Voutenay-Sur-Cure: Nature and Architectural History

Voutenay-Sur-Cure offers plenty to explore on a trip focused on local history, scenery and outdoor activities. The Église Saint-André, the clock tower, and the bridge and washhouse ensemble each tell a different story about the history of the village. The Côte de l’Étang adds a protected natural area to these impressions. There are also different ways to plan your days: the GR® 13 long-distance hiking trail, or a canoe or kayak trip on the Cure.

Architectural history in the church, clock tower and washhouse

The Église Saint-André is dated to the 12th and 13th centuries based on a series of stone corbels along the edge of the roof. Another distinctive feature is its roof, made of stone slabs laid without a roof frame or rafters. The church also contains a bas-relief entitled “Saint André et saint Jean-Baptiste”. The church’s date, its roof construction and the relief offer three different insights into the building.

The clock tower also connects architectural history with a practical concern from the village’s past. It was built in 1829 to house an additional bell: the church bell was considered too weak because of the distance to the population. The original clock had a wooden dial, a bronze mechanism and just one hour hand. These details distinguish the story of the tower from the features of the clock, making each a subject in its own right.

The bridge and washhouse ensemble has been protected as a Monument historique since 1960. The square washhouse stands on a circular platform, which divides the water between the washhouse and the river into two channels. Form and function can be considered together here: the building is square, while the platform is round and divides the water flow into two channels.

Côte de l’Étang: natural area and views

The Côte de l’Étang is a 25-hectare sensitive natural area. Its landscape includes calcareous grassland, adjacent scrub, boxwood stands and thermophilous—meaning warmth-loving—woodland. The Côte de l’Étang is the first site in the Yonne département to receive ENS designation. The landscape is therefore characterized not only by its types of vegetation and woodland, but also by this designation.

The south-facing slope overlooks the Cure valley. From the summit, you can see Voutenay-Sur-Cure and its characteristic architecture. With its low vegetation and strong sunlight, the Côte de l’Étang is considered to have a Mediterranean atmosphere and the character of a “petit Causse”. The view from the slope and this description of the landscape complement each other, giving you both a sense of the terrain and an impression of how the natural area’s distinctive character is described.

Explore on foot or on the water

The GR® 13 long-distance hiking trail passes through Voutenay-Sur-Cure and connects the Gâtinais with the Morvan. If you plan to hike this trail, check the current trail markings and conditions before setting out. This helps ensure your plans reflect the actual route and its current conditions.

Alternatively, canoe and kayak trips can be taken from Voutenay-Sur-Cure to Arcy-sur-Cure. The route is about 10 kilometres long, the trip takes around three hours, and you must be able to swim. Check in advance for current operators and water conditions, as well as the swimming requirement. Unlike the GR® 13, this trip has an approximate distance and duration; being able to swim is another important planning requirement.

When deciding how to spend your trip, you can choose between several distinct interests: historic buildings, the Côte de l’Étang landscape, a long-distance hiking route, or a multi-hour trip on the water.

Discover more destinations: Villeneuve-Sur-Yonne, Jussy, Vézelay, Montigny-La-Resle, Saint-Privé, Collan, Villebougis, Lixy.

For the wider travel overview: Yonne.