Charézier: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

The Chapelle Saint-Sorlin stands on a hill above the Ain valley. Throughout the Middle Ages, it served as the parish church for a region between Charézier and Lac du Val. A pilgrimage to the chapel still takes place at the beginning of September.

Culture and History

The Chapelle Saint-Antoine in Charézier was built in 1850 and dedicated to Saint Anthony, the patron saint of the municipality. Charézier’s cultural heritage includes three chapels, including the Ermitage de St-Sorlin and a 13th-century chapel.

The Château de Saint-Sorlin was built between 1301 and 1312 and destroyed in the 15th century. From there, the view extended along the Ain over the villages in the valley and the fortresses on the mountain peaks. A paved path led to the Château de Saint-Sorlin; rubble is still visible beneath a gateway.

In the Middle Ages, there was a covered market hall on the Place des Halles where markets and fairs were held. Charézier’s cultural heritage also includes five fountains and two washhouses.

The chapel in Liefenans was built in 1572; only about one-third of the original structure remains. It had fallen out of use, and its small bell was rung only when someone died. The hydroelectric power station in Liefnans is part of the industrial heritage of the Jura. The hydroelectric power station in Charézier was commissioned in 1957.

Landscape

Charézier lies in the Ain valley. The Ain, with its branches, as well as the Drouvenant and Tarabief streams, flow through Charézier.

Surroundings

Charézier lies roughly halfway between the lakes of Chalain and Clairvaux-les-Lacs. Both lakes are part of the signposted Route des Lacs in the Jura, a 150 km circular route.

Anyone planning a stay in Charézier may wish to rent a holiday apartment.

Other places: Lons-Le-Saunier, Salins-Les-Bains, Poligny, Cuttura, La Favière, Fay-En-Montagne, Offlanges, Villechantria

To the main travel overview: Jura.