At the foot of the limestone cliffs of Merry-sur-Yonne, the building remained closed, shutters closed, as if frozen in the great years of climbing. On the terrace, we could still imagine the passing rope teams, these climbers who came to warm up before distant expeditions. , proudly says Thierry Taquet, interviewed by .
Twenty years after its closure, the legendary Café des Roches has reopened on the banks of the Nivernais canal. A return that gives a beating heart to the rocks of Saussois, a legendary spot for climbers, but also a dream stopover for cyclists, boaters and walkers.
In Saussois, the Café des Roches emerges from oblivion
The recent history of the café begins with an impromptu stopover. In the middle of a road trip, Céline and Thierry Taquet return from Clamecy when they decide to sleep in front of the abandoned building. , says Thierry Taquet. Upon discovering the small “for sale” poster, the couple clicked and signed the promise of sale a few weeks later. , insists Céline Taquet.
The project fits perfectly with their backgrounds. She has worked in catering for around thirty years, he is an interior designer. , explains Thierry Taquet. Two years of construction were necessary:
Le Café des Roches, base camp for climbers at the Saussois rocks
For the place, the couple has hunted down everything and speaks of a real . Local artisans and neighbors got involved. , confides the couple, who also benefited from a zero-interest loan from Initiative 89.
By interacting with residents, Céline and Thierry measure the scope of the site. , says Thierry Taquet. Former climbers often come back, looking for photos: regrets the interior designer. Today, memories are made around homemade pizzas and tiramisu, in a tavern atmosphere at the water’s edge where, according to Céline Taquet, .
Rochers du Saussois: climbing site and sensitive natural area
Just above the café, the cliffs of the Saussois rocks rise to almost 180 meters and offer an open panorama of the Yonne valley, with their peregrine falcons and eagle owls. Labeled Sensitive Natural Space (ENS) on 6.15 hectares, the site now benefits from a reinforced management framework. , recalls the departmental council in comments reported by the , with a clear objective: .
More than $200,000 has already been committed, including $284,130 for secure landscaped parking, subsidized to the tune of $217,300 via the schemes and, as well as more than $4,000 for the scientific monitoring of raptors. A future interpretive trail will soon guide visitors. Because, as the department further emphasizes,
Where is the Café des Roches at the Rochers du Saussois?
The Café des Roches is located in Merry-sur-Yonne, at the foot of the Saussois rocks, along the Nivernais canal, about thirty kilometers south of Auxerre.
Is Café des Roches reserved for climbers?
The café welcomes climbers, locals, hikers, greenway cyclists and boaters, in a tavern atmosphere open to all.
What does the Café des Roches offer on the menu?
The new owners highlight pizzas, homemade tiramisu and a simple offer to share after climbing or walking.
What does the Sensitive Natural Space label bring to the Saussois rocks?
The ENS label strengthens the protection of biodiversity, finances developments such as landscaped parking and supports scientific monitoring of raptors.
Can we come as a family to the Rochers du Saussois?
Yes, the site also attracts walkers and families, who enjoy the views, the canal and the stop at the Café des Roches.
