Chapaize: Romanesque Architecture, Forest and Village Market

Chapaize brings together the early Burgundian Romanesque architecture of Saint-Martin and the history of the former women’s priory of Lancharre. It also has a large communal forest, a connection to Natura 2000 and a weekly market. This gives you different priorities to choose from when planning your stay: architectural history, landscape or a specific Sunday visit.

Romanesque Architecture and History

The Église Saint-Martin was built from limestone around 1030 and is one of the oldest examples of early Burgundian Romanesque architecture. Its design can also be described precisely: the bay in front of the choir supports an octagonal dome. Above it rises a three-storey Romanesque bell tower, standing 35 metres high. Together, the date, building material and tower structure give a specific impression of the architecture that distinguishes Saint-Martin.

Different historical periods meet at the Église Notre-Dame de Lancharre. The church belonged to a women’s priory founded by the lords of Brancion in the 11th century. The original building was extended at the end of the 12th century; since 1930, the church has been protected as a historic monument. Inside the church are Gothic tombstones and grave slabs. Outside, you can see the fortified gate of the former priory.

More recent work is also part of the building’s history: restorations in 2008 and 2018 uncovered 11th- and 13th-century wall paintings and led to the installation of contemporary stained-glass windows by Jean-Marie Géron. Alongside the history of the priory, Lancharre thus offers insights into different phases of its fittings and restoration.

Forest and Natura 2000 Site

The Forêt domaniale de Chapaize lies entirely within the commune and covers 460 hectares. It is a beech and hornbeam forest. Its size makes the forest a clearly defined part of Chapaize’s landscape, alongside its individual buildings and village market.

Chapaize is also part of the European Natura 2000 network, “Bocage, forêt et milieux humides du bassin de la Grosne et du clunisois”. The Natura 2000 site near Chapaize is characterised by ponds. Its flora and fauna include, among other species, the white-clawed crayfish and the yellow-bellied toad. Those interested in nature will find here, alongside the forest, a distinct connection to wetlands and the species that live there.

Circular Route and Cycle Tour

Chapaize is a named stop on the 41-kilometre circular route “Laissez-vous conter notre cœur de Pays d’Art et d’Histoire”. As descriptions of tourist routes and information about their sections may change, it is worth checking the current route before setting out.

A separate cycle loop, Boucle 8, passes through Chapaize; the Romanesque church is recommended as a stop. Check the route and signage before setting out. This lets you treat this cycle route as a separate part of your plans, without confusing it with the 41-kilometre circular route.

Sunday Market in the Village Square

The Le marché paysan et bio farmers’ and organic market takes place every Sunday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Chapaize village square. This time slot makes the market a specific part of your day’s plans: it takes place in the morning, not at any arbitrary time on Sunday. Check the market hours again before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Digoin, Vitry-sur-Loire, Sailly, Grury, Montagny-Lès-Buxy, Saint-Vallier, Cuiseaux, Mont.

For the broader travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.