Savigny-sur-Clairis: Hiking, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Savigny-sur-Clairis combines trails through the countryside with traces of local history. When planning your trip, you can choose different areas of focus: the Chemin Vert with its nature and cultural heritage stops, the history of pilgrimage routes, or other activities such as cycling and golf. You can arrange the options according to what interests you most during your stay.

Hiking the Chemin Vert

The Chemin Vert is a ten-kilometre hiking trail marked in yellow from the town hall. It leads to the La Pierre Aigüe menhir and into the Bois de Bléry. You can also see one of two Templar boundary stones along the way. Hikers may spot typical regional trees and shrubs, as well as deer and wild boar. As local trail markings can change, it is best to check the route before setting out.

La Pierre Aigüe is more than 2.50 metres high and dates back to the Neolithic period. During the Gallic era, the menhir served as a Druidic centre. As well as offering the chance to enjoy the outdoors, the trail provides a tangible link to the area’s early history: the menhir and the Templar boundary stone represent different historical contexts that can be discovered along the Chemin Vert.

Pilgrimage history and sacred sites

Savigny-sur-Clairis is one of the stops on the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela where Saint Blaise is venerated. Montezard is also part of this history: the Templars settled there and established the Maison Saint-Blaise nearby as a stopping point for pilgrims on their way to Santiago. This historical connection gives the name Saint-Blaise a special place in the local pilgrimage tradition.

The Croix Saint-Blaise was re-erected in 1822 and later renamed the Croix de Mission. At a subsequent point in its history, it was moved to the crossroads of the departmental road and the chemin vicinal de la Renardière.

The Church of Saint-Pierre and local heritage

The Church of Saint-Pierre has an entrance porch known as the Caquetoire and a barrel-vaulted nave. Its bell tower dates from the 12th century, while the carved wooden high altar dates from the 18th century. These different dates also make the church interesting to travellers who pay attention to architectural styles and historical details during their stay. The old washhouse is another important part of the local heritage.

Cycling and other activities

The 43-kilometre Clairis en Cléry cycling route passes through Savigny-sur-Clairis, follows the river and connects villages, washhouses and churches. The route has its own signage and includes secure facilities. In the Gâtinais en Bourgogne area, an eight-kilometre section offers nature, cultural heritage and quiet places to rest. The cycling route therefore offers a different focus from the ten-kilometre Chemin Vert: here, the emphasis is on a longer route passing through several villages.

Golf de Clairis is open year-round, and external players can also take part in competitions. The golf course is set in an extensive oak forest, measures 5,818 metres and is a par 72. There is also a nine-hole footgolf course. Check the current operating conditions before travelling so that your plans reflect the situation at the time.

Les Écuries de Clairis offers riding lessons for children and adults, as well as pony rides for children aged three and over. For appointments and booking details, it is best to contact the provider directly. Fishing is possible in the Clairis and in the municipal pond of Savigny-sur-Clairis; the local association can provide information about the applicable regulations, which you should check before fishing.

A public play area has age-appropriate facilities for children aged three to six, six to twelve, and teenagers, including a zip line and a mountain bike trail. There is a boules court next to it. As recreational facilities may change, check which amenities are currently available before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Villebougis, Merry-La-Vallée, Héry, Charentenay, Armeau, Merry-Sur-Yonne, Cudot, Chamoux

For the wider travel guide: Yonne.