Discover Boyer

Boyer reveals itself as a travel destination through its architectural history, historic washhouses and the landscape along the Saône and Natouze rivers. Local landmarks range from a church with Romanesque and Neoclassical elements to traces of former milling activity. The landscape adds its own distinctive features: the protected banks of the Saône, stony calcareous grasslands on the heights and the panoramic view from La Garenne. These themes offer several ways to decide what particularly interests you about Boyer.

Church and architectural history

The present-day Church of Saint-Victor-Saint-Loup combines Romanesque and Neoclassical architectural elements. The current building was rebuilt between 1790 and 1792. One bay of the Romanesque predecessor was retained: it had previously formed the choir and was incorporated into the porch of the new church. This makes it possible to trace the older building phase through a specific architectural feature, while the rebuilding shaped the church as it stands today. Both aspects are therefore important for understanding it: the different stylistic elements and the history of the predecessor building.

Washhouses in Boyer

Four spring-fed washhouses are still standing in Boyer. The washhouse at the Saint-Loup spring has a rectangular basin made of dressed stone blocks. The washhouse at Pymont is notable both for its history and its design: it was built in the mid-19th century. Sculptures of washerwomen with laundry bats adorn both gable fields; they are considered an original and unique work. Its construction date and depictions give this washhouse a distinctive character among the local landmarks.

Mills and the Natouze

The Natouze once powered about ten mills in Boyer. The historic mills along the river processed grain and pressed walnut oil. These are two specific uses of the mills that have been recorded, making their historic connection to the river tangible. The “Au fil des moulins et panorama de la Garenne” circular trail runs through Boyer; a few old mills can still be seen along the route. The surviving views of individual mills and the recorded former uses complement each other: one describes what can still be seen along the trail, while the other tells of the work once associated with the Natouze.

Landscape and views

The banks of the Saône in Boyer are protected under the Natura 2000 Charter. The heights are home to stony calcareous grasslands with vegetation typical of Burgundy. From La Garenne, the panoramic view takes in the Saône, the villages of Mancey, Vers, Jugy and Sennecey, and Chalon-sur-Saône in the distance; Tournus and the Saône lie below. On a clear day, the view also reaches the Bresse, the Jura and Mont Blanc. The vista thus combines named places in the surrounding area with a distant view whose extent depends on visibility.

Historic estates and planning your visit

At least eight châteaux and manor houses have been built in Boyer since the 15th century. They are privately owned and not open to the public. This distinction is important when planning a stay: the number of estates describes one part of the town’s history, but does not mean they are open for public visits. The church, washhouses, mills and landscape offer other themes to help you plan around your interests in Boyer.

Discover more destinations: Charnay-Lès-Mâcon, Berzé-La-Ville, Saint-Symphorien-De-Marmagne, Dracy-Le-Fort, Bellevesvre, Bosjean, Buxy, La Roche-Vineuse

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