Attractions and Places To See around Fontenay-Près-Chablis - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Fontenay-Près-Chablis is a small commune in the Yonne department, primarily known for its connection to the renowned Chablis wine region. The area features a landscape shaped by vineyards and offers opportunities for outdoor activities. It serves as a base for exploring the rich cultural and natural heritage of the surrounding area, including historical sites and natural features.
Best attractions and places to see around Fontenay-Près-Chablis
- The most popular attractions is Chablis Old Town, a settlement and historical site. This area hosts a large market every Sunday morning, offering local products.
- Another must-see spot is Chablis Village and Vineyards, a settlement famous for its prestigious wine. The surrounding vineyards, planted with Chardonnay, cover over 4000 hectares.
- Visitors also love Viewpoint from Chablis, which offers views of the valley, vineyards, and the town of Chablis. Benches are available for resting and admiring the panorama.
- Fontenay-Près-Chablis is known for its wine culture, historical sites, and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore vineyards, churches, and abbeys, alongside opportunities for hiking and walking.
- The attractions around Fontenay-Près-Chablis are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 50 upvotes and 19 photos shared.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Saint-Martin Collegiate Church
Highlight • Religious Site
Built in 1160, rebuilt from 1220. Apart from the tower, all the walls date from the Middle Ages. The paintings from the 13th century and the horseshoes on the side gate identify the building as a stage on the St. James pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The various restorations have not changed the building, with the exception of the tower, which was added in 1852.
moulindelacoudre.fr/de/2017/02/11/die-stiftskirche-saint-martin
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Chablis Village and Vineyards
Highlight • Settlement
The surrounding vineyards, planted solely with the Chardonnay grape variety, cover 4,800 hectares, making it the largest in Yonne. And one of the oldest as well since vines have been cultivated there since the 9th century; and from the Middle Ages, Chablis wines were exported to England, Paris, Rouen, Picardy and Flanders.
The old town therefore offers an interesting historical heritage including two churches, a priory, a picturesque wash house and an old gate with two towers.
Every Sunday morning (from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) a Burgundian market is held in the heart of the city where you can find many local producers.
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Chablis Old Town
Highlight • Settlement
And of course there are lots of wineries here. Only Chardonnay is grown.
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Pontigny Abbey
Highlight • Other
The Revolution put an end to the presence of the monks and the church became parish in 1803. It was classified as a Historic Monument in 1840 in the first list drawn up by Prosper Mérimée, a sign of its heritage importance.
Marked by the austere thought of Saint Bernard, the Cistercian church is deliberately devoid of images and colors. The search for spiritual perfection is reflected in an architecture in search of the essential, and which gives importance to the diffusion of natural light. Pontigny perfectly embodies this research. The abbey church marks the transition between Romanesque and Gothic. We can distinguish two construction campaigns with an older part of Romanesque style and a second part influenced by the Gothic style.
The road enters the domain and arrives at the foot of the abbey. Above all, do not hesitate to cross the portal.
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Viewpoint from Chablis
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Tips from the Community
Excellent restaurant open on Sundays!
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Beautiful views of the vineyards and great benches for a rest. However, the town of Chablis isn't visible from here.
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Beautiful church in Chablis currently being renovated
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I walked past without seeing it 😂😂
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A view of the valley, the vineyards and Chablis (mainly on the fairly fresh green vines in May, June and July). There are several benches to rest and admire the panorama, as well as an information board about the region.
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The Saint-Martin collegiate church from the 12th and 13th centuries is very well preserved. The church is definitely worth a visit. A special feature is the south portal, whose door wings are decorated with various horseshoes. Built in 1160, rebuilt from 1220. Apart from the tower, all the walls date from the Middle Ages. The paintings from the 13th century and the horseshoes on the side gate identify the building as a stage on the St. James pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The various restorations have not changed the building, with the exception of the tower, which was added in 1852. https://www.moulindelacoudre.fr/de/2017/02/11/die-stiftskirche-saint-martin/
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Nicknamed the golden gate of Burgundy, Chablis is a charming town obviously famous for its prestigious wine. The surrounding vineyards, planted solely with the Chardonnay grape variety, cover 4,800 hectares, making it the largest in Yonne. And one of the oldest as well since vines have been cultivated there since the 9th century; and from the Middle Ages, Chablis wines were exported to England, Paris, Rouen, Picardy and Flanders. The old town therefore offers an interesting historical heritage including two churches, a priory, a picturesque wash house and an old gate with two towers. Every Sunday morning (from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) a Burgundian market is held in the heart of the city where you can find many local producers.
