A tour of the idyllic surroundings of La Chapelle-aux-Chasses

Head to La Chapelle-aux-Chasses via the D31 or D30 and park beside Sainte-Anne Church, on the Rue de la Mairie side.

(S/E) Set off along Rue de la Mairie, on the east side, which curves to the left. At this bend, turn right onto a path leading to the hamlet of Les Diorots.

(1) Turn right onto a path that runs between hedges. Further on, cross the D31 carefully, heading straight ahead (there is a wayside cross at this junction). Walk alongside the Bois de la Brosse, keeping to the left. Stay on the same route, ignoring any side paths. You will arrive at the hamlet of Ferrières.

(2) Walk straight through the hamlet, keep to the right at the next junction and arrive at the hamlet of Montapeine and the D30.

(3) Turn right and follow this road along the left-hand kerb. Continue like this through the entire built-up area. On leaving the built-up area, at elevation 241, turn left towards Magny. Cross a stream and stay on the road until the junction at elevation 244.

(4) Turn right towards Petit Méchin, continue straight ahead along the track, leaving the buildings and the hamlet of Louage Baudot on your left. Shortly afterwards, you’ll reach the crossroads at elevation 233.

(5) Turn right onto a path leading to the hamlet of Les Henrys. After a left-hand bend, continue along the path to the right (south-east) until you reach the Château de Magny.

(6) After admiring the buildings through the gate, walk back a little and turn right to go round the property on the left-hand side. The path running alongside the north side of the château leads to Les Merles via the path of the same name. You’ll come out onto the D31.

(7) Follow it carefully to the left, even though it isn’t very busy. Cross a stream and arrive at the hamlets of L’Auribault on the left and La Victoire on the right.

(8) Turn right towards Bel Air, Lavaux d’en bas and Lavaux d’en haut, which you will pass through in succession. Walk past the cemetery at La Chapelle-aux-Chasses (on the right) and arrive at the junction with the D30.

(9) Cross the road carefully to reach the centre of La Chapelle-aux-Chasses and head back towards the church. Just before reaching the church, you can turn left into Impasse Sainte-Anne, which leads to the fountain of the same name through a landscaped green space (250 m there and back).

(10) Retrace your steps and turn left to reach the car park at Sainte-Anne Church in La Chapelle-aux-Chasses (S/E).

A route designed as a leisurely stroll.

An inn situated right next to the church car park. Clearly visible.

St Anne’s Church in La Chapelle-aux-Chasses.

Typical Allier farmhouses.

Magny Castle:“The construction of Magny Castle dates back to 1755. The most recent restoration work, in which the brick walls were covered with render in a very understated manner, has given this residence a smooth, featureless appearance. The main building, with a rectangular plan and a single raised storey, features openings with low-arched lintels. The central entrance leads onto a porch with a double-winding staircase. Two slightly projecting wings, with ashlar stone cornerstones, flank the corners.”

Sainte-Anne Fountain: it is said that this fountain has healing properties for the eyes.