Chaneins can be discovered through its religious buildings, the Poype de Chaneins and the Étang Prêle. For travellers planning to rent a holiday apartment in Chaneins, the village itself is the focus as an independent destination.
Culture
The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption has been mentioned since 1234 and was dependent on the Neuville-les-Dames Priory. It includes a probably 12th-century semicircular apse with five unequal round-arched arcades and carved capitals. After ten years of restoration work, the church reopened for worship on 24 March 2014.
The Chapel of Saint Joseph contains murals precisely dated to 1505 by a carved inscription. There is also a painting of Saint Benedict from the same period on the wall of the nave next to the chapel. Three 15th-century gargoyles depicting grotesque animals are attached to the southern façade of the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption.
The Poype de Chaneins is a man-made mound and possibly the oldest archaeological evidence in the municipality. At its base, it was surrounded by a deep water-filled moat; access to the site was through a single gate in a barbican. The 30th Cuivres en Dombes Festival was also held in Chaneins.
Nature
More than 30 bird species are regularly observed at the Étang Prêle; amphibians and notable wetland plants are also found there. The Étang Prêle is open year-round for free, self-guided visits. An observation station and a nature trail make it possible to discover the birds and the pond’s ecosystem. There are two picnic tables near the Étang Prêle.
Trails
The Circuit de l’Espace Naturel Sensible de l’étang Prêle circular hiking trail is classified as moderately difficult, is 14.5 kilometres long and starts at the Place de la Bascule in Chaneins. The Circuit de la chapelle au château circular hiking trail runs through the municipality of Chaneins, is approximately 9.2 kilometres long and takes about three hours.
The official hiking trail from Chaneins to the Étang Prêle offers views of the Château de Chaillouvres on the edge of the pond, as well as panoramic views of Beaujolais. The route to the Étang Prêle is suitable for mountain bikes.
