Chavanay combines a medieval townscape with pilgrim and hiking routes and a distinctive wine culture. In the town centre, a circular layout, remnants of towers, tracery windows and winding lanes have been preserved. This gives you several ways to explore the area: traces of local history, paths through the vineyards and regional wines.
Local History and Heritage
The Chapelle du Calvaire lies on the Way of St. James and was restored from 2000 to 2003. The Madone d’Izerat is a 17-metre-high statue erected in 1861. The church of Sainte Agathe is also part of Chavanay’s religious heritage: its bell tower houses the oldest bell in the canton, which dates from the 18th century.
The heritage trail uses twelve information panels to tell the history of the village. Stops along the way include the Vieux Moulin and the narrow lanes of La Serve. This lets you explore the area’s history not only through individual buildings, but also along these named sites.
Hiking and Views over the RhĂ´ne Valley
The municipality and the Parc naturel régional du Pilat work together on the Les Pèlerins hike. The route passes the Chapelle du Calvaire and the Chapelle Saint-Basile. Following the flood of 17 October 2024, a warning applies to a bridge. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
The Sentier des vignobles runs through Chavanay’s vineyards and includes a there-and-back route to the Madone d’Izeras. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Chavanay and the Rhône Valley. Les Vignobles n°1 follows a different format: the marked circular route starts at Place de la Halle, is 11.3 kilometres long, takes about four hours and is of moderate difficulty. Check for local trail-condition updates before setting out.
The two routes offer different ways to plan your outing: the Sentier des vignobles focuses on the there-and-back route through the vineyards and the views. For Les Vignobles n°1, the distance, approximate duration and difficulty level are also provided. Above Chavanay lies the Rebord du Piémont, a viewing spot with an open lookout over the Rhône Valley, the vineyards and the urbanised Rhône plain.
Wines and Tastings
Condrieu made from the Viognier grape is produced in Chavanay. Saint-Joseph is also made locally: Marsanne and Roussanne grapes are used for the white wines, and Syrah for the reds. The Marché aux Vins brings regional producers together and has been held on the second weekend of December since 1924. Check the dates before planning your trip around it.
Les Vins de Vienne offers a discovery tasting of six cuvées in its cellar in Chavanay. The offer also includes a guided tour of the winery and barrel cellar, followed by an explanatory wine tasting. Visits and tastings are by appointment; arrange your visit in advance.
Maison Boucher offers product tastings at its estate in Chavanay. Regular access is available on Saturdays; visits on other days are by appointment. Visiting arrangements may change. Its range includes apples and pears grown in the Pilat, fruit juices, and AOP wines Saint-Joseph and Condrieu.
The Distillerie de Chavanay makes its products from local ingredients in accordance with the principles of the GnĂ´le Naturelle manifesto. At Cave Yves Cuilleron, there is a tasting cellar and guided cellar tours by appointment. Advance reservations are required for tastings and visits. The tasting cellar is accessible to guests with mobility impairments; check this information again before travelling.
RhĂ´ne Route and Stays
The ViaRhĂ´na runs from Saint-Romain-en-Gal via Chavanay to Sablons. For boaters, the river stop right by the village offers a place to stay and relax. Check operating conditions before arriving. You can plan your stay around the things that interest you most: local history, marked hiking routes, scenery, wine or the route along the RhĂ´ne.
Discover more destinations: Estivareilles, Chambœuf, Chuyer, Neaux, Saint-Michel-Sur-Rhône, Saint-Bonnet-Le-Courreau, Saint-Cyr-Les-Vignes, Saint-Just-En-Chevalet.
For the wider travel overview: Loire.
