The Domaine de Saint-Léger, located in the commune of Charnay-lès-Mâcon (71850), owes its name to Saint Léger, 7th-century bishop of Autun and venerated in Christian tradition. This remarkable site, as much for its relief as for its strategic position, was dedicated to the saint as early as the 10th century. It was at this time that both the name of the site and the construction of a chapel in his honor were established, thus affirming the religious vocation of the estate from the outset.

Unlike other sites, where a chapel reinforces an existing designation, here the name and the religious building appeared simultaneously. Although no longer in existence, the chapel of Saint-Léger played a central role in the spirituality of the area, attracting the faithful and pilgrims alike. This installation testifies to the importance of Saint Léger in local piety and the desire to associate the site with his memory.

The choice of the name Saint-Léger is part of a medieval tradition in which places of importance were placed under the protection of a saint, reinforcing their spiritual and social stature.

Even today, the Domaine de Saint-Léger perpetuates this memory, recalling the region's attachment to Saint Léger and his lasting influence on Burgundy's religious history.

The attribution of the name Saint-Léger to the estate is thus based on two inseparable elements:

A founding religious designation: The site was consecrated to Saint Léger as early as the 10th century, with the creation of a chapel to mark its spiritual importance.

Simultaneous spiritual and territorial development: The name and the chapel emerged together, giving the site an identity rooted in local faith and history.

Saint Léger, also known as Léodegard, was an influential figure in the Frankish Church in the 7th century. Born around 615 into a noble Aquitanian family, he was educated at the court of Clotaire II before becoming abbot of Saint-Maixent, then bishop of Autun around 663.

A reformer, he fought to preserve the independence of the Church from secular powers, and opposed Ebroïn, mayor of the Neustrian palace. This political and religious rivalry led to his capture, imprisonment, torture and execution in 678. His commitment and martyrdom earned him rapid canonization and great veneration, particularly in Burgundy, where many places bear his name.