Massay: Saint-Martin Abbey and Nature

Highlights of a stay in Massay include early Benedictine history, a protected landscape and activities on the water. Saint-Martin Abbey, the Pelouse de Grand Vau and Les Pâtureaux de Sailly each offer something different. When choosing a destination, you can weigh up whether you are more interested in historic architecture, nature, hiking or fishing.

Saint-Martin Abbey and historic buildings

The Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Martin in Massay was founded in 738. Its church dates from the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries and retains stained-glass windows. The Chapel of Saint-Loup dates from the mid-12th century. The dates span a broad period: from the founding of the abbey to the construction of the church, which took place over three centuries.

The chapter house of the former abbey was classified as a Monument historique by decree on 4 February 1915. Its six ribbed vaults rest in the middle on two round columns. The former Abbey of Saint-Martin is protected as both a classified and a listed Monument historique. Massay’s historic heritage is also classified as part of the “Sites clunésiens”. This means the site features both specific architectural elements and different heritage-protection designations.

A guided tour of Abbaye Saint-Martin is available year-round by appointment with Massay Town Hall. Arrange the date and specific details with the town hall before you arrive.

Pelouse de Grand Vau: protected landscape

The Pelouse de Grand Vau is designated as an Espace naturel sensible by the Cher Department and is part of the Natura 2000 site “Îlots de marais et coteaux calcaires au Nord-Ouest de la Champagne Berrichonne” (SAC No. FR2400531). The site is a calcareous, heat-loving dry grassland along the Herbon stream and lies above a wetland. It is also home to a diverse community of heat-loving plants.

The Pelouse de Grand Vau is publicly accessible via a municipal path. Check access conditions before your visit.

Hiking trails and waterways

The Circuit du Grand Vau is a walking trail in Massay. Another hiking route associated with Massay is called “Boucle n°18 – sur la voie de Cluny”. If you are planning a hike, check current trail conditions before setting out.

For the 2026 season, the municipal fishing water Les Pâtureaux de Sailly in Massay is listed as a category 2 fishing water. It covers 5 ha and is 1.5 km long. As a fishing water managed by an association, it is open to members of the 50 AAPPMA associations in the Cher Department and the 91 EHGO, CHI and URNE associations. Membership and fishing rules may change seasonally; check the regulations before going fishing.

Travel on bus route 235

Route 235 connects Graçay with Vierzon via Massay, Nohant-en-Graçay, Reboursin, Saint-Hilaire-de-Court and Vatan. Check the current timetable and route before travelling, as routes and journey times may change.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Bourges, Clémont, Brinay, Vouzeron, Saint-Ambroix, Boulleret, Tendron, Ennordres

For the broader travel overview: Cher.