Planchez: History, Mills and Hiking Trails

Discover Planchez through its local history and two hiking trails with different routes. The Eglise Saint Sulpice, an installation on the “Chemins de mémoire” trail, the Moulin de la Presle and the landscape of the Oussière Gorges each offer a distinct perspective. The village is also situated on an ancient Gallic route linking Mont Beuvray and Saulieu. Together, these features offer a blend of cultural history, local stories and outdoor activities to consider when planning a stay.

Church and Remembrance

The Eglise Saint Sulpice is one of Planchez’s attractions and dates from the 15th century. Visitors can ask for the key at the town hall during its opening hours. If you plan to visit, check the key arrangements again before your trip.

In the village centre, an installation about the Resistance and Planchez is part of the “Chemins de mémoire” trail. Texts and photographs recount events from the Second World War and the village’s reconstruction. Planchez was destroyed by German troops in retaliation and rebuilt in the 1950s. The installation gives this chapter of local history its own place on the trail.

Milling History

The Moulin de la Presle operated until 1948 and resumed operation in 1982. Buckwheat is still milled there when it is in operation. The mill is privately owned. The periods of operation and reopening mark two chapters in its history; the continued milling of buckwheat adds a traditional practice.

Hiking Trails and Local Stories

For a shorter, easy hike, consider the 3.7-kilometre Tour du bourg de Planchez loop. It is also suitable for mountain biking and families. A longer option is the 12-kilometre, moderately difficult Boucle de la Pierre à Boron. It starts and ends in Planchez and is marked in yellow. The distance and difficulty give you two concrete criteria for choosing a hike during your stay.

The Boucle de la Pierre à Boron is dedicated to the Pierre à Boron in the hamlet of the same name and the Vouivre legend associated with it. This adds a locally rooted story to the practical route information. Remains of a Gallic path or a Gallo-Roman road were discovered at the Nid au vautour site; the traditional interpretation leaves both possibilities open.

Landscape and Accommodation

The Oussière Gorges, also called the Houssière Gorges, are a remarkable area of wild natural scenery. This landscape adds a distinct natural feature to the historic sites mentioned above. Planchez also lies on the old route between Mont Beuvray and Saulieu, while the finds at Nid au vautour provide another indication of historic routes.

The municipal hostel L’Huis Prunelle has 18 beds and is located on the Chemin de Compostelle et d’Assise and the GR 13. It is clearly identified as a hostel for overnight stays; check its capacity and opening details before you arrive. You can take these two route connections into account when planning your stay without confusing them with the hiking trails described above.

Discover more destinations: Couloutre, La Nocle Maulaix, Champvert, Lucenay-Lès-Aix, Mars-Sur-Allier, Cercy-La-Tour, Saint-Eloi, Varennes-Vauzelles.

For the regional travel overview: Nièvre.