Attractions and places to see around Montillot include a variety of natural and historical sites. The region features limestone cliffs, historical bridges, and significant religious buildings. Located near the Yonne river and Canal du Nivernais, the area offers diverse landscapes for exploration. Visitors can discover picturesque villages and sites of historical importance.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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This church, dedicated to the Holy Cross (Latin: "Santa Croce"), derives its patronage from the cross on which Jesus Christ died. The veneration of the Holy Cross is largely based on Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great (who, after his victory at the Milvian Bridge in Rome, recognized Christianity as a religion and ended the long period of persecution with the Edict of Toleration of Milan in 312). She made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine) in the early fourth century and brought numerous relics back to Europe, including the "True Cross," on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Helena is therefore often depicted with a cross as an attribute. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Discovery, public presentation, and veneration of the Holy Cross—called the "Exaltation of the Holy Cross"—on September 14th.
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View of the bridge and the village, take the small path to go down below and reach the small stone bridge
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The view from above of the old stone bridge is worth it. You have to stop on the upper bridge.
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Great section, exciting bridge and great view of Vezelay
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Very worthwhile visit to this beautiful church
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Very small chapel with a Franciscan monastery. The monastery was only returned a few years ago. The monks are trying to rebuild the monastery through a project
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A true jewel of Burgundian Gothic art, the church of Saint Père sous Vézelay deserves a moment of attention. Built from the 13th to the 15th century and dedicated to the Virgin, it only became a parish church in the 16th century, succeeding the old Saint Pierre church which gave its name to the village and whose ruins can still be seen at the exit. south of the village. The 13th century bell tower, elegant and airy, 50m high, is visible for miles around. In the middle of the 19th century, the building was in a very advanced state of disrepair. However, Prosper Mérimée describes it as "a gothic cathedral in miniature". Viollet-le-Duc, then 26 years old, fell in love with the church of Saint Père, the restoration of which he launched in 1841. He worked until 1844 on the choir, the chapels and the nave. and in 1868, ends with the bell tower. However, due to a lack of resources, he practically does not intervene on the porch (or narthex). This part, which is the most striking because it evokes real stone lacework, was then restored by Boeswilwald between 1888 and 1889.
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The small building has a square nave with a barrel vault and a small chancel on the east side, also square and with a lancet vault. The originality of the chapel lies in its modest Romanesque decor, with arcades on columns that brighten the side walls and surround the triple bay of the north facade. The 17th-century southern porch is what remains of a Franciscan church. The site of La Cordelle, at the foot of the Eternal Hill towards Asquins, marks the place where Saint Bernard preached the Second Crusade in 1146. The Romanesque chapel was built in the mid-12th century by the Abbot of Vézelay in memory of this great historical event. It is also the site of the first Franciscan monastery in France, founded around the chapel in 1217. Long forgotten, the chapel is once again inhabited by the Franciscans and is open to visitors.
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The region is known for its diverse natural landscapes. A prominent feature is The Saussois Rocks, impressive limestone cliffs up to 50 meters high, popular with climbing enthusiasts. The area is also shaped by the Yonne river and the Canal du Nivernais, offering picturesque views and opportunities for riverside activities.
Yes, Montillot is rich in history. You can visit the Pierre-Perthuis Stone Bridge, a historical Roman bridge that has been extensively restored and offers great photo opportunities with views towards Vézelay. The village of Châtel-Censoir also has remains of a Castrum and the Saint-Potentien collegiate church.
Two notable religious sites include Cordelle Chapel, a small Romanesque chapel marking where Saint Bernard preached the Second Crusade and the site of France's first Franciscan monastery. Also, the Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père is an impressive late Gothic church in Burgundy Flamboyant style, considered a masterpiece of its kind.
Many of the historical and natural sites can be enjoyed by families. For instance, the Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père is categorized as family-friendly. Exploring the picturesque villages like Châtel-Censoir along the Canal du Nivernais also offers pleasant outings for all ages.
The Montillot area is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, gravel biking, and general cycling. For detailed routes and guides, check out the MTB Trails around Montillot, Gravel biking around Montillot, and Cycling around Montillot guides.
Absolutely. The Pierre-Perthuis Stone Bridge offers a fantastic photo opportunity, especially with its views of Vézelay. Additionally, the imposing The Saussois Rocks provide dramatic natural backdrops for photography.
Visitors frequently praise the impressive natural beauty of sites like The Saussois Rocks, noting the imposing rock formations and shady rest areas. The historical significance and architectural beauty of places like the Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père and the Pierre-Perthuis Stone Bridge are also highly appreciated, often highlighted for their photo opportunities and historical context.
While specific cafes are not listed for every route, the village of Châtel-Censoir, which is crossed by the Canal du Nivernais greenway, offers amenities such as a bakery and a grocery store, which can be convenient stops during your walks or rides.
Beyond the main highlights, exploring the smaller, picturesque villages along the Yonne river and Canal du Nivernais can reveal charming, less-crowded spots. The modest Romanesque decor of Cordelle Chapel, with its deep historical roots as the site of the first Franciscan monastery in France, offers a unique and serene experience often overlooked by larger crowds.
While specific seasonal tips are not provided, the region's natural beauty, including the Yonne river and Canal du Nivernais, suggests that spring and autumn would be ideal for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also suitable, especially with shady areas like those found at The Saussois Rocks.
Yes, The Saussois Rocks are a very popular destination for climbing enthusiasts. These limestone walls, reaching up to 50 meters high, attract climbers from various regions and offer a challenging and rewarding experience.


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