Charézier: Chapels, the Ain Valley and Medieval History

Charézier lies in the Ain Valley, with the Chapelle Saint-Sorlin standing on a hill above it. Those looking for a hotel in Charézier can get to know the destination through its cultural landscape and medieval history. Local themes range from religious functions and markets to a château and the use of hydropower. The landscape and different chapters of the town’s history come together here.

Between the Ain Valley and the Route des Lacs

As a regional reference point, Charézier is roughly halfway between the lakes of Chalain and Clairvaux-les-Lacs. Both are on the signposted Route des Lacs in the Jura, a 150-kilometre circuit. Your destination can therefore be understood in terms of both the Ain as its immediate landscape and the Route des Lacs as a broader framework. These details refer to different scales: the town’s location between two lakes and the circuit’s total length.

Chapels and religious history

Throughout the Middle Ages, the Chapelle Saint-Sorlin served as the parish church for an area between Charézier and Lac du Val. A pilgrimage is still held at the chapel in early September; check the specific date before travelling.

Charézier’s cultural heritage includes three chapels, among them the Ermitage de St-Sorlin and a 13th-century chapel. The Chapelle Saint-Antoine in Charézier was built in 1850 and dedicated to Saint Anthony, the patron saint of the municipality. Saint-Sorlin represents the town’s medieval parish history, while the Chapelle Saint-Antoine dates from the mid-19th century.

Medieval sites and historical traces

In the Middle Ages, a market hall stood on the Place des Halles, where markets and fairs were held. The Château de Saint-Sorlin tells a different story: it was built between 1301 and 1312 and destroyed in the 15th century. At the château, construction and destruction took place in different centuries; the Place des Halles is associated with its former role as a venue for markets and fairs.

One historical account describes a view from the château along the Ain, across the villages of the valley and the fortifications on the mountain peaks. Historical accounts also mention a paved path leading to the château and rubble that could be seen beneath a gateway. If you would like to visit these traces, check their current condition and access arrangements in advance.

A 2016 report describes the chapel in Liefenans, built in 1572, as no longer in use; at the time, only about one-third of the original structure remained. According to the report, its small bell was rung only for deaths. If visiting the interior is important to you, check access arrangements in advance.

Hydropower and further cultural heritage

The hydropower plant in Charézier began operating in 1957. In Liefnans, the hydropower plant is part of the Jura’s industrial heritage. Charézier’s cultural heritage also includes five fountains and two washhouses. The theme of water thus ranges from industrial use to structures that are part of the town’s history.

Discover more destinations: Thoirette, Sampans, Villard-Sur-Bienne, Prenovel, Saint-Amour, Orgelet, Septmoncel, Cuttura.

For the broader travel overview: Jura.