Champdieu is a commune in the Loire department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, a few kilometers north of Montbrison which it borders.
Its 18 km² territory oscillates from 363 to 727 m in altitude: its "eastern" part is part of the Forez plain, on the left bank of the Loire, the course of which is only 10 km away, and its "western" part is made up of the first foothills of the Forez mountains. Thus, on either side of the RD8 which crosses the town from north to south, the landscapes are dotted with ponds and wetlands to the east, already notable reliefs to the west, dominated by the peak of Purchon to the northwest and the Pic de Curtieux to the south.
This environment remains very green, made up of meadows (47% of the area), forests (17%) and agricultural land (particularly plots of vines).
Although prehistoric and Gallo-Roman remains have been unearthed, the village only really developed at the turn of the year 1000 when Auvergne monks founded a priory in 980. Later, the town was protected by a double fortified enclosure (14th century).
Much of this historic center has been preserved. This ancient heritage justified that Champdieu be labeled "village of character". Also having an extensive leisure offer, the town which has nearly 2000 inhabitants justifies a stopover...
The starting point for a visit to the historic center of the city and therefore for a discovery of its heritage is located to the north, at the level of the Porte de Bise, an old fortified gate.
A tourist information office is housed there, as well as the Center for Romanesque art in Forez.
There is a permanent exhibition with the explicit name: "Monks and builders around the year one thousand".
It is designed for all audiences, and "takes place" on three levels. On each floor, the visitor is welcomed by a character (video) who took part in the construction of the priory: an abbot first explains the reasons for the foundation of a new monastery and details the issues of power, territory and circulation of the Middle Ages.
On the first floor, construction techniques, materials and characteristics of Romanesque art in Forez are discussed.
Finally, at the upper level, the daily life and spirituality of the Benedictine monks are highlighted.
Open daily in July and August. Closed Mondays or weekends the rest of the year. FREE ENTRANCE. Information on +33 4 77 97 02 68.
After this introduction, the visit to the priory and the Saint-Sébastien church proves to be easier.
The monastic buildings, built from the 11th century, closed and then sold in batches after the Revolution, were gradually bought by the municipality and now host exhibitions, concerts or cultural and associative events.
Made up of partially redesigned buildings around a cloister, the priory overlooks the church built on a partly buried crypt. Its interior houses around fifty sculpted capitals. Free visit every day or guided visit.
Furthermore, at the level of the bell tower, a museum of sacred art, "the Treasure of the Priors", has been established.
In three rooms are presented objects of worship and works of sacred art once kept in the church itself: processional banners, reliquaries, chalices and other liturgical vestments.
Guided tours only. Price: 3 euros (or 6 euros, church included). Inquire on +33 4 77 97 02 68.
To be seen next, the old ramparts and what remains of the fortifications, many dwellings having leaned against them over the centuries.
Along the way, in the old town, a number of crosses, wells, washhouses testify to the vitality of the small town when the priory was at its peak and pilgrims (coming from Cluny or heading towards Compostela) stopped over.
Finally, we will not forget the suburbs and the nearby countryside (horse shoeing work, dovecote, winegrowers' lodges, etc.).
Note that a free brochure is available at the tourist office to discover the heritage via a "fun" route.
On the other hand, in season, it is possible to participate in an investigation game (an "Inquiry game") which allows you to discover Champdieu through puzzles to be solved.
The activity is particularly recommended for families and teenagers (price for a group: 40 euros). Join the tourist reception on +33 4 77 97 02 68.
This heritage overview can finally include the Château de Vaugirard, to the east of the town, built in the 17th century by a family of wealthy merchants of Montbrison.
This classic-style pleasure residence is made up of a three-storey dwelling (the second floor has sloping ceilings) with two back wings.
Inside, rooms adorned with French ceilings and monumental Baroque fireplaces have been preserved. The most remarkable element is a set of wall paintings evoking the Caroussel of Louis XIV (a party given by the king in the courtyard of the Tuileries in Paris to celebrate the birth of the Dauphin in 1662). A beautiful English-style park completes the estate, listed in the Inventory.
Open to the public every day from June to September. Information at Château de Vaugirard on +33 4 77 58 33 88.
As for sport, the town has a city-stadium, tennis courts and stabilized ground. Contact the town hall on +33 4 77 97 17 29.
Walks are then possible to enjoy a quality environment: the hiking trails traced in the locality thus include the Purchon peak (which is representative of the peaks basalts of the Forez and their rich biodiversity), vineyard plots, the hillsides to the west of the territory or the banks of the Forez canal, to the east, developed from 1865. On foot or by mountain bike on secure circuits, it is easy from Champdieu to reach the town of Montbrison or the banks of the Loire...
Maps and information on +33 4 77 97 02 68 or +33 4 77 97 17 29.
