Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, located in the Yonne department, 2 hours from Paris and at the gateway to the Loire, is an unmissable picturesque village, steeped in history and the literary magic of the famous writer Colette.
Between its cobbled streets and bucolic landscapes, this destination offers an ideal getaway for a memorable vacation. Explore the hidden treasures of this enchanting village, imbued with the spirit of Puisaye.
In “Claudine at School”, her very first novel, Colette describes her village as follows:
"These are houses that have been falling apart since the top of the hill to the bottom of the valley: it is arranged in stairs below a large castle, rebuilt under Louis XV and already more dilapidated than the Saracen tower, thick, low and all sheathed in ivy, which crumbles from the top a little each day. It's a village and not a city. "
Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, a local heritage steeped in history
Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye is a village located in the heart of Puisaye-Forterre, 10 minutes from Saint-Fargeau and 15 minutes from Toucy. Labeled “Cité de Caractères de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté”, the town has many remarkable buildings such as:
- The Saracen Tower, expression of public power in the Middle Ages to establish Capetian power in this region located between the counts of Blois-Champagne (Loire side) and the duchy of Burgundy.
- His church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist of the 11th century. It is located outside the surrounding walls of the village (because a small chapel already existed in the village, linked to the monastery), without a bell tower, which too often caught lightning (and was destroyed!) because of the ferruginous sandstone of the ground and the spring gushing below.
- La Vinée, adjoining the Château de Saint-Sauveur, built around 1702, housed a wine press. Because yes, before the phylloxera epidemic in the French vineyards, we found vines throughout Puisaye-Forterre! The wine produced here then came from the Perreuse vines.
- Poetry, is a former sandstone pipe manufacturing factory, outside the village. A place where artists meet in residence, work and exhibit their works. But also a site where concerts, festivals, etc. take place every year.
- Colette's birthplace.
- Le castle of Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye which houses the Colette museum since 1995.
Ask for Christine and Patrick's boutique anywhere in Saint Sauveur! We get lost in the thousands of shelves of books.
Colette's birthplace: Discovering the Writer
Start your visit with the must-see of the village: The Colette's birthplace, which offers a captivating journey through life and childhood of this great lady of literature. It will be thanks to his writings and his memories that the restoration of the house and gardens, acquired in 2011 by the association “La Maison de Colette”, will be carried out with respect for Colette, the craftsmen and the time, with strength of details. Tours are provided by passionate guides which, in everyone's opinion, will immerse you in Colette's life as in her books.
The castle of Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye: the Colette museum
Since 1995, the Colette museum is dedicated to the life and work of Colette, according to the wish of her daughter, Colette de Jouvenel. The museography retraces the author's universe: nature, his works inscribed in gold letters on the risers of the stairs, his apartments at the Palais Royal or even 250 photos and portraits. With the help of a guide booklet, you will immerse yourself in Colette's world through interactive exhibitions, authentic souvenirs and fascinating anecdotes.
Hiking and nature in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye
For nature and adventure lovers, 3 hiking and cycling trails will take you to the surrounding hills of Puisaye. They offer scenic hiking trails. Explore lush green landscapes, panoramic views and breathe the fresh air of the countryside.
Stay and relax in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye
Bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, group gîtes or campsites with swimming pools, you will have a wide choice of tourist accommodation in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye. The warm hospitality of the inhabitants of Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye guarantees you a pleasant stay and unforgettable memories.
A vibrant local life in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye
Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye is a town of nearly 900 inhabitants… which sees its local life grow from year to year. Many businesses make this city dynamic : Mon Col Claudine, The taste of things, the second-hand bookseller and antiques dealer Patrick and Christine, the Maureille bakery and its famous Saint-Sauveur pavement, the creators' art gallery and the Darling's tea room.
Its Wednesday morning market since the summer of 2022, has welcomed a town crier who announces village news and events. They are indeed numerous: whether they are dedicated to Colette or to art as to music or culture, they punctuate the seasons, in the village with the “art in the courtyards and gardens” festival or in the park of the castle with the Potters fair (SIT file link), on the market square, at the Poetry (link to SIT sheet), an essential place for your night outs, or at the Orangerie room.
Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye offers a complete getaway for lovers of history, nature and literature. Whether you are looking for relaxation or excitement, this village imbued with the heritage of Colette and the charms of Puisaye promises an unforgettable vacation.
