Best attractions and places to see around Cisery, a former commune now part of Guillon-Terre-Plaine in the Yonne department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France, include historical sites and natural landscapes. The area features ancient human presence with a late Bronze Age III archaeological site and historical religious landmarks like the Church of Cisery. Situated near the Serein River and the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan, it offers opportunities to explore both cultural heritage and natural scenery.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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Highlight • Settlement
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As in probably every other profession, there are a few so-called “black sheep” among the many honorable millers in the milling trade. The popular children's book author Otfried Preußler tells the following short episode in “The Flight into Egypt”: “And they didn't even get all the way to Klostergrätz that evening, but there was a mill on their way, the monastery mill - they stayed there until the next morning. At first the monastery miller was almost shocked when the k.k. Gendarmerie knocks on his door: There had been a certain dispute with a customer last week about a few sacks of milling material which had disappeared in the mill here in a completely inexplicable way […] but it could have been that he had been reported for it anyway – and now they’re coming to pick him up… then of course all the disputed milling sacks had immediately fallen from his mind, the monastery miller, just as [sergeant] Hawlitschek was now simply asking him for a place to stay for the night.”
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A wonderful place that takes you back in time and is historically important.
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Very beautiful medieval town on a hill overlooking the countryside.
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Attractive village, friendly people
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A beautiful and low-traffic route through nature and small villages
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Very worth seeing valley near Avallon
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At the top of a hill that you will see taking shape when you arrive, requiring you to deviate from the main roads to enter the old town, Montreal has managed to retain a medieval atmosphere that strikes as soon as you pass through the first gate of the ramparts, called " Downstairs door". In the 13th century, the stronghold consisted of three enclosures pierced with pointed arch doors surmounted by towers. A first enclosure isolated the castle and the collegiate church from the rest of the top of the hill, where the garrison was certainly housed, itself sheltered by a second enclosure. The door that closed the access has disappeared but the base of a nearby watchtower is still visible. A third line of ramparts protected the town on the hillside. Beautiful old mansions, some with mullioned windows or embellished with colorful gardens, line the main street and some picturesque alleys. After a small climb, you can pass the second remaining historic gate called "Porte d'en haut" which opens access to the Collegiate Church, built in the 12th century and restored in the 19th century by the architect Viollet-le-Duc. The square adjoining the collegiate church is like a belvedere offering a panorama of the surrounding countryside. For the record, this Burgundian Montreal is part of "The association of Montreal of France and Europe" with 3 other perfect namesakes in Aude, Ardèche and Gers (I only had the opportunity to visit only the latter which is also a charming town), and also Montreal la Cluse (in Ain), Montreal Les Sources (Drôme) and even Monreal Eifel (in Germany).
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Moulin Cadoux dates from the mid 1700s. Many of the mills in the Morvan have disappeared, but this one has been lovingly saved and restored.
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The region around Cisery is rich in history. You can explore the impressive Époisses Castle 🏰🌹, a 14th-century moated castle with an irregular hexagonal layout and a pigeon tower. Within Cisery itself, the Church of Cisery is a local historical and religious landmark, and a "Croix en plein champ" marks the site of a former priory-church-cemetery of Saint-Agnan de Varennes. The main town of Guillon also features the Saint-Rémy church with a 12th-century Romanesque choir.
Yes, you can visit the charming Montréal Medieval Village. It's a very beautiful medieval town situated on a hill, offering views of the surrounding countryside and is well-preserved, representing a typical Burgundian medieval village.
The Cousin Valley, located between Avallon and Magny, is a beautiful natural area where the river flows over rocks and through forests, featuring windmills and bridges. For panoramic views, head to Montfault in Guillon, which offers a lovely vista of the plain and has a picnic area. The Serein River also flows through the region, providing lush landscapes for walks.
The area around Cisery is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and running. For example, there are several cycling routes like the "Porte d'en Bas – B-beautiful picnic area loop from Montréal" and the "Historic Climb to Avallon – Magnificent view of Avallon loop from La Tuilerie." You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Cycling around Cisery, Running Trails around Cisery, and Hiking around Cisery.
Absolutely. The region offers a variety of hiking trails. A popular option is "The Cousin Valley — loop between Avallon and Magny in the Morvan Regional Natural Park," which is a moderate 8.5 km hike. There are also easier loops around Époisses Castle 🏰🌹. For more hiking options, consult the Hiking around Cisery guide.
The Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan is an expansive natural park in the broader Burgundy region, offering significant opportunities for outdoor activities and natural scenery. While not directly in Cisery, it's a major natural feature nearby, providing a vast area for hiking, cycling, and enjoying nature. The Cousin Valley, a highlight in this guide, is part of this regional park.
Yes, you can discover Le Moulin Cayenne, an old mill on the Cousin river that is part of a route passing several historical mills. Additionally, the Lavoir de Sceaux, a historical public wash house in Sceaux (part of Guillon-Terre-Plaine), offers a picturesque example of local heritage. Cisery also has a late Bronze Age III archaeological site, indicating ancient human presence.
Visitors frequently praise the historical depth and natural beauty. For instance, Époisses Castle 🏰🌹 is described as a wonderful place that takes you back in time. The Cousin Valley is loved for its cool, forested river landscapes, making it a treat for hikers. The Montréal Medieval Village is appreciated for its well-preserved, typical Burgundian charm.
While Cisery itself is small, the nearby town of Avallon (about 11-12 km away) offers more family-friendly options, including the Piscine Intercommunale d'Avallon (inter-municipal swimming pool). For dining, the Brasserie in Montreal is a recommended spot with French charm, offering good coffee and food, and is where locals meet for lunch.
The region is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through early autumn. The Cousin Valley, with its cool, forested environment, is particularly enjoyable on hot summer days. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures ideal for hiking and cycling, with beautiful seasonal colors.
Yes, if you're exploring the Montréal area, the Brasserie in Montreal is a great option for coffee and food. For those enjoying the scenic views from Montfault in Guillon, there's a picnic table available, perfect for a packed lunch. The larger town of Avallon also offers various cafes and restaurants.


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