For a stay in Saint-Bonnet-De-Joux, two interests can be clearly distinguished: the town’s cultural sites and the marked Balades vertes in the Haut Charolais. The church with its figurative sculptures and the washhouses represent specific aspects of local heritage; circular routes of varying lengths offer a different focus in the great outdoors. Planning around these options lets you decide whether local history or landscapes and outdoor activities should take up more of your time.

Cultural heritage with specific points of interest

The Circuit découverte du patrimoine caché de Saint-Bonnet-de-Joux begins in the town centre and reveals 16 sites from 14 observation points. Starting in the town centre provides a clear reference point for orientation. The two numbers describe different things: the sites that can be seen and the observation points from which they can be viewed. This gives you a concrete picture of the cultural trail and its thematic scope. For planning, the central starting point provides a fixed reference; at the same time, the trail draws attention to more than just one site.

The Église néo-romane de Saint-Bonnet-de-Joux has 31 sculptures of human or animal figures. The number and the two groups of motifs provide a specific point of reference for the cultural theme. The washhouses offer a different perspective on local heritage: seven have been recorded in Saint-Bonnet-De-Joux; two of them are still fully visible at Étang Moreau and in L’Etanchot. Figurative sculptures and two fully visible examples of a local building type thus represent different aspects of the cultural heritage.

In Charolais-Brionnais, the Écuries du château de Chaumont offer another architectural highlight. Their refined architecture evokes an “equestrian palace”. This image draws attention to the character of the complex and adds a different architectural form to the cultural theme.

Balades vertes in the Haut Charolais

In the Haut Charolais, 21 marked Balades vertes are signposted, covering Saint-Bonnet-De-Joux and its surroundings. The network includes circular routes from 2 to 30 kilometres long, which can be used on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. The range of lengths provides one point of comparison when choosing a route; the three listed ways of travelling provide another. The Balades vertes pass through varied landscapes with extensive forests, ponds and rivers. When planning, you can therefore consider both your preferred route length and the landscape. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Planning a visit to the Musée Sabatier

The Musée Sabatier was open in May for the Nuit des Musées and in September for the Journées du Patrimoine. For visits on other days, the museum can be contacted at 03.85.24.74.59 or by email at musee.st.bonnet.de.joux@orange.fr. Check the contact details before your trip if you are planning a museum visit.

Discover more destinations: Cormatin, Buxy, Le Creusot, Martigny-Le-Comte, Frontenaud, Montmort, Dezize-Lès-Maranges, Damerey.

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