Boën-sur-Lignon or simply Boen (its former name) is a town in the Loire region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 17 km north of Montbrison.
Ranging from 375 to 557 meters, the territory of the locality is an area rather modest (6 km²) and due, to the Middle Ages, it was only a hamlet the parish Bouteresse.
Bordered to the west by the Forez and east by the Monts du Lyonnais, the town has developed on the left bank of Lignon.
Crossed in antiquity by the Roman road connecting Lyon to Bordeaux via Auvergne, Boen seen its growth boosted in 1247 when his lords grant the inhabitants a charter franchise and endow fortifications.
After the Revolution, its economy is favored by the development of the railway line linking Saint-Etienne to Clermont-Ferrand and the establishment of units and metallurgical operations and wood processing (of the Forez).
Now populated by about 3300 inhabitants, the town highlights its heritage, its environment and its cultural and community wealth.
On the occasion of a stage or a stay at Boen, visit the castle Chabert is obvious: it is the heritage jewel of the town, built in 1779 for Jacques-Marie Baron Punctis Tower, his lord, who called in an Italian architect Dalgabbio. Protected as historical monuments, now municipal property, Castle neoclassical facade has Italian. Inside, it includes a rotunda well crafted which displays two statues signed the Lyon sculptor Joseph Chinard. Several rooms (living rooms, bedrooms) have been preserved or restored their antique furniture (Louis XVI) and we see significant stucco decorations. Furthermore, an array of painted Genoese Assereto (XVII) unearthed during work is exposed.
Two floors of the castle houses a museum dedicated to the Vignerons Drill retracing their daily lives (vineyard work, reconstruction of interiors: kitchen, bedroom). Furthermore, workshops related to perfume and wine are arranged.
Are finally open to the public garden (where the vines were replanted) and two pavilions (former stables) where cellars were reconstructed.
The tour includes the period rooms and the museum and possibly a tasting. Price: from 2 to 4.50 euros. Information at +33 4 77 24 08 12.
Still on the heritage, also to see in the city, the Church of St. John the Baptist, which dates from the nineteenth century and has an interesting set of 12 stained glass made from 1887 to 1914 by the prestigious Louis workshops, Chartres.
sports and leisure side, Boën-sur-Lignon has tennis courts (reservation at the April 77 August 24 39 or +33 6 35 52 78 13) of petanque and an area for strolling, the Lignon park recently built on the river banks.
For lovers of hiking, tours of greater magnitude are possible, including incursions into the Forez. Maps and information on +33 4 77 96 08 69. It is also possible to join the outputs of the local club, contacting 06 25 July 71 98.
Culturally finally noted that the library program regularly exhibitions and meetings: information on +33 4 77 24 25 59. Unless you prefer a good movie? Then go to the cinema The associative Entract: information +33 4 77 24 15 50.
The second Sunday in May, wine fair and flower festival.
The third weekend in June, the Feast of Saint John with shows, dancing, fun activities, torchlight and fireworks.
The second weekend in November, sausage festival herbs.
Every Thursday morning, finally, other tasty products of the local region to be discovered at the weekly market.
