Nestled in the heart of Puisaye-Forterre, the charming town of Toucy in the Yonne department, 2 hours from Paris, offers a unique experience, combining cultural richness, historical heritage, and an exceptional quality of life.
Just 20 minutes from Auxerre and Saint-Fargeau, Toucy seduces with its peaceful atmosphere and its preserved treasures. Explore with us this pearl of the region, where history, gastronomy, and conviviality meet.
Culture and history of Toucy
Toucy, imbued with the history of Pierre Larousse to discover at the library, is distinguished by its rich cultural heritage. The Saint-Pierre church, testimony to the 13th century, imposes its majestic presence, recalling a time when spirituality was at the heart of local life. The Bishops' Tower and the Saint-Michel Tower are the symbols of this ferruginous sandstone building.
What are the unmissable events?
Above all there is the Beautiful Market, during Palm Sunday, which everyone agrees is the unmissable event. Every summer, Toucy animations and ToucyFolies organize aperitif-concerts de Toucy, which punctuate your summer outings, in various places. A new event organized in July is slowly gaining notoriety, it is the “Fanfieute”, organized by the Eland Brass Brand. In October, on the second Thursday of the month, it is big Toucy trade fair which is held at the Place des Frères Genêt and where many local companies are present. In December, it is Christmas market, organized by Toucy animations which takes place in the city center. All these events are the attractions of the city of Pierre Larousse.
Can you swim in the Toucy lake?
No, you cannot swim in the Toucy lake. On the other hand, fishing is open (inquire at the town hall) and every Wednesday in July and August, there are introductions to leisure activities: canoeing, kayaking, paddle. Information and reservations at the tourist office on 03 86 44 15 66.
What accommodation is there in Toucy?
Although there are no hotels, you can still sleep in guest rooms or gites. For motorhome owners, the Toucy campsite, affiliated with Camping-car Park, is open all year round. 48 pitches are ready to accommodate motorhomes, caravans, converted vans or tents. The sanitary facilities are only open from May to September.
Is it good to live in Toucy?
Toucy has many quality shops (bakeries, pastries, restaurants, etc.) but also structures for the studies of young people, notably the Pierre Larousse school complex with its high school and college. Many services are present as well as various sports associations. You will also benefit from a leisure center, a cinema, supermarkets, a swimming pool etc. and the proximity to the town of Auxerre.
Saturday morning market: The respected tradition
Every Saturday morning, Toucy market comes to life, becoming an unmissable event. Labeled “Burgundy flavor and know-how” for its authenticity, it embodies tradition and the local art of living. Explore the colorful stalls, meet the passionate producers, and immerse yourself in the friendly excitement of this renowned market. Competition participant “The most beautiful market in France”, it represented Burgundy two years in a row. Once a year, on Palm Sunday, the Beautiful Marché is deployed in numbers of traders and activities throughout the day.
What to visit in Toucy?
- The Wolf Pyramid : Explore the Wolf Pyramid, an architectural enigma arousing the curiosity of children and parents and revealing the history of the wolf through visits both indoors and outdoors.
- The Old Post Office Gallery : The Galerie de l'Ancienne Poste is today one of the major exhibition venues for contemporary ceramics in France.
- The Gallery Workshop : Discover a gallery where several local artisans exhibit to get a good idea of artistic craftsmanship in Puisaye-Forterre. Located in the city center, its magnificent window will definitely make you want to open the door and admire beautiful local creations.
- The Toucy Tourist Train : Embark on a picturesque adventure aboard the Puisaye Tourist Train. The Picasso or the Rosalie will take you to discover the bucolic landscapes of the region, towards the village Dracy and Villiers-Saint-Benoit. A railway experience that will transport you on a journey out of time, for a half-day ride to visit the Villiers-Saint-Benoit art and history museum or for lunch, with the restaurant train.
Gastronomy and living well in Toucy
The town of Toucy embodies a unique French art of living, where well-being combines with conviviality. The picturesque streets invite you to explore, while The restaurants in Toucy immerse you in the authenticity of local cuisine. Take advantage of a gourmet break to taste delicious dishes and discover the charm of the place.
The discovery walk recommended by residents of Toucy
When you come for the first time, we can only advise you to take this walk popular with locals. Take the Place de la République stairs, which lead to the gardens. There you will have a first panoramic view of Toucy. Continue on rue de la Motte or rue de l'Église, two picturesque streets and arrive in front of the church. Go around the building and join Rue du Marché. Go down to the “Toucy du Haut” to the town hall square and appreciate the architecture of the town hall. Continue on rue Lucile Cormier, stop at the Galerie de l'Ancienne Poste. Continue down this street while window shopping.
Arriving at the intersection of the streets, you can continue boulevard Pierre Larousse: you will notice the Villa des Pins, emblematic bourgeois house of Toucy dating from the mid-19th century. Further on, in what was “the town hall of Auxerre”, you will see a plaque: it is the birthplace of the lexicographer Pierre Larousse.
Retrace your steps and enjoy the view from the Château de la Motte Miton, a private property. Go back down rue Paul Bert, passing the Style et Chine boutique, and reach rue du Pâtis. You will be able to go to the Toucy pond, follow the biodiversity trail installed along the Ouanne river and return to the city center of “Toucy d’en bas”. (Ask for a map at the Tourist Office).
Hiking circuits from Toucy
