Discover Saint-Savin: History and Nature

Saint-Savin offers several ways to plan a stay: its architectural history is reflected in castles and churches, while its lakes and marshland bring its natural heritage into focus. There is also a weekly market on Wednesday mornings. If you are looking for a hotel in Saint-Savin, you can start by considering which of these interests you would like to shape your visit; local history, nature, or a visit to the market each give your stay a different focus.

Castles, churches, and local history

Château de Demptézieu stands on a hill above Saint-Savin and occupies the center of the former fortified settlement that gave it its name. In 1954, it was added to the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. Another part of the area's history is Château des Comtes de Menon: the Counts of Menon had it built at the beginning of the 18th century, and its construction gave the center of Saint-Savin lasting significance.

The churches also reveal different traces of history. Eglise de Demptézieu was built in three phases and has undergone several alterations. Eglise Inachevée is an unfinished church building whose construction began on the initiative of Abbé Guillermard without authorization from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Eglise de Saint-Savin houses a gilded wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. It was restored together with the church in November 1991; it is believed to date from the late 17th or early 18th century.

A project drawn up on August 10, 1847, planned three washhouses for the hamlets of Saint-Savin, Demptézieu, and Chapèze. Each was to be 2.95 meters wide. Their planned lengths varied: 19.50 meters in Saint-Savin, 13.40 meters in Demptézieu, and 23.20 meters in Chapèze. In the plans, Chapèze was therefore the longest and Demptézieu the shortest.

Lakes, marshland, and walks

The lakes Clair, Jublet, Mort, and Gris are designated as Espace Naturel Sensible. Lac Clair and Lac Jublet are connected by a marsh zone; their designation helps protect their biodiversity. All four lakes are fed exclusively by groundwater and are home to rare flora and fauna adapted to water levels that change periodically. Water levels vary depending on the season and rainfall. Walks around the lakes and ponds and through the marshland offer you the chance to discover the municipality's natural heritage.

Wednesday weekly market

Saint-Savin's weekly market takes place on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Place des Halles. Vendors include, among others, vegetable growers, a cheesemonger, a butcher, a charcuterie seller, and a vegetable producer. As market details may change, check the times before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Oz, Vénosc, Autrans, Saint-Étienne-De-Crossey, Clelles, Saint-Pierre-De-Chartreuse, Porcieu-Amblagnieu, Vienne

For the main travel overview: Isere.