Discover Ruffey-Lès-Echirey

When choosing a destination for a hotel stay, specific local features can make all the difference. In Ruffey-Lès-Echirey, these include the architectural history of the Church of Saint-Grégoire, two lavoirs supplied by different water sources, the Mare du Fontenis, a municipal walking route and organised road cycling rides. A shop selling wines, sparkling wines, spirits and German beers also adds a local touch. This gives you the chance to weigh up whether you would like to include architecture, local history, exercise or the local drinks selection in your travel plans.

Church of Saint-Grégoire: architectural history and art

The Church of Saint-Grégoire was built between 1844 and 1847 by Jean-Baptiste Fénéon-Damotte in the Neo-Gothic style. The construction dates, architect and style provide three specific points of reference for understanding the building. The artistic details also offer different points of interest: the stained-glass windows tell the story of the village’s religious history and tradition. Above the high altar is a fresco that is a copy of Francesco Sacchi’s “Doctors of the Church.” While the windows establish a connection with the village’s tradition and religious history, the fresco is defined by its source and its position above the high altar. For anyone interested in church art, this offers both a link to local history and a clearly identified copied work.

Two lavoirs with different features

The two lavoirs can be distinguished by their water sources and architectural details. The Lavoir d’Echirey is supplied by a spring that emerges from the ground 50 metres upstream. Beside the washhouse is a Gothic niche bearing the inscription 1608. By contrast, the Lavoir du Basmont is notable for its five arches and the year it was built, 1864; it is supplied by water from the Basmont stream of the same name. These are not just two different water sources: at Echirey, the spring and its emergence upstream are part of the description, while at Basmont, the arches and construction date provide specific architectural details. So, if you want to explore Ruffey-Lès-Echirey’s historic water sites, the two lavoirs offer different details to look out for.

Walking route and road cycling: different planning details

The municipal walking route “Ruffey par le Basmont” is a 3.4-kilometre hike that takes 45 minutes. The distance and time provide two specific details to help you plan your outing. Check the route markings before setting off. A different option is the local road cycling rides organised by the Vélo Club de Ruffey les Echirey: they start in Ruffey at 13:45 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and cover between 60 and 90 kilometres. The details clearly distinguish the activities: for the walking route, a shorter distance and duration are given; for the club rides, a longer distance range and a start time are provided. As the ride schedule may change, it is advisable to check the dates in advance.

Traditional history and local choices

According to local tradition, the Mare du Fontenis is said to have been created in 1756 at the behest of the Seigneur de Berbisey; it was used for retting hemp. This site adds a history of traditional use to the architectural and artistic history of the church and lavoirs. In the centre of the village, Boutique Ame de la Terre offers a wide selection of wines, sparkling wines, spirits and German beers. The selection may change. Local points of interest thus include both historical references and a specific choice of drinks that you can take into account when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Arcenant, Viserny, Manlay, Montigny-Sur-Aube, Brazey-En-Morvan, Savigny-Lès-Beaune, Canton of Nolay, Grésigny-Sainte-Reine.

For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.