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Cistercian monks settled here in 1114, in this valley near the Serein, where a forest reigned. They built a huge abbey: 4000m² on the ground, 120m long. Second daughter of Citeaux, Pontigny is thus the largest Cistercian abbey church in the world. The Revolution put an end to the presence of the monks and the church became parish in 1803. It was classified as a Historic Monument in 1840 in the first list drawn up by Prosper Mérimée, a sign of its heritage importance. Marked by the austere thought of Saint Bernard, the Cistercian church is deliberately devoid of images and colors. The search for spiritual perfection is reflected in an architecture in search of the essential, and which gives importance to the diffusion of natural light. Pontigny perfectly embodies this research. The abbey church marks the transition between Romanesque and Gothic. We can distinguish two construction campaigns with an older part of Romanesque style and a second part influenced by the Gothic style. The road enters the domain and arrives at the foot of the abbey. Above all, do not hesitate to cross the portal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I visit in and around Fontenay-Près-Chablis?
Fontenay-Près-Chablis itself features the Romanesque Eglise Saint-Quentin, once part of a Knights Templar commandery. Nearby, you can explore the impressive Pontigny Abbey, a significant Cistercian site. The town of Tonnerre boasts a medieval hospital complex and a municipal museum. Auxerre offers a charming historic center with cathedrals and churches, while the region also features the remarkable Château de Tanlay and Château d'Ancy-le-Franc.
What are the main attractions related to wine in the Fontenay-Près-Chablis region?
The region is world-renowned for its Chablis wine. You can visit Chablis Village and Vineyards, famous for its prestigious wine and extensive Chardonnay vineyards. The "Cote de Fontenay" itself is recognized as a Chablis Premier Cru vineyard site. Exploring the "Route touristique du vignoble de l'Yonne" allows you to discover wine-related museums, sites, and local producers.
Are there good viewpoints to enjoy the landscape around Fontenay-Près-Chablis?
Yes, the Viewpoint from Chablis offers scenic vistas of the valley, the vineyards, and the town of Chablis. It provides benches for resting and admiring the panorama, along with an information board about the region.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Fontenay-Près-Chablis offers various outdoor activities, particularly cycling and mountain biking through the vineyard landscapes. You can find numerous routes, such as the "Route touristique des vignobles de l’Yonne" for cycling, or explore MTB trails like the "Vineyards With Beautiful View – Chablis Tour loop." For more options, refer to the Cycling around Fontenay-Près-Chablis, MTB Trails around Fontenay-Près-Chablis, and Road Cycling Routes around Fontenay-Près-Chablis guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Fontenay-Près-Chablis?
Many attractions in the region are suitable for families. Exploring the Chablis Old Town and its Sunday market can be an enjoyable experience for all ages. The Chablis Village and Vineyards also offer a pleasant setting for family walks. Historical sites like the Saint-Martin Collegiate Church can also be interesting for older children.
What is the best time of year to visit Fontenay-Près-Chablis for outdoor activities?
The region's outdoor attractions, especially the vineyards and walking trails, are best enjoyed during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons offer pleasant weather for cycling, hiking, and exploring the charming villages and historical sites. May, June, and July are particularly good for seeing fresh green vines.
What is special about the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/5780385" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saint-Martin Collegiate Church</a>?
The Saint-Martin Collegiate Church, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, is very well preserved. A special feature is its south portal, whose door wings are decorated with various horseshoes, identifying the building as a stage on the St. James pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. It also features 13th-century paintings.
Where can I experience local markets and find local products?
The Chablis Old Town hosts a large Burgundian market every Sunday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here you can find many local producers offering regional products, including the famous Chablis wine.
Are there any picturesque villages to visit nearby?
Yes, Noyers-sur-Serein, approximately 22 km away, is a picturesque village known for its numerous half-timbered houses and charming riverside setting. It offers a delightful experience for those looking to explore traditional French village life.
What kind of terrain can I expect on trails around Fontenay-Près-Chablis?
The region's elevation ranges from 143m to 257m, providing varied terrain. You can expect trails that wind through vineyards, offering gentle slopes and scenic views. Many routes are suitable for walking and cycling, with options ranging from easy to difficult, often following the contours of the wine country.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Fontenay-Près-Chablis?
Visitors particularly enjoy the charming atmosphere of the Chablis Old Town and its market, as well as the beauty of the Chablis Village and Vineyards. The panoramic views from spots like the Viewpoint from Chablis are also highly appreciated for their tranquility and scenic beauty.
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