The church of Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray has a choir termination characteristic of the late Romanesque architecture of the Brionnais region. Those choosing Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray as a holiday destination will want to find a holiday apartment.
Culture
The transept and choir of the church date from the middle of the 12th century, while the nave was rebuilt in the 19th century. The preserved Romanesque layout comprises a transept, a choir bay flanked by side aisles, and an apse. The choir contains two large murals: one depicts Saint Bonnet, while the other shows Saint Gilles protecting a hind pursued by hunters.
The historic heritage also includes the two statuettes known as “Anges céroféraires”. They date from the 15th century and were restored in 2013; on 21 August 1925, they were classified as historic objects. The Eglise Saint-Gilles can be visited free of charge and without a guide.
The area around the town hall also preserves traces of local history: the town hall is located between the residential building and the square dovecote of the former presbytery. The square dovecote houses municipal, tourist and cultural information.
Nature
Les Hauts du Bézo is a 13-kilometre hiking route that begins at the town hall of Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray and is designated for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. The circular route passes the Clos de Saint-Bonnet, an enclosure associated with a now-vanished 15th-century château and with the area’s former winegrowing tradition. It also runs along the Moulin du Virot, whose mill wheel is considered to have been renovated.
The Monts de la Madeleine are visible from the outer boundaries of Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray. A viewpoint at the Prairie de Torry along the route offers a 180-degree view of the Haut-Beaujolais, the wooded ridges of the Monts de Tarare and, in the distance, the Monts de la Madeleine.
Local life
The Fête Patronale takes place right at the beginning of September. In the heart of the Brionnais region, there is also a small vineyard that recalls the region’s former, now-vanished winegrowing tradition and is being partially revived by a family passionate about wine.
More local pages: Burnand, Vauban, Sens-Sur-Seille, Davayé, Leynes, Châteauneuf, Tronchy, Charette-Varennes.
