Chanaz is a town in Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 24 km northwest of Aix-les-Bains.
The locality with a territory of 6.7 km² benefits from a privileged geographical location, bordered to the north by the Savières canal which connects Lake Bourget to the course of the Rhône, located to the west of the town.
At the "northern" end of the Thorn chain which runs from the Jura to the west of the Alps massif, surrounded by massifs but only culminating at an altitude of 572 m, Chanaz is already crossed by a Roman road in Antiquity. In the Middle Ages, the village was the seat of a castellany dependent on the counts and dukes of Savoy and the seigniory was later elevated to the rank of marquisate.
Strategic crossroads and road and river communication axes, the town has acquired over the centuries a picturesque heritage that is still highlighted. Nicknamed the "Little Savoyard Venice", labeled Small City of Character, Chanaz, approximately 500 inhabitants, has also developed a sports, "nature" and cultural leisure offer which makes it a very pleasant stopover near the major Savoyard sites or the Bugey, not to mention the vicinity of Lac du Bourget.
Besides the charm of the village to "Venetian" gaits whose houses along the canal, the Rhône and their arms or derivatives Chanaz has a heritage of quality.
This is the case of many houses in the old town with steep streets that punctuate the ancient elements (mullioned windows).
To highlight then the old stately stronghold, known as "Big House of Boigne" (the name of the last owner of the premises) whose origins date back to the thirteenth century and was rebuilt in the seventeenth. Partly protected as historical monuments (for facades and roofs, terraces, bread oven, the staircase inside stolen), it now houses City Hall. A thirteenth century dovecote, adjacent to the site, adds to its charm.
In another genre, on the heights of the village, the mill Chanaz date of 1860. It consisted of three units. The principal, with a bucket wheel of 6.30 meters in diameter, abandoned after the Second War, was restored in the 1990s is oil new product are nuts and hazelnuts. A visit allows to combine discovery of a unique heritage, a complex machinery and traditional knowledge. All in an atmosphere delicately scented. Open everyday save Monday. Free entry. Information at +33 7 86 70 78 69.
It still goes back in time then with the Gallo-Roman museum of "Potters Portout". It is housed in a Gothic chapel dedicated to "Our Lady of Mercy." It showcases collections from archaeological excavations at the hamlet Portout from 1976 to 1987. The following are examples to see a collection of ceramics "shiny" produced by a workshop Gallo-Roman potters installed in the fifth century which exported its products up 'Switzerland and the shores of the Mediterranean. In addition, jewelry, everyday objects, tools, coins and amphorae also evoke everyday life, crafts and trade at the end of the Roman Empire. Open from Friday to Monday and holidays from 15 April to 30 June and from 1 September to 15 October and daily in July and August. Free entry. Information at +33 4 79 52 11 84.
A former post of the eighteenth century converted into a guest house, a "banal" hand oven where the bread is baked in the ancient near the House of Boigne complete this panorama.
Place then leisure.
Through the creation of a lock in 1980, a marina that adjoin charming chalets on stilts could be built on Savières canal where you can join the Rhone and Lake Bourget.
The port has 115 channels and several companies are based are specialized in river tourism and its sidelines.
Cruises are available Chanaz (electric boat rentals and canoe, touch all year +33 4 79 35 88 85), Prolynx sports (canoe rental and paddles from April to October +33 4 56 82 91 68), Ships blue (electric ships and rosalies Easter to Halloween, Contact +33 6 60 57 03 45).
Nearby, the village connected by a bridge, a leisure park includes camping, bowling alleys, playgrounds... Information at +33 4 79 54 57 50.
On the common geography and unique landscapes (and for some protected as biodiversity), as in the surroundings, many hiking trails have been designed and signposted.
Besides the ViaRhôna along the river and allows walkers and amateurs of two wheels to enjoy a secure and track punctuated with landscapes and views of interest. Maps and information +33 4 79 54 59 59 or +33 4 79 88 68 00.
