A path leads from the centre of Mazille into the forest of Trois Monts; the Romanesque church of Saint-Blaise stands near the remains of a Roman villa. This contrast offers two different focuses for a stay: architectural history and paths through the countryside. The visits you plan also depend on the conditions for visiting each site.
Saint-Blaise: church and architectural history
Saint-Blaise is a Romanesque church dating from the early 12th century. It was probably built by the workmen of Abbot Hugues de Cluny. The church belonged to Cluny Abbey. During restoration work in 2016, it was drained; the work also improved access by reopening an old door at choir level, south of the bell tower. Visits are possible outside religious services. Check locally before your visit, as arrangements around services may change. In the cemetery surrounding Saint-Blaise is the tombstone of Michel Bouillot (1929–2007).
Doyenné des Moines: history and visiting
The Doyenné des Moines stands on a rocky promontory above the town centre and includes, among other things, a 13th-century chapel. It was formerly dependent on the Benedictines of Cluny Abbey. The building is privately owned and can be visited from 10 July to 10 September, daily except Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., as well as during the Journées du Patrimoine. Groups can visit in spring and summer by prior arrangement. Check current visiting hours before your trip.
Carmel de la Paix: architecture and community
The Carmel de la Paix is a work by Spanish architect Jean-Louis Sert, a student of Le Corbusier, built in the 1970s. It has been awarded the “Patrimoine du XXe siècle” designation. In contrast to the Romanesque Saint-Blaise, the Carmel represents a much later architectural period. Visitors can share in part of the Carmelite nuns’ life, prayer and work there; participation must be arranged with the community. Contact the Carmel before your trip.
Walking trails through the rolling countryside
Mazille has green hills and walking trails through meadows and forests. The “Balade en forêt des Trois Monts” leads from the town centre into the forest of Trois Monts, which provides a protected habitat for game, wild boar and deer. The Fontaine Cébée and its spring in the forest lie along the route. The spring supplied the village with drinking water for a long time. This particular trail thus links the landscape with a named site from Mazille’s former water supply.
Local cuisine
La Belle Étoile is located in the centre of Mazille and offers sociable cuisine inspired by mountain flavours. As menus and opening hours may change, check before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Louhans, Saunières, Montcenis, Cuisery, Marcigny, Saint-Ythaire, Bissy-Sous-Uxelles, Épinac.
For the regional travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.
