Discover La Comelle

La Comelle brings together local history, outdoor trails, and nature activities. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, it may help to first decide what you would like to focus on: historic buildings and local traditions, a route, or a guided nature experience.

Local History and Buildings

The church of La Comelle was consecrated in 1901, replacing an older church. The statue of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde stands on the summit of the hill of the same name, overlooking the village center. The church and statue thus provide different points of reference in the area’s history.

Grand Laume is also part of local tradition and is considered the birthplace of Jeanne Barret. In the hamlet of Le Jeu, a feudal castle stood on a hill and was remodeled in the 18th century. Château du Jeu is privately owned and cannot be visited; the “Le Jeu et les Moulins” route passes by the castle. Château des Boursons is a 19th-century castle in the Neoclassical style.

The former Sainte-Claire chapel on Montagne de la Garde has disappeared. It was the destination of an important pilgrimage and was associated with a spring whose water was believed to have therapeutic properties. The chapel’s location is uncertain. The Fontaine Sainte-Claire is a separate site: according to local belief, its water is thought to have healing properties for eye conditions.

Outdoor Trails

The “Par la Voie Romaine” hiking route starts at La Comelle’s church square and leads into the Bois de Bernard. Another option is “Le Jeu et les Moulins,” a route that passes by Château du Jeu. You can choose a route based on its course and the landmarks named along the way.

The Circuit VTT-FFC La Comelle mountain biking route is 31.0 km long and rated difficult. The same rating applies to electric mountain bikes. Check route conditions before setting off.

In 2023, the botanical trail was described as exceptionally rich in plant life. This includes edible wild lamb’s lettuce, as well as plants considered useful or medicinal. Plant availability is seasonal.

Nature Activities and Fruit-Growing Culture

L’Appel des Bois offers a two-hour walk in La Comelle focused on identifying edible wild plants. Nature-inspired recipes are also shared. The activity combines exploring plants with a set duration.

With “L’Echappée Morvan d’Ailes,” you can take part in a guided forest walk with free-flying birds of prey. The experience also includes an introduction to falconry.

The Maison de Bourgogne is believed to date from the 17th century and was a post station on the former Voie Royale between Nevers and Arnay-le-Duc. Today, it operates as an association dedicated to preserving the region’s traditional and local fruit-growing heritage. A workshop offering described in 2023 includes pruning and grafting fruit trees, orchard care, and making soap, natural paints, and lime plaster. Check before your trip whether you can take part.

Discover more destinations: Chassey-Le-Camp, Volesvres, Lugny, Saint-Loup-Géanges, Bresse-sur-Grosne, Davayé, Saint-Martin-Du-Tartre, Saillenard.

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