Discover Tavernay: Church, Tacot Railway and Boucle d’Autun

Tavernay lies on the Ternin and has been part of the Parc naturel régional du Morvan since 2008. Its local history, heritage and a named cycling route offer concrete points to consider when choosing a destination: the parish church of Saint Laurent represents two successive churches, the Château de Morcoux is a château complex with a protected chapel, and the Gare de Tavernay is a former Tacot railway station. The Boucle d’Autun passes through Tavernay, adding a clearly designated cycling option to these historical themes.

Saint Laurent: predecessor church and new building

The parish church of Saint Laurent was consecrated on 29 July 1872. An older church of the same name already existed in 1164. It was demolished in 1868–1869 while the new church was being built. This sequence of dates clearly distinguishes the predecessor church, which dates back much further, its demolition during construction of the new church, and the later consecration. The cemetery, which still exists, is the only surviving evidence of the former church’s location. The cemetery therefore forms part of the history of the former church site, while the 1872 consecration dates the new building.

The Château de Morcoux and its chapel

The Château de Morcoux is a château dating from the 17th or early 18th century. The complex includes a chapel that is listed as a Monument historique. These two details refer to different aspects: the date range places the château in time, while the listing indicates the chapel’s protected status. The Château thus complements Tavernay’s church history with a château complex whose date and protected chapel each offer their own historical points of reference.

The former Tacot railway in La Comaille

The Gare de Tavernay in La Comaille survives as a former Tacot railway station. It was part of the line between Autun and Château-Chinon, which opened in 1900. The station complex comprises a shed, the station building, offices and the railway employee’s accommodation. Nearby is a small wooden building known as a lampisterie. Today, the Gare is used as a private residence. The distinction between past and present is therefore particularly important for the station: the Tacot railway and the line belong to its former use, while the private residence is its current use.

Boucle d’Autun: the signposted cycling direction

If you would like to include Tavernay in your cycling trip, the Boucle d’Autun is the named route: it passes through Tavernay. For cycling, it is signposted exclusively counterclockwise, with red number 2 markers. For planning your ride, the direction and signage go together: the cycling route described is the counterclockwise direction. Since markings may be updated, check the latest information before setting out.

Crafts involving chocolate and ceramics

L’Arche d’Uriel is a space for handmade creations involving chocolate and ceramics. Its focus on ceramics is particularly specific: the work is done mainly with Puisaye and Burgundy stoneware; the items made include functional tableware and animal figurines inspired by the wildlife of the Morvan. Chocolate is part of the broader theme, while the materials and types of items provide more detail about the ceramics. If you are considering a visit, check the current visiting arrangements in advance, as opening arrangements may change.

Discover more destinations: Cluny, Saint-Rémy, La Grande-Verrière, Bergesserin, Davayé, Allériot, Louhans and Gergy.

Back to the regional travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.