Saint-Julien-du-Sault is a town in Yonne, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, 40 km northwest of Auxerre.
Bordered to the north by the course of the Yonne, surrounded by wooded hills, the village developed in a valley where excavations have attested to a human presence from the Iron Age and then during the Gallo period. -Roman.
The lands first depended on the counts of Joigny then on the bishops of Sens from the 11th century.
Endowed with a castle, fortified, the small city is directed by the Archbishops of Sens who are the barons of the city. During the wars of religion, it was the lord of Champlivaut who established his government for a time in Saint-Julien-du-Sault.
In the 17th century, the castle was no longer maintained but the town retained a certain prosperity, and agricultural activity (particularly wine-growing) was supplemented by crafts and trade.
Since the Revolution, the town has had a population of around 2,000 inhabitants (more than 2,400 today). If new activities have emerged, the historic heart of the locality with its picturesque streets has been preserved. Its rich architectural heritage, its pleasant living environment and its leisure facilities make it a popular stopover during a stay in Burgundy.
We will begin a discovery of the heritage of the small town by the remains of the castle of Vauguillain (late 12th century) which dominate it: only the ruins of the old enclosure and the large round tower known as the "Tour Baron ".
The castle chapel, built in 1193 within the walls, has however been preserved and now overlooks the town. An example of Gothic art, it was then joined to the collegiate church erected in the village. Part of its nave amputated, abandoned during the Revolution after having been a place of procession then occupied by hermits, now listed. Part of the walls and the exterior of the chapel were restored in the 1980s.
In the town, the imposing collegiate church of Saint-Pierre dates from the 13th century then was remodeled in the 16th century in a Renaissance style. It has three ogival-style naves, forming a Latin cross with side aisles extending around the choir.
Inside, we will linger over several paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries and its remarkable stained glass windows (the oldest from the 13th century) which evoke the lives of the saints. We will not forget the remarkable organ from 1568 which has recently been renovated.
Close to the course of the Yonne, finally, the Saint-Mars chapel of the old leper room erected away from the houses is worth a look.
Back in the historic center and the alleys of the old village, we will appreciate the medieval half-timbered houses which testify to the wealth of yesteryear of Saint-Julien-du-Sault.
Four of them are listed or partially listed as historical monuments: the Chapter house, the wooden house, the house with the corner post, which indicated the location of an inn, and finally the house now the Cultural Heritage Museum.
The 16th century building houses a very rich collection of craft tools and objects evoking daily life in the past. A forge has been reconstructed, as well as a winegrower's cellar and a typical peasant dwelling. Temporary exhibitions are regularly offered. Admission: 4 euros. Free visits from July to September, Saturdays and Sundays, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Visits for groups all year round, by reservation. Information on +33 3 86 63 22 95.
During a walk in the heart of the small town, many preserved decorations and ornaments are still visible, not to mention the Porte de la Croix, of which only the tower remains. right which served as a prison during the Revolution.
Once this rich heritage has been visited, walks in the areas bordering the Yonne or on the wooded hillsides are possible, during which fossils can be discovered, without forgetting the megalith (a raised stone, which seems to indicate a very old outline of a fortification) at a place called La Grosse Roche.
For hiking or mountain biking routes including the remarkable sites of the town, also including the banks of the Yonne, documentation and information on +33 3 86 72 92 00.
Another way to enjoy the environment and landscapes, a canoe trip. The river is considered peaceful and accessible to all audiences. Rental and departure from the beach bordering the campsite. Open from May to September. Information on +33 3 86 63 22 58.
For tennis enthusiasts, indoor or outdoor courts are available in the town. Contact the local club on +33 6 89 50 67 70.
Finally, a 9-hole educational golf course particularly suitable for young people and adult beginners has been set up on the Maladrerie site. Join the ADGE association at the town hall on +33 3 86 63 22 00.
From mid-June to mid-September, the festival Organ, Voice and Instruments program several concerts in the college around the Organ. A reputable appointment. Information on +33 3 86 63 20 58.
The second weekend of July, feast of the Maladrerie. On the program, introduction to fishing and canoeing, fun activities, exhibition of vintage cars, pétanque competition, equestrian animation and fireworks.
Finally, on Thursday and Sunday morning, a market on the Place du coeur historique allows you to discover the rich products of the Burgundy region.
Festival La Reverdie - Le Soleil a Rendez-Vous Avec la Lune
- On 19 may 2024
- Eglise, Route de la Chapelle
- Ensemble Obsidienne with Luc Paganon, organ. The doors of the Renaissance organ of Saint-Julien-du-Sault depict the sun and the moon… Enough to imagine a programme of medieval and renaissance music made up of aubades, serenades and evocations of religious festivals from Christmas Eve to the longest day of the sun on Saint John's Day…
