The medieval church of Chavannes-le-Chêne

A few kilometres from Yvonand visitors will find rewarding but discreet cultural sites which reveal an ancient history. Perched on a rocky spur, the church is a source of surprise both by its location and its bell-cote. It is mentioned from 1320 onwards and was classified as an historical monument in 1950. It juxtaposes the local inn, itself a former manor house.

The bells date from the 15th century and from 1684. The rectangular, vaulted choir is supposedly also 15th century. The stained-glass window dates from 1950. The Romanesque nave has a quite recent coffered ceiling, and the polygon-shaped pulpit has borrowed parts from a number of ancient sources.

At a short distance from the church the Vallon des Vaux, a natural reserve of soothing beauty, invites passers-by to take a revitalising walk. The high point, the Tower of St-Martin, tucked away in the undergrowth, is all that remains of a large medieval town.