Chénelette (French pronunciation: [ʃenlɛt]) is a commune in the Rhône department in eastern France. While there have been settlements in the region since before the Roman conquest of Gaul, the modern village of Chénelette first appears in records dating to the 14th century. Today it has a population of approximately 300 people.

Chénelette is a small village of approximately 300 people (2012) located in the north-west of the Rhône Department, notably in the Beaujolais region. The surrounding landscape is one of forests, mountains (of the Massif Central), and pastures; and is frequented by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The village has an elevation of 660 meters, and is located approximately 60 kilometres north-northwest of Lyon (as the crow flies) and about 375 kilometres south-south west of Paris (as the crow flies). It lies between Roanne and Mâcon.

Chénelette has its roots from the Middle Ages when, in the fourteenth century, a castle was built at the peak of the Mont Tourvéon (to the east of the village) by Louis de Pieux. Today the ruins of this castle can still be seen by climbing to the top of the mountain, which requires a considerable hike. Chénelette has been significant to the region because it has been a point of convergence for travellers from surrounding areas. During World War Two this region was occupied by German forces and was known for its considerable resistance.

Historical population

Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1793 670 —     1800 626 −0.97% 1806 617 −0.24% 1821 529 −1.02% 1831 685 +2.62% 1836 721 +1.03% 1841 749 +0.76% 1846 617 −3.80% 1851 740 +3.70% 1856 668 −2.03% 1861 640 −0.85% 1866 673 +1.01% 1872 671 −0.05% 1876 674 +0.11% 1881 673 −0.03% 1886 645 −0.85% 1891 598 −1.50% 1896 587 −0.37%	Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1901 567 −0.69% 1906 529 −1.38% 1911 527 −0.08% 1921 450 −1.57% 1926 411 −1.80% 1931 401 −0.49% 1936 384 −0.86% 1946 356 −0.75% 1954 322 −1.25% 1962 320 −0.08% 1968 293 −1.46% 1975 277 −0.80% 1982 270 −0.36% 1990 284 +0.63% 1999 315 +1.16% 2007 330 +0.58% 2012 317 −0.80% 2017 321 +0.25%
Source: EHESS (1793-1999) and INSEE (1968-2017)

Communes of the Rhône department