There are countless ancient sites to discover around Lyon: Tournus, Salles-Arbuissonnas, Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, Ambierle, and Ambronay, as well as Cluny…all you have to do is look at a map of the region and pick one. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes ranks among the top three regions with the highest number of historic monuments. We certainly aren’t going to complain about that. This village, too, adds its own contribution to the region’s heritage. Head west toward Champdieu.
The Divine Village of Champdieu
Even before you set foot in it, Champdieu charms you with its name. Just like Beaujeu, the name is melodious. In the heart of the Forez, in a setting surrounded by rolling vineyards, Champdieu and its millennia-old heritage await you . The Benedictine priory is a jewel of Romanesque art that was built beginning in the 11th century. It features a church and its magnificent crypt, as well as a cloister and a refectory, all surrounded by imposing ramparts. Today, the Benedictine priory can be explored on a guided tour (for a fee) to access the entire complex.
The village then offers everything you need to stroll through its cobblestone streets, take a cultural break ( at the Centre de l’Art Roman en Forez) , or indulge in some gourmet delights. With its “Vignobles & Découvertes” designation, the village of Champdieu also offers the pleasures of wine (in moderation, of course) with vineyards stretching for kilometers in every direction. If you’d like to take in a panoramic view of the surrounding area, head to the Pic de Purchon to admire a magnificent 360° panorama from the summit.
Champdieu, the tree that hides the Forez
Champdieu is the gateway to a region with 1,001 treasures. It neighbors the beautiful town of Montbrison, the former capital of the Forez, which also perfectly blends heritage and gastronomy. The most iconic site is the Diana, a 14th-century architectural masterpiece featuring a pointed arch vault adorned with over 1,700 coats of arms— a sight unique in France. What’s more, every Saturday morning you’ll find one of the most beautiful markets in France.
If you head a little further north, be sure to stop at Pêt d’Âne for a souvenir photo in front of one of the most beautiful panoramic views in our lovely region. From up there, admire the curves of the Loire from a unique perspective. Finally, if you’d like to continue exploring the area’s treasures, head to Pommiers-en-Forez, a small village of 350 residents, which boasts an incredible millennium-old site.
