Julius Caesar set foot here in 58 BC. Not in tourist mode, with sandals on his feet and a small satchel under his arm, but with a sword in his hand as he conquered Gaul. But how could anyone be so bloodthirsty in such a peaceful place? Because Chanaz has all the makings of a peaceful place. A small town of character that has retained its charm of yesteryear, it perfectly combines local heritage and cultural richness. Whatever the case, Julius Caesar or not, the “Little Venice of Savoy” is not about to sink!
Chanaz, the little Savoyard town of many riches
The canal linking Lac du Bourget to the Rhône has been a navigable waterway since the dawn of time. That’s why this area has always been a strategic point in the region, even becoming a key stage on the Roman road. These geographical and historical foundations have enabled the commune to prosper for many centuries. Several houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as the Gallo-Roman museum, bear witness to this rich past.
A rich past is synonymous with craftsmanship, and in this respect, one site is a must: the mill! Since 1868, it has been grinding walnuts and hazelnuts using traditional methods, thanks to a stone millstone powered by the waters of the canal. The Chanaz brewery, meanwhile, embodies the revival of the craft, and for the past ten years has been offering a whole range of tasty beers.
Last but not least, like all the characterful towns in our region – such as Yvoire, Oingt and Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise – Chanaz is an ideal place to stroll and wander, whether it’s to stop off at a café or take a stroll along the canal. Closer and less crowded than Annecy or Aix-les-Bains, the little town is perfect for a day trip from Lyon.
But how do you pronounce Chanaz correctly?
Chanaz is one of the many communes in Savoie and Haute-Savoie where pronunciation is still in doubt. Should the final “z” be pronounced, or is it silent? As in Combloux, Avoriaz, Les Carroz, La Clusaz and Chamonix, the last letter is not pronounced, andthe reason? Savoyard has its origins in Francoprovençal, a language that became more French over time. For example, the dialect “Chamouni” became “Chamonix” in French.
But, as we all know, there are no exceptions in French. Some villages, such as Servoz in the Chamonix valley, or Semnoz near Annecy, retain their last letter when spoken. It remains to be seen whether Julius Caesar, on his grand arrival in Chanaz, had the elegance to respect the rule of the silent “z”!