La Boulaye offers two distinct ways to explore: the Paldenshangpa Buddhist complex and a rural landscape between the Arroux and the Bois de Chaumont. This distinction is useful when planning your trip: the temple offers art and religious practice, while the Circuit du Bois de Chaumont provides a specific hiking route. The area also has architectural landmarks with histories dating back to the 18th century.

A landscape between river and forest

The commune stretches from the Arroux, at an elevation of 256 metres, to the Bois de Chaumont, with the Montagne de la Louère at 486 metres. Farmland and forests define the landscape; forests cover 37 percent of the commune. These elevations give the landscape a clear framework, while the large proportion of forest contributes to its rural character. Visitors to La Boulaye can therefore combine a visit to the temple with a look at the surrounding landscape, without reducing the area to a single cultural attraction.

Paldenshangpa: temple, garden and programme

The Buddhist Paldenshangpa temple was founded in 1974 by a Tibetan lama. It is also known as the Temple of a Thousand Buddhas, extends over three levels and houses huge Buddha statues and colourful paintings. The garden features colourful banners and a pyramid-shaped stupa, a Tibetan religious monument. These features give visitors several points of interest: the architecture, religious art and garden design.

Visitors can explore the park and temple gallery, and take part in rituals involving chanting and music. The centre’s programme also includes courses, retreats and teachings on Buddhist practice and the understanding of Buddhism. Tours for groups can be arranged in advance; a lama introduces visitors to Buddhist tradition and meditation. The temple has bus parking, car parking and toilets.

Hiking trail and privately owned historic sites

The Circuit du Bois de Chaumont is a hiking trail in La Boulaye. Over three kilometres, it follows the red-and-white markings of the GR131 to the Croix de Valveron. The route passes the temple and then returns towards its starting point. Check the trail markings and route conditions before setting out. This specific hiking option differs from the former Roman road, which runs through La Boulaye from Poiseuil in the north to the Pont du Gourmandou in the south. It is privately owned and features several stone bridges, so do not confuse it with the hiking trail described here.

Other historic buildings reflect different forms of past use. A private former estate includes an ice house dating from 1740: it is eight metres in diameter, six metres deep and has a spiral staircase with staggered steps. An animal-powered mill dating from 1830, with an impressive exterior stone staircase, has been converted into luxurious guest rooms. The former Château Schneider is also part of the area’s history: it was built on the site of the former barbican after the castle burned down. Today it is called Bodhi Tree House and belongs to the Buddhist congregation.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Gengoux-De-Scissé, Moroges, Viry, Montbellet, Sologny, Barizey, Bresse-sur-Grosne, Antully

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