La chapelle de Montbois

Your route takes you through town and country to the Montbois chapel. This small chapel, built in 1588 following a major plague epidemic, was placed under the patronage of Saint Roch, who devoted his life to curing the plague victims. Other forgotten remains are local reminders of the impact of this great epidemic (plague fountain, sick-bay, etc.). Along the way, you will come to the Espace François Mitterrand. This place of remembrance is dedicated to the man who was, among other things, Mayor of Château-Chinon for 22 years, from 1959 to 1981, then President of the Republic for almost 14 years, from 21 May 1981 to 17 May 1995.

As you climb up to the Calvaire, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view stretching from Château-Chinon to the Loire Valley. This was the site of the medieval castle, destroyed in the mid-15th century, the stones of which were used to build the Notre Dame gateway. Before finishing your tour, you'll pass the Hôtel du Vieux Morvan again. This is where François Mitterrand spent his first hours as President of the Republic when the results were announced. Room 15 was rented to him on a year-round basis.