Villages et châteaux - Boucle LF 4

Between hills and lowland in the heart of the Forez area, 5 km from Montbrison, Champdieu offers a rich and varied heritage testifying to over a thousand years of history. Its magnificent Benedictine priory has preserved its cloister and Romanesque church and cryBetween hillsides and plain, it grew under the protection of its priory high walls, and in the shadow of its church's two bell towers. To see: - Romanesque church with its crypt - the convent's buildings, notably the refectory with it XVth century fresco - Bise Gate and the interpretation centre for Romanesque art - the old hospice (XVth century) - a rich rural heritage (wash-house, vineyard lodge, bridge...)

With its slate roofs topped with pinnacles and its rammed earth structure, the Château de Vaugirard is a beautiful example of the early 17th century classical architecture.Listed as a historic monument and classed as « remarkable mud brick construction”, the castle is a typical example of the more comfortable style of architecture introduced at the beginning of the 17th century. Take a walk in the castle gardens replanted in an English style in the 19th century, before going inside to discover the well proportioned , harmonious architecture of this castle. Admire the frescoes portraying the Grand Caroussel organised by Louis XIV, unique in France.

Notre Dame d'Espérance collegiate church is an iconic monument of the Forez. With a unique gothic architecture and more than eight centuries of history, it is the place to go when you are in Montbrison.The XVth century bell tower, supported by buttresses, gives to the façade an imposing character with its two flights of twin windows. The doorway and its lateral and superior surround show much architectural richness. The five lancet arches stacked in order are arranged according to the art of perspective. The stylobates at their base are decorated with buttresses whose width decreases progressively, ending in small spires. They are spaced so as to harbour two figurines on top of each other, which they have been waiting for for 7 centuries. The doorway tympanum comprises two rows of blind arches. It is sculpted and topped with orders in lancet arch where niches have been prepared for 12 smaller figurines. In the centre, pride of place is reserved to a XIIth centurey statue of the Virgin Mary carrying the infant.

Domain located in the centre of the highest vineyard in the Loire River. Our vintages reflect the potential of basalt and various granites. In organic agriculture since 2001, and biodynamic since 2009, we harvest by hand our plots.