Tourism in Puisaye: autumn breaks

View the video of your weekend break

Day 1 - Morning

The Guédelon construction site

Listen! There in the old quarry, in this land of water and forests, craftspeople are striving to build a real work of art right before your eyes. You can hear the stonecutters' hammer and chisel tapping away at the limestone rock. Further away, carpenters and joiners are chopping wood. Painters are using earth and fire to create the autumnal ochre tones that will coat the walls of Guédelon castle.

You'll witness this archaeological adventure as you plunge straight into the 13th century.

Guédelon worksite practical info

Chantier Médiéval de Guédelon INNOVEO

Guédelon

Dimitri, le forgeron en plein travail

Guédelon

Day 1 - Morning

Toucy market

Every Saturday morning throughout the year, Toucy market sets the pace of life in the village. It extends across the centre and has everything you need to stock up on local products. The atmosphere of this market oozes with warmth and friendliness, and people chat just like in the olden days.

Visit Toucy market

Day 1 - Afternoon

Tour of Château de Saint-Fargeau

1,000 years of history gazing back at you.

This pink-brick giant and its grounds are open to visitors. Follow in the footsteps of La Grande Mademoiselle, cousin of Louis XIV, who had the bad idea of joining the revolt against the King. More than a seigniorial dwelling, it was the scene of family life. From the kitchens with timber framework to the reconstructed apartments of La Grande Mademoiselle, you'll plunge into the history of this château that has so much to tell.

Visit the château

Day 2 - Morning

The house where Colette was born

The main facade on Rue de l'Hospice was blackened and had double front steps, large windows and no charm. It was an old-village-style bourgeois house, but the steep slope of the street made it look less solemn and the steps appeared to limp, with six steps on one side and ten on the other.

Claudine's House, 1922.

There's no better way to describe what you'll see as you approach the house where French novelist Colette was born. Her childhood haven, accurately restored to become a museum of her memories, happens to be the inspiration behind her book. The gardens, her father's office, her little bedroom... everything is steeped in the very spirit of Colette.

Visit the house where Colette was born

Day 2 - Afternoon

Hiking along Colette's trails

Everything along the path reminds us of the stories told by Colette, who was born in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye in 1873.

This author described her homeland so well - although she renamed the villages and characters - that every spot reflects her works. So follow in Colette's footsteps as you explore between rutted tracks, woodlands and heritage.

Discover the fauna and flora of Puisaye