Almost 5,300 years of use and settlement give Chassey-le-Camp a clear archaeological focus. Alongside this, Saint-Vincent Church and the Pelouses de Chassey-le-Camp represent other themes: a church visit at the weekend and a landscape with designated habitats. When planning your stay, you can first decide which theme you would like to focus on. Archaeology and the church offer different historical points of reference; the Pelouses add a landscape perspective.

The archaeological time span

The archaeological site of Chassey has been protected as a “Monument historique” by decree dated 14 June 1932. Its history of use and settlement stretches from the Middle Neolithic to the Early Middle Ages and covers almost 5,300 years. The focus, therefore, is not on a single period but on a broad span of time. The 1932 protection status and the almost 5,300 years refer to different time frames: the decree dates the monument’s protection, while the archaeological history refers to a much longer period.

Discoveries at the interpretation centre

The Centre d’interprétation archéologique de Chassey-le-Camp displays 51 objects recovered during excavations in five display cases. Three cases are dedicated to the Chasséen; two are dedicated to Protohistory and the Gallo-Roman period. Visits are free and unguided. Opening hours may change, so check visiting times in advance. The Centre is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Hiking and culture

The long-distance hiking trail G.R. 7 crosses the archaeological site of Chassey-le-Camp. For anyone including hiking and culture in their travel plans, this provides a clear connection between the route and the archaeological site: the trail passes through the site itself.

Plateau and habitats

The Pelouses de Chassey-le-Camp form a 56-hectare area on a narrow plateau. The area is covered with herbaceous, shrubby and tree formations. It includes two habitats of community importance: dry and mesophilic calcareous grasslands with scrub encroachment stages, and meadows with tall oat grass. The area and habitat types answer different questions: 56 hectares indicates the size of the area, while the habitats listed describe the landscape theme in greater detail. Thus, the Pelouses are defined by a specific habitat description, while the archaeological site is defined by its long history of use and settlement.

Saint-Vincent Church

Saint-Vincent Church was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to Saint Vincent. Visits are possible on weekends; access is arranged on site. As access arrangements may change, check the current visiting conditions before your visit. The visiting conditions therefore differ from those at the Centre: visits there are free and unguided, whereas access to the church is arranged on site.

Discover more destinations: Sennecey-Le-Grand, Le Breuil, Laives, Lans, Vauban, Saint-Martin-D'auxy, Saint-Vincent-En-Bresse, Dracy-Le-Fort

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