At Le Chassignot, views meet orientation: the Table d’orientation de Saint-Ythaire is located at 413 metres, the highest point in the municipality, and helps visitors identify features in the panorama. Together with Église Saint-Barthélémy and Loop No. 9, “Sur la route des jonquilles,” Saint-Ythaire reveals itself as a destination with three clearly distinct highlights: landscape, architectural history and cycling.
Panoramas and bird migration at Chassignot
Take the D126 from Saint-Ythaire towards Bierre to reach the Croix des Patiaux car park. From there, it is about a 15-minute uphill walk to the orientation table. At 413 metres, Le Chassignot is the highest point in the municipality; the table helps visitors identify features in the panorama. The visit combines a clearly defined walk with the chance to orient yourself in the landscape.
Bird migration is also observed and counted at the site, including honey buzzards and black storks. These observations are seasonal. If you are interested in migratory birds, you can take this seasonal aspect into account when planning your visit. Alongside its panoramic views, Chassignot also offers an opportunity to observe birds.
Church architecture and history
Église Saint-Barthélémy in Saint-Ythaire combines a Romanesque bell tower with a Neo-Gothic church. Romanesque describes the tower, while Neo-Gothic describes the church, bringing two architectural styles together in one building. The church was extended in 1830 and extensively remodelled between 1872 and 1875. Its entrance was moved to beneath the east side of the bell tower, and the building now faces west. The year 1873 and the inscription “A la gloire de Dieu” appear on the tympanum above the main entrance. The date falls within the period of extensive remodelling, while the 1830 extension marks an earlier phase.
The Romanesque Doyenné de Saint-Hippolyte is in the municipality of Bonnay-Saint-Ythaire. It has been documented since around the year 1000 and served as the seat of a deanery belonging to Cluny Abbey; it was fortified in the 13th century. Its history therefore reaches much further back than the remodelling of Église Saint-Barthélémy. Saint-Ythaire is also home to a manor house with turrets dating from the 17th century.
Walk to the viewpoint or take the cycling loop
Loop No. 9, “Sur la route des jonquilles,” passes through Besanceuil on its way to Saint-Ythaire. It is a difficult, 24.8-kilometre loop, making it a different option from the approximately 15-minute climb at Chassignot. The difference is straightforward when planning your trip: the viewpoint requires a short walk, while the cycling loop is a challenging ride along a designated route. You can choose your focus based on the activity you prefer: panoramas and bird migration at Chassignot, or a longer cycling loop that includes Saint-Ythaire.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Aubin-en-Charollais, Ozolles, Saint-Usuge, Igé, Baudrières, Rully, Saint-Vallier, Saint-Gengoux-Le-National.
For the broader travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.
