Chignin: Towers, Wine Routes and Wine Culture

Chignin combines medieval heritage with vineyard trails and wine culture. If you are looking for a hotel in Chignin, you can explore the area through these themes: the towers point to the history of the lordship of Chignin, while the wine routes highlight seasonal work in viticulture, local history and the landscape. The terroir and Chignin-Bergeron also feature as distinctive aspects of local winegrowing.

Towers and History in Chignin

The Chignin tower complex consists of seven towers. They were built in the 13th century during the division of the lordship of Chignin. The towers and the associated archaeological site have been listed as historic monuments by decree dated February 18, 1991. The chapel and the Tour de la Place are clearly visible in the landscape and have been restored. This brings together medieval architectural history and archaeological context with two restored, visible features.

Another historical connection leads to the Chapelle Saint-Anthelme. The Carthusians built it in 1877 on the ruins of a medieval castle where Saint Anthelme was born. Two periods are thus linked here: the medieval castle site and the construction of the chapel in the 19th century. When planning your visit, bear in mind that the Chapelle Saint-Anthelme is closed to the public until restoration work is completed.

Discover Winegrowing on Themed Trails

The Une année de vigneron themed trail in Chignin is open to everyone and features seven information panels about seasonal work in viticulture. Its focus is therefore on activities throughout the year. For travelers who want to explore winegrowing not only through the finished product but also through work in the vineyard, this themed trail offers a different perspective.

The Chemin des Vignes is around 30 kilometers long, passes through vineyards and villages, crosses Chignin and can be explored in sections. The option to choose individual sections makes it possible to plan a route without covering the entire trail. La Grappe d'Or offers a different focus: this family treasure hunt in the vineyards reveals secrets of winegrowing and the area's history through a variety of activities. As a themed walking trail, La Grappe d'Or is 3.5 kilometers long and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The two trails can therefore be compared according to different criteria: La Grappe d'Or has an approximate duration, while the longer Chemin des Vignes is designed to be walked in sections. The stated distance and duration for La Grappe d'Or may change; check them before planning your visit.

Terroir and Wine Experiences

Chignin has a south-southwest-facing location sheltered from the wind, with limestone scree soils. This terroir produces Chignin-Bergeron, a wine made exclusively from the Roussanne grape variety and holding both French AOC and European AOP status. The grape variety, soil and location provide specific points of reference for the wine's profile, distinguishing this description of winegrowing from the themed trails, which focus on seasonal work or local history.

A Segway experience in the vineyards of Chignin combines a one-hour ride through the Savoy wine-growing region with a tasting of biodynamically produced wines at the Claude Quenard et Fils winery. Confirm availability before booking. At Domaine Berthollier, the vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically. The vines are tended by hand, the wines are vinified without sulfur, and some cuvées are aged in amphorae. These production methods may change over time.

Discover more destinations: Feissons-Sur-Salins, Saint-Avre, Crest-Voland, Montsapey, Gilly-sur-Isère, Apremont, Aussois, Saint-Jean-D'arves.

Back to the regional travel overview: Savoie.