Thoissey / Trévoux
From Thoissey, head for Trévoux by bike, enjoying the natural setting of the towpath down the Saône Valley, the Beaujolais hills opposite. Along the route, several unmissable cultural and gastronomic sites compete for your attention. If a fan of water sports, try canoeing on the river, or going for a dip in the Saône at one of the specially laid-out spots. Visit the remarkable châteaux in these parts, and eat at the outdoor summer riverside restaurants, guinguettes. Trévoux is a little old town full of surprising discoveries – this was once historic capital of the tiny Principality of Dombes.
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
The route
The path was completely renovated in 2023 and features a comfortable surface of stabilized sand, or sometimes bitumen on certain sections.
Please note:
Very narrow passage on the south side of Fareins arriving at Beauregard (widening work is planned for winter 2023/2024 by the Communauté de communes Dombes Saône Vallée).
Take care when crossing the D904 near the center of Jassans-Riottier.
Warning: on sections closed to traffic, there may be service vehicles, local residents or fishermen's vehicles.
SNCF (French national railways network)
TER line Dijon <> Mâcon <> Lyon
Don't miss
- Water gardens of Saint-Didier-sur-Chalaronne: Zen park with plant heritage and Koi carp.
- Montmerle: tower and chapel of the Minimes on the site of the former castle.
- Château de Fléchères in Fareins: 17th century castle with its Italian frescoes from 1632 and period furniture.
- Villefranche-sur-Saône: Renaissance architecture and shops in the historic centre. Gateway to the Unesco Global Geopark of Beaujolais.
- Saint-Bernard: medieval church and castle.
- Trévoux: medieval town, fortified castle, Dombes Parliament and museums. Les Cascades swimming area, media library, La Passerelle cinema.
