Lac de la Sorme, the “Entre étangs et forêts” hiking route and medieval buildings give Charmoy three distinct travel highlights. For planning, it is worth considering each separately: the lake has rules governing its use, information is available about the hiking route and one of its sections, and the church and tower represent different historical functions.
Lac de la Sorme: size and rules
Lac de la Sorme covers 215 hectares and is the largest lake in the département. It lies within the boundaries of Les Bizots, Blanzy, Saint-Berain-sous-Sanvignes and Charmoy, so Charmoy shares the lake with three other communes. As a drinking-water reservoir, it is subject to specific rules: boating, baiting and wading are prohibited. If you plan to make the lake the focus of your day, factor in these restrictions and check the rules for the water before setting out.
Fishing is also subject to its own conditions. Fishing is permitted to members of the approved fishing and aquatic environment protection associations (AAPPMA) of Saône-et-Loire, as well as to anglers with a fishing permit bearing one of the CHI, EHGO or URNE vignettes. Drinking-water regulations and fishing permits are separate planning considerations: in addition to checking the prohibitions, make sure your membership or permit meets the stated requirements.
Hiking on “Entre étangs et forêts”
The “Entre étangs et forêts (CHA1 & CHA2)” route is 9.3 kilometres long, with an estimated walking time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is rated moderate. The estimated walking time gives you a time frame for the hike, while the difficulty rating is another factor to consider when planning.
CHA1 is a 5.6-kilometre out-and-back hike that connects to Montcenis via CHA2. The figures cover different things: 9.3 kilometres and about 2 hours and 30 minutes refer to the “Entre étangs et forêts (CHA1 & CHA2)” route, while 5.6 kilometres refers to the CHA1 section. The stated walking time applies to the route; for the CHA1 section, the specific planning details are its distance and out-and-back format.
The Charmoy 2 section passes through forests and offers views of Étang du Prieuré and the bocage landscapes of Saône-et-Loire. The condition of the trail also depends on route maintenance, so check the latest information before setting out.
Church and tower: two historical functions
The Église Saint-Martin in Charmoy was built in the mid-12th century by Cluniac monks. The Tour du Bost is a defensive tower that served as an advanced outpost for the former castles of Montcenis and Uchon. Its square keep is 43 metres high. A keep is the main tower of a castle; its shape and height identify two specific architectural features of the Tour du Bost. The church and tower offer different historical perspectives: religious architectural history on the one hand, and former defensive architecture on the other.
Discover more destinations: Barnay, La Comelle, Maltat, Chardonnay, Montchanin, La Boulaye, Palinges, Amanzé
For the broader travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.
