Chazemais – Architecture, Nature and Local History

Chazemais offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: the architectural history of Église Saint-Denis, nature information and a place to rest at Maison du randonneur, and the history of Château de La Bouchatte. Depending on your interests, the focus may be on church architecture, guidance for hikers or a historical plan for the site's use.

Architecture of Église Saint-Denis

The choir of Église Saint-Denis, dating from the 12th century, has survived. It has a flat-ended apse and a barrel vault. The flat-ended apse describes the choir's outline in the floor plan; a barrel vault is a curved ceiling form that extends lengthwise. These two details draw attention to different features of the same part of the building: the shape of the choir's end and the covering of the space. Thus, a flat end describes the outline, not the ceiling, and the barrel vault does not describe the floor plan.

The northern transept arm was rebuilt in the 15th century. A transept arm is the side wing of a transept; “northern” identifies the exact part concerned. Together with the surviving choir, this gives a chronological contrast: one building element from the 12th century and a later rebuilding in the 15th century. This makes it possible to trace the building's history through two different elements and centuries.

Nature information and a place to rest

Visitor information updated in September 2025 describes Maison du randonneur as an information point and resting place for passing hikers. It provides information about local wildlife and plant life. The site therefore combines two practical functions: you can learn about the local fauna and flora while also making use of a rest area intended for hikers.

The Maison also has a picnic area and games for children. This adds practical options for a break and an activity for children to its connection with nature. These facilities may change over time; if you plan to use the picnic area or games, check their availability before your visit.

Château de La Bouchatte

In 1874, General Louis Henri d’Auvergne began building Château de La Bouchatte as a residence. This date marks the start of construction and connects the project with the general's name. Unlike the surviving building elements of Église Saint-Denis, the focus here is initially on the start of a building project with a stated purpose.

In 1934, the conversion of the château into an open-air school was discussed. In this context, accommodation for 64 children was to be expanded, including 32 boys and 32 girls. This specifies both the use under consideration at the time and the planned capacity of the accommodation. The château's history thus includes a building begun as a residence and a later proposal for an open-air school.

Discover more destinations: Arfeuilles, Besson, Ébreuil, Monestier, Isserpent, Vicq, Saint-Désiré, Bessay-Sur-Allier

For the regional travel overview: Allier.