Discover Chavenon through a range of themes: Montgeorges’ position above the Aumance Valley, the architectural features of Montgeorges and Sceauve, a statue in the Église Saint-Martin, and the PR5 hiking route. The grounds of the Manoir de Saint-Hubert are also worth considering when planning your trip, as you must enquire in advance to visit. This gives you a choice of different highlights: heritage, landscapes and a hiking route with a specified distance.
Montgeorges above the Aumance Valley
The present-day Montgeorges estate dates from the 16th century and replaced an older castle. It stands on a plateau above the deep, wide Aumance Valley. Its elevated position and views over the valley are as much a part of its character as its architectural history. The architecture also has a notable feature: the square tower on the façade contains a spiral staircase. The contrast between the former castle and the present estate places its history in context, while the tower adds a distinctive architectural detail.
Sceauve: Renaissance window and pond
Sceauve makes its own architectural statement. Its façade features a broad Renaissance window, and the restored building includes a residential wing dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The window and the residential wing offer different clues: the window is identified with the Renaissance style, while the residential wing is assigned a period spanning two centuries. The surroundings also tell a story of change. Sceauve’s moats have disappeared, but its large pond remains. The vanished moats and surviving pond make for a striking contrast in this historic landscape.
A statue of the Virgin Mary in the Église Saint-Martin
The Église Saint-Martin houses a carved, polychrome-painted wooden statue of the Virgin and Child. Polychrome means the sculpture is painted in several colours; the artwork is defined not only by its subject but also by its carving and painted decoration. The statue dates from the first quarter of the 16th century. Together with the Montgeorges estate, which is also dated to the 16th century, it offers a point of comparison without equating the two works: one is a religious artwork, while the other is the development of an estate that replaced an older castle.
The PR5 as a hiking option
The PR5, “Sentier de l'Aumance et du chemin de fer,” is an easy 15-kilometre hiking route that takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. The easy rating and approximate duration answer different planning questions: one concerns the difficulty, the other the time you’ll need to set aside. The stated distance helps you plan the hike as a separate activity rather than squeezing it into an already tight schedule. The route description was updated on 19 June 2026. Trail conditions may change, so check them before setting out.
The grounds of the Manoir de Saint-Hubert
The grounds of the Manoir de Saint-Hubert include a pond. Part of the grounds can be viewed from outside; to visit, you must enquire in advance with the Marcenat monastery on 04 71 78 84 68. Viewing from outside and visiting are therefore two different options: if you plan to visit, you must enquire beforehand. The pond adds another park to Chavenon’s landscape highlights, while the visit requirement remains essential for planning.
Discover more destinations: Ferrières-sur-Sichon, Saint-Prix, Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais, Château-Sur-Allier, Vaumas, Villeneuve-Sur-Allier, Saint-Léopardin-d'Augy, Hauterive.
For the regional travel overview: Allier.
