by both its wine-growing landscape and its water and architectural history.

Winegrowing at the commune and estate levels

Wines under the Petit Chablis and Chablis appellations are produced across approximately 210 hectares within the commune. The commune’s vineyard area covers approximately 210 hectares. Domaine Bachelier offers a perspective at the estate level: the winegrowing business has been passed down from generation to generation since 1833. Domaine Bachelier comprises 18 hectares of vineyards. Its wines fall under the Petit Chablis, Chablis and Chablis 1er Cru appellations. These figures refer to different levels: approximately 210 hectares for the commune and 18 hectares for the individual estate’s vineyard area. Domaine Bachelier welcomes visitors for tastings of its products. If you plan a tasting as part of your stay, confirm the current arrangements in advance.

Water and historic buildings

The Ruisseau du Pic runs through Villy and feeds three old washhouses within the commune. This creates a direct local connection between the stream and the structures. The Lavoir de Villy was officially approved on 19 February 1866. As an impluvium lavoir, its basin collects rainwater channelled into it from inward-sloping roof surfaces. The roof design is therefore part of its function, not merely an exterior feature. While the date places it in the history of the village, its construction explains how rainwater was managed. Villy’s restored old houses also include a former manor house adjoining the cemetery and the church.

Hiking with a historic destination

The La rando Malivigne Aventure hiking route passes through Villy and leads to a washhouse dating from 1866. It thus combines a hike with a specific historic destination. Check trail conditions before setting out if you plan to follow the route.

Choose wine or hiking as your focus

A tasting and the hiking route offer different ways to experience Villy: the tasting focuses on Domaine Bachelier’s products and history, while the route passes through the commune to a historic washhouse. One is tied to a single estate; the other follows a trail to a destination. If you are looking for hotels in Villy, you can use this distinction to decide what to focus on during your stay: winegrowing and tasting, or hiking and village history.

Discover more destinations: Montigny-La-Resle, Thorigny-Sur-Oreuse, Escamps, Villeblevin, Les Sièges, Vergigny, Saint-Florentin, Mézilles

For the regional travel overview: Yonne.