On the lakefront in La Clayette, architectural history meets a signposted trail: the Château de La Clayette was built on the shore, and the Flore et Faune en Bord de Lac (CL2) circular trail follows the lake to the leisure area and returns to the Château via the promenade. Other attractions include the Chapelle Sainte-Avoye as a cultural venue, the volunteer-run Cinéma L’Odyssée and the treasure hunt Les aventures de Clettis through the town centre. The offerings vary considerably: they range from historic architecture and a waterside walk to cultural events and an exploration tour with hidden clues. So when choosing what to do, it is worth considering whether you are more interested in history, the lakeside trail, cultural events or a clue-based tour.
Château and lake: two historic milestones
The Château de La Clayette was built on the lake shore in 1380 and is surrounded by water. It has been owned by the de Noblet family since 1722. The dates mark two different milestones: 1380 refers to the construction, while 1722 marks the beginning of the family’s ownership. This distinction in time makes clear the difference between the building’s origins and its subsequent ownership history.
Chapelle Sainte-Avoye and other cultural attractions
The Chapelle Sainte-Avoye was built in 1451 by Louis de Chantemerle, Lord of La Clayette. Its construction date is 71 years after that of the Château de La Clayette, making the time between the two buildings easy to grasp. The chapel is a rare example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture in the Brionnais. It is no longer used as a chapel; today, it serves as a cultural venue for exhibitions, performances and concerts. The programme may change, so if you are travelling for a particular event, check the dates for your travel period.
Cinéma L’Odyssée is a cinema run by an association and operated by a team of volunteers. It adds another form of culture: film. This differs from the exhibitions, performances and concerts held at the Chapelle Sainte-Avoye.
By the lake: mini golf and a circular trail
The Aire de loisirs & Mini-Golf is located on the shore of Lake La Clayette and has an 18-hole mini-golf course. Mini golf is seasonal, and availability may change. If you want to make a round part of your plans, check in advance whether it will be open during your travel dates.
Flore et Faune en Bord de Lac (CL2) is a signposted walking trail that is part of the Balades Vertes programme. The circular trail follows the lake to the leisure area and returns to the Château de La Clayette via the promenade. The route thus connects the lakeshore, leisure area and Château; the leisure area is both a destination on the trail and a place to visit in its own right for mini golf. If you want to connect these spots on foot, the CL2 offers a clearly described route.
Treasure hunt or circular trail?
Les aventures de Clettis is a treasure hunt and discovery tour in La Clayette. Hidden clues lead along a 4 km route through the town centre; the experience lasts two hours. Compared with the CL2, the focus shifts: the lakeshore, leisure area and promenade shape that route, while clues guide the exploration of the town centre here. This gives you a choice between a signposted circular trail by the water and a two-hour, clue-based tour through the town centre.
Horse breeding and equestrian sports
La Clayette has a long tradition of breeding horses for draught and racing, and today it hosts prestigious equestrian events. The breeding tradition reflects a long-standing connection, while an event can provide a specific reason to travel. If an equestrian event is to determine when you travel, check the dates for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Vallier, Hautefond, Vareilles, Rully, Bussières, Nochize, Clessy, Poisson
For the overview of the wider region: Saône-Et-Loire.
