Discover Grésigny-Sainte-Reine

Grésigny-Sainte-Reine brings together two specific travel interests: heritage linked to the church and Mont-Auxois, and the “Autour du Rabutin” hiking trail. If you are looking for a hotel in the area, first decide whether history or a hike will be the main focus of your stay. On one hand, there are protected buildings and archaeological connections; on the other, a named hiking trail that follows streets through the village.

Church, château and local history

The church in Grésigny-Sainte-Reine is protected as a historic monument; it was listed by decree on 3 November 1925. The Church of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul contains a 15th-century fresco. The Château of Grésigny-Sainte-Reine dates from the 11th or 12th century; it was converted into a farm and retains an old round tower that served as a dovecote. The dates have different roles: the decree dates the church’s listing, not its construction; the century given for the château refers to its origins. Thus, a precise date for the church’s protected status sits alongside an approximate date for the medieval building.

Fontaine des Dartreux and evidence in the forest

Another historical connection is the Fontaine des Dartreux: in 1686, the Hôpital Sainte-Reine was granted permission to draw water from a spring near Grésigny, later called the Fontaine des Dartreux. An oratory at the fountain on the northern slope of Mont-Auxois is said to be dedicated to Saint Reine. Two menhirs and seven crosses can also be seen in Grésigny-Sainte-Reine and in the forest. The water supply is associated with a specific historical date; the menhirs and crosses extend the area of interest from the village into the forest.

Mont-Auxois and its connection to Alésia

Part of Mont-Auxois lies within the territory of Grésigny-Sainte-Reine. Caesar’s army’s Castellum 18 is protected as a historic monument. It is located north of Mont-Auxois and east of the village, at Fontaine au Fer in Grésigny-Sainte-Reine. The area is considered archaeologically sensitive because of significant archaeological evidence associated with the works undertaken during the siege of Alésia. To reach Mont-Auxois, you must cross the three-arched Sainte-Reine Bridge. For orientation, it is important to distinguish between these details: the reference to Mont-Auxois concerns the part of its territory within the commune; the Castellum is located more precisely by its position and the place name Fontaine au Fer.

The “Autour du Rabutin” hiking trail

The route description for the “Autour du Rabutin” hiking trail, published in 2023, takes hikers downhill for a 250-metre stretch towards Grésigny-Sainte-Reine. In the village, the route follows Rue de l'église and Grande Rue, then returns to the car park in front of the church. The street section and return point are specified; the 250 metres refer to the downhill stretch, not the length of the entire hike. Check local conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Bellenod-Sur-Seine, Champagny, Beaune, Marcheseuil, Vielverge, Tillenay, Vosne-Romanée, Ladoix-Serrigny

For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.