Discover Saint-Loup-Géanges: Church, Abbey and Winegrowing

These include the church of Saint-Loup-Géanges, the former Cistercian Abbey of Notre-Dame de Maizières, as well as agriculture and winegrowing. The buildings offer a different focus from the agricultural themes: here, the emphasis is on architectural history and monastic heritage; there, on production, biodiversity and winegrowing.

Church and Monastic Heritage

The church of Saint-Loup-Géanges was built between the mid-12th and mid-13th centuries. The choir, transept and bell tower date from the second half of the 12th century. The dating of these parts therefore falls within the church’s longer construction period. The capitals in the choir and transept also offer a distinct art-historical detail: they combine Romanesque and Gothic influences. The construction period and the mix of styles are thus two different aspects of the church. It was founded by Béatrice de Réon.

The former Abbey of Notre-Dame de Maizières is a Cistercian abbey. The Sentier des Moines runs along its western side. This adds a distinct monastic connection to the church’s architectural history. The path also provides a specific geographical reference point on the western side of the abbey. For travellers interested in cultural heritage, church architecture and monastic heritage can therefore be considered as separate points of interest.

Landscape, Agriculture and Winegrowing

The Hameau des Quarante Arpents lies amid vineyards, pastures and orchards, on the edge of the pond and the 650-hectare Maizières forest. The landscape therefore encompasses both agricultural land and the pond and forest. Winegrowing is only one element: the pastures, orchards and forest are also part of this setting.

The Ferme de Maizières welcomes the public for educational visits. It is also a place of agricultural production and educational discovery, with a particular focus on biodiversity. The farm follows the principles of biodynamic agriculture and permaculture. At the Ferme, visits therefore bring together agricultural practice and the topic of biodiversity. Travellers interested in agriculture as well as cultural history will find a distinct focus here when planning their trip.

The Domaine viticole de l’Abbaye de Maizières grows five grape varieties: Melon de Bourgogne, Pinot Beurot, Chardonnay, Gamay and Pinot Noir. In 2020, the winery newly planted three hectares of organic vines. The varieties currently grown can therefore be considered alongside a specific milestone in the winery’s history. The Ferme and the winery have different emphases: one focuses on educational discovery, biodiversity and agricultural principles, while the other focuses on the five grape varieties listed and the new planting of organic vines.

The Wider Area

In the wider area around Saint-Loup-Géanges, the Grand Chalon region alternates between wet meadows, the banks of the Saône, alluvial forests and paths through the countryside. This area is well suited to hiking and cycling. The landscape here covers a broader area than the individual cultural and agricultural themes: the history of the church and abbey, as well as the Ferme and the winery, relates to specific named places, while hiking and cycling are activities in the wider Grand Chalon area. When planning your trip, this distinction helps you consider local history, agricultural themes and activities in the wider landscape separately.

Discover more destinations: Charolles, Marcigny, Remigny, Huilly-Sur-Seille, Cronat, Boyer, Céron, Chevagny-Sur-Guye

Return to the broader travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.