La Clayette is situated in the southernmost part of Burgundy in the Charolais-Brionnais region, north of the historical province of Beaujolais.

As the cradle of the renowned Charolais cattle, the Charolais-Brionnais region is an applicant for the UNESCO's label as World Heritage Site to preserve, consolidate and transmit this resource.

[6] La Clayette is the centre of a small urban unit (population about 2,800) which includes the communes Baudemont and Varennes-sous-Dun.

[8] Dating back to the 14th century, the Château de La Clayette is partly surrounded by a small lake of 30 hectares (74 acres) and a water-filled moat.

[9] The construction of the Sainte-Avoye's chapel, in the flamboyant gothic style, was due to Louis de Chantemerle in the 15th century.