Located in the heart of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, the village of Saint-Fargeau is an essential place for your stay in Puisaye-Forterre. You will quickly be won over by its local traditions, its castle, the numerous activities to discover, its nature and its landscapes.
Saint-Fargeau, a centuries-old history
Eminent historical figures are linked to Saint-Fargeau and its castle:
- Jeanne D'Arc, who will pass through Saint Fargeau twice, first to go to Chinon, then on his return, at the head of the King's army.
- Jacques Coeur, owner of the castle in the 15th century.
- Anne-Marie-Louise of Orléans known as “the Great Mademoiselle“, cousin of Louis XIV.
- Louis-Michel Le Peletier of Saint-Fargeau, marquis, revolutionary deputy who voted for the death of Louis XVI and was assassinated, making him the first martyr of the French Revolution.
- Jean d'Ormesson, famous French writer, journalist and philosopher, academician, descended in maternal line from Louis-Michel Le Peletier.
- Héribert bishop of Auxerre, half-brother of Hugues Capet.
Saint-Fargeau played a huge role in my life. It's the only place I really had a connection with, it's where I spent my summers, my vacations, and where I started reading.
Saint-Fargeau thus carries a rich history where details of French History are mixed in.. Its buildings to discover during your visit are numerous and allow you to appreciate its streets and alleys, a half-timbered house… all this little heritage which is a piece of history. Note the remarkable monuments:
- The Saint-Ferreol church, from the 13th century and its magnificently crafted rose window.
- la Saint Anne chapel at the cemetery and its murals remarkable.
- le belfry, the only vestige of the city wall built in the 15th century, which served as a prison.
- the wash house, from where a mystery begins… that of the red river. (Family investigation).
- le Bourdon Lake, artificial lake-reservoir filled with water at the very beginning of the 20th century, the largest lake in the Yonne.
These attractions make the city charming. Details of murals of the chapel to the preserved nature of Bourdon Lake, you will thus discover a charming town in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, whose beating heart remains its castle.
The Château de Saint-Fargeau, an unmissable trip
Founded in the 10th century, the Château de Saint-Fargeau, also nicknamed “ the pink brick giant » will thrill you with its historical richness. Go from room to room, from the library to the hunting trophy room, from the living room to the kitchens, from the Grande Mademoiselle apartments to the frames. You can visit this emblematic site of Puisaye-Forterre and its estate day and night. During free tours during the day, go from the foundations to the frames, without forgetting the toy attic. Outside, visits continue freely to the stables as well as in the 120-hectare English-style park.
Night visits
You will have the opportunity to discover the castle and its grounds by candlelight by booking a dramatized night visit for an adventure at the heart of French history. As the Château de Saint-Fargeau is one of the only castles in Burgundy-Franche-Comté to be accessible at night, you obviously have to participate. Besides, remember to ask for the details of the recipe for the little cakes that you will taste in the kitchen…
The historical spectacle
If you wish to extend the experience, the Château de Saint-Fargeau will welcome you for the summer show, retracing the history of France and these places. In everyone's opinion, the historical fresco of the castle spectacle is splendid. Actors, riders and animals will perform in front of you as soon as night falls to give you a timeless experience.
How much time should you allow to visit the Château de Saint-Fargeau?
To visit the castle on a self-guided tour, allow at least 2 hours for all the interior apartments, the stables and the exterior park. The historical spectacle lasts 1h30.
How can we reserve tickets for the historical show?
By going there on show days, you can buy adult, child and group tickets from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 22 p.m. Otherwise, the online ticketing of the castle is open to make your reservation easier.
The unmissable activities of Saint-Fargeau
During your stay in Yonne, a visit to the village of Saint-Fargeau is essential to discover the history of the territory. In addition to the Château de Saint-Fargeau, you will not be bored with the other activities planned for you.
01
Bumblebee Lake
In summer, Lac du Bourdon will be there to offer you different water activities, hiking trails, fishing, horse riding, not forgetting supervised swimming.
02
The castle farm
At the farm you will experience feeding the animals and cuddling them up close. Many activities await you for children and adults alike.
03
Sound Adventure Museum
The Sound Adventure Museum will be happy to welcome you to reveal more than 1 mechanical musical instruments and its unique collections in Europe.
04
The local Art boutique
The “Art’d’ICI” Boutique: a new showcase of artistic crafts, in Saint-Fargeau. La Puisaye-Forterre embodies recognized know-how for artistic crafts, and more particularly for ceramics.
05
Investigation: The Mystery of the Red River
Panic in Saint-Fargeau! Every week for some time now, the color of the water has changed to red and no one has an explanation. Equipped with your smartphone, discover the heritage and history of the city to investigate and find those responsible. Are you ready ?
Weekly market
Le Friday morning, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Saint-Fargeau market, to meet local producers and artisans.
Accommodation in Saint-Fargeau
Restaurants in Saint-Fargeau
Visit the surroundings of Saint-Fargeau
The richness of Saint-Fargeau will occupy you for several days, but if you want to discover more about the territory of Puisaye-Forterre and its surroundings, you will definitely find what you are looking for: castles, pottery, museum, hiking, park, lake...
For those most fond of local know-how, you will visit Toucy and his weekly Saturday morning market, voted most beautiful in Burgundy and 6th most beautiful market in France. Local art awaits you at Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye, land of pottery, where many artisans will be delighted to share their know-how related to ceramics with you. In Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye, don't miss the Sandstone Museum, which traces the history of pottery and its revival and the House of Pottery Memory, where you will delve into the traditional history of pottery. Art is also highlighted with the mural network from Puisaye-Forterre where each church will tell you its story through its graphics.
To be as close as possible to nature, the Boutissaint animal park offers a unique experience with 400 animals in complete freedom, something to delight children. You will also enjoy the animals by visiting the Lapwing Mill. This old farm will immerse you in the traditional manufacturing of flour and the operation of its mill.
You will visit the medieval construction site Guedelon where the construction techniques of the 13th century will fascinate you (stone cutting, forging, basketwork, mill, etc.). Workshops and activities for children are organized to spend an unforgettable time with the family. Guédelon is also closely linked to the castle of Saint-Fargeau, because it was its owner, Michel Guyot, who had the idea and launched the medieval construction site! A place conducive to the discovery of the constructions of yesteryear, to better understand the buildings that have stood the test of time.
If you want to go on a new adventure with your guide Legendr, the village of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines will extend your experience, at the foot of Druyes Castle.
Finally at Saint-Sauveur in Puisaye, country of Colette, the visit of the Birthplace and Colette Museum, at the castle, will allow you to know the whole story of this famous writer.
Between Yonne and Loire, Saint-Fargeau arouses the admiration of all those who discover the city, leaving behind memories imbued with undeniable charm, confirming the unanimous opinion on the splendor of these historic attractions.
