Clessé is a wine-growing village whose landscape extends beyond its vines: vineyards, meadows, farmland and woods shape the area. From Clessé’s stadium, the view stretches across the Saône plain, the Bresse and the foothills of the Jura. Walking routes follow different paths through the vineyards. Romanesque architecture and the village’s connection with Viré-Clessé also shape its character.
Vineyard Landscapes and Routes
Walking routes follow different paths through the vineyards of Clessé. The routes have distinct starting points: the “Parcours de Quintaine” begins at the washhouse in the hamlet of Quintaine, while the “Parcours du Bourg” starts at the church in Clessé. “L'échappée de Senozan” passes through the vineyards, close to Château de Besseuil and towards the centre of Clessé. This means two clearly identified starting points are complemented by a route that connects the vineyards, the area around the château and the village centre. Before setting out, check the current route markings and accessibility, as both may change.
Churches and Architectural History
The Church of Saint-Trivier in the hamlet of Quintaine was built on the site of an earlier Romanesque chapel dedicated to Saint Trivier. The church contains stained-glass windows donated by Marie Gillet in 1864. The dedication of the former place of worship thus meets a 19th-century donation.
The Church of Notre-Dame in Clessé dates from 1090 and has two Romanesque construction phases. Its surviving octagonal bell tower was apparently built in the second half of the 12th century. The church has been listed as a Monument historique since 1929; its bell tower has been classified since 1930. These dates mark different stages: the stated date of the church, the approximate date of the tower’s construction, and the respective protection statuses.
The “La mémoire de pierre” exhibition gallery, which opened in 1990 in the Tinailler of Maison Guiochon, offers another perspective on architectural history. It permanently displays models of regional monuments made from lava stone by Jean PIERRE. While the churches illustrate specific buildings in Clessé, the models turn the focus to the region’s architecture.
Wine Traditions and Local Offerings
The Cave Coopérative de Clessé was founded in 1927; the Viré-Clessé controlled designation of origin was recognised in 1998. The local cooperative and the later recognition of the appellation thus represent different aspects of wine history.
The recurring “Printemps du Cru Viré-Clessé” showcases the appellation. Throughout the festival weekend, 24 wineries and cellars open their doors. Dates and programmes may change from one edition to the next; check the latest information if you plan to time your stay around the event.
Cave la Vigne Blanche and Michel Jean-Pierre Vigneron are associated in Clessé with online-bookable experiences related to Viré-Clessé. Check availability before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Martigny-Le-Comte, Montceau-Les-Mines, Sigy-Le-Châtel, Laives, Bourgvilain, Damerey, Change, Laizy.
For the wider travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.
