The Église Saint-Martin in Chapaize was built around 1030 from limestone and is one of the oldest examples of early Burgundian Romanesque architecture. The bay in front of the choir supports an octagonal dome; above it rises a three-storey Romanesque bell tower, 35 metres high.
Anyone planning a trip to Chapaize may wish to rent a holiday apartment there.
Culture
The historic built heritage also includes the Église Notre-Dame de Lancharre, which has been protected as a historic monument since 1930. It belongs to a nunnery founded by the Lords of Brancion in the 11th century; the original building was extended at the end of the 12th century.
The Église Notre-Dame de Lancharre contains Gothic tombstones and grave slabs. Outside, the fortified gate of the former priory can be seen. Restoration work in 2008 and 2018 uncovered wall paintings from the 11th and 13th centuries and led to the installation of contemporary stained-glass windows by Jean-Marie Géron. Chapaize also has a gallery for arts and crafts.
Nature
Chapaize is 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 and is home to flora and fauna that include, among others, the white-clawed crayfish and the yellow-bellied toad.
The Forêt domaniale de Chapaize lies entirely within the municipality of Chapaize. It is a 460-hectare beech and hornbeam forest.
Getting around
Chapaize is a designated stop on the 41-kilometre circular route “Laissez-vous conter notre cœur de Pays d’Art et d’Histoire”. The Boucle 8 cycling circuit also passes through Chapaize; a stop at the Romanesque church is recommended.
Local life
The farmers’ and organic market Le marché paysan et bio takes place every Sunday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Chapaize village square.
Further destinations: Mâcon, Chassey-Le-Camp, Bosjean, Saint-Vincent-En-Bresse, Saint-Émiland, Saint-Léger-Lès-Paray, Saint-Loup-Géanges, La Chapelle-De-Guinchay
