Champagnat is a commune in the Saône-et-Loire department, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, 20 km south-east of Louhans.
Bordering the Jura to the east and south, belonging to the natural region and former province of Bresse, renowned in particular for its poultry farms, its territory of 13 km² ranges from 196 to 611 meters above sea level.
Indeed, the "east" part of the locality is backed by the first Jura reliefs, in the Revermont, while the "west" below is crossed by the valley of the Cours du Louvarel. These contrasting landscapes are nonetheless very green, made up of meadows (45% of the area), forests (42%) and various agricultural lands (5%).
Agricultural activity thus remains essential economically, but Champagnat, a parish dependent on the diocese of Saint-Claude before the Revolution, highlights other advantages. In addition to the heritage of the village, the leisure center and the campsite located on the banks of a lake on the course of Louvarel logically attract lovers of green tourism and water sports.
Between Jura and Burgundy, Champagnat (470 inhabitants) thus proves to be a legitimately popular stopover and vacation spot.
In terms of heritage, the jewel of the town is its parish church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption. It was erected in the 12th century in a so-called "mountain" Gothic style. We notice in fact the thick walls of the walls and the square bell tower of massive construction. The building has just benefited from a restoration in the rules of the art thanks to the mobilization of an association and a subscription initiated by the Heritage Foundation. The first works made it possible to renovate the slate roof (lava stones) which adds to the cachet of the church. This had been enlarged at the end of the 19th century at the level of the nave, during which time the facade had been redesigned, a cast iron statue (financed by the inhabitants) installed on the porch and two side chapels added, these last works having been offered by the family of the painter Pierre Puvis de Chavannes (1824-1898). Originally from the neighboring village of Cuiseaux, a precursor of symbolism and a major figure in 19th century French painting, the artist is inseparable from the church. This indeed houses one of his masterpieces, also offered by his family: it is a large canvas, "Christ in the Praetorium", painted in 1858. Classified in 1976, this painting was the subject of an exhibition at the Art Museum in Japan in 2014, after which a Japanese patron financed its restoration. From now on, the work is visible in a case that has regained all its luster.
After the painting and the church, a walk can lead to the old feudal mound from the 12th century, evidence of which is still visible. The opportunity in passing to admire some traditional rural dwellings.
It is then time to reach the west of the town and the Louvarel valley. We discover in a green and forest setting the lake (or pond) vast of 20 hectares. A campsite with an aqua-leisure center (with covered or open-air spaces) has been set up on its banks. Information on +33 4 66 739 739.
In addition, still on the edge of the water point, a leisure center is accessible to everyone.
A sandy beach with supervised swimming in July and August allows you to combine idleness and the pleasures of swimming... Boating or canoeing is authorized. A picnic area, playgrounds, a "beach volleyball" ground and a space dedicated to mountain biking are also available. Free access all year round.
Part of the lake is reserved for anglers from mid-April to early December. Day pass: 4 euros. Information on the base on +33 3 85 60 10 95.
Nearby, the Écuries de Louvarel equestrian center offers introductory lessons and horseback riding. Contact +33 6 87 06 25 87.
It remains to mention the rich potential offered on Champagnat to fans of hiking, pedestrians or two-wheelers. Marked trails are thus accessible from the base of Lake Louvarel, following the valley or entering the surrounding forests. Other routes, to the east of the town, take in the foothills of the Jura massif. Please note: some paths turn out to be particularly steep but in return offer magnificent views of Bresse... For cyclists in particular, it is easy to reach Louhans, for example, by criss-crossing this part of Burgundy... Maps and information at +33 3 85 72 76 09.
