Stop-off… Cistercian

In the footsteps of a Cistercian! from the Abbey of Pontigny, Cîteaux’s second daughter, to its satellite sites, discover the very rich and diverse Cistercian heritage of our region!

First day

Hiking « Sur les pas des Cisterciens » at Tanlay – Departure from Hall Square Place – 15,4 km: With this hike discover all the assets of our territory: the village of Tanlay and its magnificent castle of French Renaissance style, the Burgundy Canal and its greenway, our forests and paths … You will even pass by the Cistercian Abbey of Quincy and the paths taken by the monks at the time, some planned to flee more easily in case of conflict.

Bistrot « La Basse Cour » at Tanlay: This charming bistro welcomes you around a local meal accompanied by the best wines of the region. Dishes of the day and homemade pastries, aperitif dinner … You can enjoy their terrace and some concerts organized on summer evenings.

Visit of the Abbey of Quincy (Open in July and August) 

Daughter of Pontigny, founded in 1133 in a valley removed from Tonnerrois, the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Quincy and its valley has kept all its authenticity: the hostellerie, part of the cloister buildings of the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, the Renaissance abbey home, testify to the sobriety and rigor of Cistercian art.

Tasting at the domain of the Abbey of Petit Quincy at Épineuil

In this Cistercian stop you will pass by the domain of the Abbey of Petit Quincy created in 1212 by Cistercian monks. The Abbey is a welcoming place in a sumptuous setting. This estate has regained its viticultural vocation thanks to the Gruhier family in 1990. Today Dominique offers tastings as well as pleasant activities to do alone, with family or friends!

Panorama on the Montbellan at Tonnerre: On the Montbellan at Saint Pierre church in Tonnerre: Take the stairs at the end of the street of the Fosse Dionne and reach the church square to admire the view of Tonnerre and its surroundings.

Dinner and bed and breakfast at the Abbaye – Tonnerre: Enjoy a traditional French bistronomic cooking open to the scents of the world. The Chef’s menu offers dishes thought with care and passion. The menu is renewed each season with fresh, carefully selected and home-cooked products.

Multi-faceted place enjoy their bed and breakfast for one or more nights with a sumptuous setting in modern and comfortable rooms.

Second day

Visit of Pontigny Abbey: On the way to visit the Abbey of Pontigny. You can explore the places for free visit or choose to make a guided tour with the association “The Friends of Pontigny”. Take a walk through the gardens where only the singing of birds breaks the soothing silence that reigns here. The purity of the stone and the austerity of the place perfectly illustrate the Cistercian order.

Visit of the Barn of Beauvais: The monastery of the Abbey of Pontigny had an important property inheritance whose essence is grouped in “cellars” and “barns”. These were inhabited and enhanced by the lay brothers. An association “the barn of Beauvais” ensures the restoration and animation of the place. A garden of medieval inspiration, a conservatory of the vine such are, among others, his projects that will soon see the light of day.

 

Les 2 lions at Pontigny : A lunch in the heart of the village of Pontigny, a unique setting, a creative and exotic cuisine, this is what offers you Romuald and Kunal the emblematic chefs of the restaurant. On the menu: saffron beef, mexican bison, lamb with truffles and plantain curry … enough to revive your taste buds!

Visit of the Reigny Abbey: In an exceptional green setting on the edge of the Cure discover the Cistercian Abbey of Reigny. It was founded in 1128 and was very powerful and prosperous in the Middle Ages. A must see: its exceptional refectory of the fourteenth century (there are only three examples in France!).