Bourgvilain: Meadows, Forests and Heritage

Bourgvilain is characterised by gently rolling landscapes with meadows and forests; its hamlets feature distinctive rural architecture. The local scenery is complemented by the Natura 2000 site, routes through the countryside, Château de Corcelle, the P'tit marché and Poterie de la Margotte. This lets you tailor your trip to a range of interests: nature and views, heritage, local produce or pottery.

Natural Environment and Protected Area

The municipality is part of the Natura 2000 site “Bocage, forêts et milieux humides du bassin de la Grosne et du Clunisois” (hedgerow landscape, forests and wetlands of the Grosne Basin and Clunisois). This special conservation area aims to preserve habitats for numerous animal species associated with aquatic environments. In addition to its meadows and forests, the area is distinguished by the special protection of its habitats. If you are planning your trip around landscapes and nature, this protected-area designation offers a different perspective from the specific viewpoints along the routes.

Routes with Different Highlights

The Le Col des Enceints hiking route follows paths alongside pastures and through wooded sections. It offers views of Château de Corcelle, the Saône Valley, the Valouzin Valley and the hills of the Charolais. Le Chatelard reveals different facets of Bourgvilain and its hamlets, and offers beautiful views of the Valouzin Valley.

The Circuit des bois focuses on the hamlets of La Pierre and L'Essardis, as well as a wooded section leading to the GR 76: the route passes through the two hamlets and reaches the long-distance trail via the forest section. The difference between the routes is clear: Le Col combines pastures and forest with several named viewpoints, Le Chatelard draws attention to the village and the Valouzin Valley, and the Circuit des bois focuses on hamlets and forest. You can choose among the routes described according to their distinctive landscapes and local features.

Château de Corcelle

Château de Corcelle dates back to the 9th century and is flanked by round towers. It is listed as a historic monument, offering a tangible connection to Bourgvilain's history. It is important to know the limits on visits when planning: the château is privately owned and cannot be visited. The views of the château are among the highlights of the Le Col des Enceints route; this does not include a visit inside the building.

Market and Local Produce

The P'tit marché de Bourgvilain is a weekly market in the town centre, held on Thursdays from 5 pm. Seasonal opening dates and times may change; check the current schedule before your visit. The stalls offer local and/or organic products: vegetables and fruit, bread and pizzas, farm-raised chicken, terrines, eggs, artisan charcuterie, fresh pasta, honey, sheep's milk yoghurt, cookies, nougats and honey marshmallows, wine, and artisan-brewed beer. The range of stalls may change. The market also features musical performances and a buvette, or drinks stall.

Pottery Workshops at Poterie de la Margotte

Poterie de la Margotte offers pottery workshops for children, teenagers and adults. Pottery adds another focus to the routes and the market. If you are interested in landscapes and culture, you can explore the viewpoints, the historic château and the hamlets; for a different emphasis, there is the pottery's craft offering. These different themes give you practical ideas for tailoring your stay to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Bonnet-De-Joux, Ozenay, Iguerande, Chaudenay, Beaurepaire-En-Bresse, Clessé, Saint-Vallerin, Toulon-Sur-Arroux

For the broader travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.