Chalandry-Elaire can be explored through two distinct themes: the architecture and furnishings of Saint-Gonthier Church, and the Ballastières site with the Ecopôle des Ardennes project. When looking for a holiday rental, you can consider whether you are more interested in building history or a large-scale outdoor project. The two themes offer different perspectives: the construction and furnishings of a single church building on the one hand, and a 74-hectare site spanning several municipalities on the other.
Saint-Gonthier Church: construction phases and furnishings
The choir of the church probably dates from the 13th- or 14th-century Gothic period. This dating applies to the choir, not to the entire church building. The nave was added later, in two construction phases during the 17th and 18th centuries. This makes it possible to distinguish between two construction periods far apart in time: the probably Gothic choir and the nave added in later centuries. The church’s history is therefore not understood through a single date of construction, but through several phases.
The described floor plan comprises a single-nave nave, a chancel with a straight end, and a three-sided apse. The nave forms the main part of the church building; “single-nave” describes its layout with one nave. The straight end of the chancel and the three-sided shape of the apse identify other parts of the structure. These terms help you examine the architecture more precisely than a general description of the church as old or Gothic would allow. At the same time, the dating remains precise: the probable Gothic date applies to the choir, while the nave has two significantly later construction phases.
The church contains an ensemble comprising a high altar, tabernacle, and altarpiece. The materials listed for this ensemble are worked, polychrome-painted limestone, veined marble, black marble, and worked wood. The furnishings are thus distinguished by a variety of materials and finishes. A reliquary bust, or reliquary shrine, of Saint Gonthier is located in the choir. Those interested in the furnishings can distinguish between the altar ensemble and the reliquary object situated in a specific part of the church.
Ballastières and Ecopôle des Ardennes
The Ecopôle des Ardennes project is located on the Ballastières site. The 74-hectare area extends across Les Ayvelles, Chalandry-Elaire, and Lumes. Its size and cross-municipal layout set it apart from a single point of interest such as the church. This offers a different focus when choosing where to go: here, the emphasis is on a large area and its intended use for outdoor activities.
The project description dated 6 February 2025 envisages continuing to use the site for outdoor leisure activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and cycling. These activities are described as intended uses for the project. Separately, the June 2025 municipal bulletin states that access to the entire site is permitted for walkers, cyclists, and anglers. As this access rule is based on the 2025 bulletin, check it before visiting. The two statements answer different planning questions: the project description lists intended leisure uses, while the bulletin gives a dated access rule for specific groups of visitors.
Saint-Gonthier offers a cultural and historical perspective on architectural form, construction phases, and furnishings; at the Ballastières, the focus is on the size of the site, the municipalities involved, and planned leisure activities. If you are considering Chalandry-Elaire as a destination, these different focuses can help you work out what interests you. Be sure to check the current rules for the specific access conditions at the Ballastières.
Discover more destinations: Signy-Montlibert, Revin, Houdilcourt, Pouru-Saint-Remy, Cornay, Girondelle, Launois-Sur-Vence, Belval.
For the broader travel guide: Ardennes.
