Poilly-Sur-Serein: Church, Dovecote and Spring

If you are looking for a hotel in Poilly-sur-Serein, you can plan your stay around specific themes: the history of the Church of Saint-Aignan and the dovecote, the Saint-Potentien Spring, or the activities offered by the Compagnons du Serein. These places and activities offer different perspectives on the commune—from protected buildings and local religious history to guided walks. If you are planning walks, visits or a visit during the Saint-Eloi tradition, check the relevant dates, as they may vary.

Church of Saint-Aignan: architectural history and a protected painting

The present-day Church of Saint-Aignan is said to have been built between 1465 and 1537 by the Hussons, lords of Tonnerre and Poilly. It has been classified as a Monument historique by decree since January 22, 1910. This places the presumed construction period alongside a protection status dating from the early 20th century: the first date concerns the building's construction, while the 1910 date concerns its legal classification.

The church also houses the painting “L'Arrestation du Christ au Jardin des Oliviers,” which was classified as a protected object on January 30, 1975. The painting's protection is distinct from the status of the church building: a protected work of art and a building classified as a Monument historique each have their own date. For those interested in sacred art, the painting adds another dimension to the building's history.

Dovecote: construction phases and restoration

The dovecote in Poilly-sur-Serein was built in the 17th century; its openings were modified in the 18th century. The restored building is protected as a Monument historique, and the restoration has returned its original layout and spiral staircase. The construction period, the modified openings and the features recovered through restoration describe different aspects of its history: they show both structural changes and the reinstatement of earlier features.

Saint-Potentien Spring and access via the Chemin du Serein

The Fontaine de dévotion dite source de Saint-Potentien is a semicircular devotional spring in the Vallée de l'Ermite area. Near the spring stood a ruined former chapel that was once a pilgrimage site. The spring and the chapel represent different aspects of local religious history: one is a devotional spring, while the other was a place of pilgrimage.

You can reach the spring via the Chemin du Serein, which was laid along the route of a former departmental railway. The railway was closed in 1952. The access route starts at the former station on Allée de Saint-Potentien, 1.3 km from the spring. The station thus marks the starting point of the route. Check the current conditions along the path before your visit.

Guided walks, visits and Saint-Eloi

The Compagnons du Serein organize guided walks that raise awareness of the preservation and restoration of dry-stone structures. They also offer visits to classified and registered historic monuments in Poilly-sur-Serein; specific visit dates vary. The two activities have different focuses: the walks deal with dry-stone structures and their preservation, while the visits focus on historic monuments. If you would like to include either in your travel dates, check the dates in advance.

The Saint-Eloi tradition includes a traditional ceremony and a Burgundian meal. Dates and availability may vary; if this event is important to your travel plans, ask whether it will be held during your visit. The ceremony and meal give the custom a different focus from a monument visit: here, the culinary element is explicitly part of the tradition.

Discover more destinations: Auxerre, Champigny, Marmeaux, Sainte-Vertu, Annay-Sur-Serein, Villiers-les-Hauts, Vézinnes, Savigny-sur-Clairis

For the broader travel overview: Yonne.