Paray-le-Monial / Bourbon-Lancy

The waters of the Bourbince and the Canal du Centre run close to the centuries-old monastery of Paray-le-Monial, all providing a wonderful setting for a rest. After taking your time to explore the town’s parks, museums and monuments on foot, absorbing the calming atmosphere, time to ride off along EuroVelo 6. A couple of highlights on this watery stage are two remarkable navigable aqueducts, at Bourbince and Digoin. As to Bourbon-Lancy, you reach this thermal spa town with a rich history going back to medieval times via a cycle path running alongside the Canal Latéral à la Loire. Along the way, enjoy the traditional hedge-divided patchwork of fields of the Charolais bocage, passing verdant meadows and traditional villages. Come dinner, local dishes, especially those featuring Charolais beef, will help exhausted cyclists regain their strength.

The Route

This is an easy stage exclusively along canals and on a greenway as you approach Bourbon-Lancy. The one difficulty is with the last steep kilometre to reach the belfry gateway of Bourbon-Lancy.

Links
On the Véloire near Paray-le-Monial
On the GTMC near Bourbon-Lancy

Don't miss

• Paray-le-Monial: the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, plus the cloister and the Chapelle de la visitation; the Parc des Chapelains and Parc du Moulin Liron (public gardens); the Musée du Hiéron (an art museum); La Maison Jayet (a French Renaissance gem, now the town hall)
• Digoin: the navigable aqueduct; the port and banks of the Loire
• Bourbon-Lancy: the thermal spa; the medieval quarter, including the Tour de l’Horloge (a belfry with views)