Charnay-Lès-Mâcon brings together a Romanesque church, landscapes and cycling opportunities to suit a range of interests. The Église Sainte-Madeleine, Domaine de Champgrenon and Voie Verte give a stay three clear focal points: local history, walks and cycling. You can shape your stay around cultural history, outdoor activities or both.
Church and local history
The Église Sainte-Madeleine is a Romanesque church in the heart of the old town centre. A place of worship dedicated to Saint Peter has been documented at this site since 968. The church received its name in the 16th century; later, it was one of the diocese of Mâcon’s seven so-called “cathédrantes” churches. This sequence shows the different historical stages of the church site: the early place of worship dedicated to Saint Peter, the naming of the church and its later status within the diocese.
The Lavoir des Proux adds a different kind of building to this architectural history. The washhouse has a central impluvium and a roof with four sloping sides. It is considered one of the most splendid washhouses in the Saône-et-Loire département. Anyone interested in the town’s architecture will find, alongside the Romanesque church, a very different building with its own architectural style.
Walks and summer events
Domaine de Champgrenon is now a 17-hectare landscape park open to visitors for walks. The «Le balcon du Grand Site» route enters the Domaine via Chemin de la Tour de l’Ange. A walk in the park and the route offer different ways to plan an outing, but both are connected to the park grounds.
The Domaine is also home to Huilerie Mazoyer, which is open only during oil-pressing demonstrations. The grounds also host numerous major summer events. If a particular event is the reason for your trip, check its date in advance.
Cycling on the Voie Verte
The Voie Verte starting from Charnay is a protected cycle path and is suitable for family outings. It passes castles, vineyards and viewpoints overlooking the Solutré and Vergisson rocks. As local infrastructure may change, check the current route before setting out.
The Voie Verte in Charnay is also a starting point for walks, including a circular route suggested by Grand Site Solutré Pouilly Vergisson. If you prefer to explore the area on foot, you can also set off from the Voie Verte.
The Vélo-gare du Mâconnais is located at the start of the Voie Verte. Rental options include adult trekking bikes, electric bikes, bicycles, helmets, child seats and bike trailers. Check in advance whether the bike and accessories you want are available for your dates.
«Les Balades Canons» offers a more clearly defined e-bike tour: it runs from the Voie Verte through the Mâconnais vineyards, lasts about half a day and covers around 25 kilometres. The tour is offered seasonally; check before your trip whether it is available for your dates. The difference is useful when planning your day: the Voie Verte offers views along the cycle path, while «Les Balades Canons» also gives an approximate duration and distance.
A former temple as a cultural venue
The former Protestant temple tells another chapter of the town’s history. The municipality acquired the building in 1973 and renovated it in 1987 to host activities and cultural events. The town’s cultural history thus complements the religious history associated with the Église Sainte-Madeleine.
Discover more destinations: Mussy-Sous-Dun, Givry, Montagny-Sur-Grosne, Sornay, Bissy-Sous-Uxelles, Paris-L'hôpital, Saint-Albain, Loisy
For the broader travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.
