Select Language

English

Down Icon

Select Country

France

Down Icon

Ain. The Saône, the link between Paradise and the dungeon

Ain. The Saône, the link between Paradise and the dungeon

From Thoissey to Trévoux, via Guéreins and Montmerle-sur-Saône, the Voie Bleue connects various sites, each more bucolic than the last. A journey through the centuries, from breathtaking panoramas to breathtaking landscapes.
  • Thoissey Adventure Park offers treetop adventure courses for children and adults alike. There are also other activities on site. Photo by Clémence Outteryck
  • Advertisement
  • The Minimes Tower, built in 1843 from the foundations of the old castle, is surrounded by 634 vines. Photo Clémence Outteryck
  • You can freely explore the castle with the help of an illustrated booklet, or take a guided tour via the tourist office. Photo Clémence Outteryck
  • In Thoissey, the Blue Route runs alongside the campsite. Many cycle tourists use it, alone or with their families. Photo by Clémence Outteryck
  • On the heights of Guéreins, the Croix du Paradis offers a panoramic view of Beaujolais. Photo Clémence Outteryck

The Saône Valley is full of little corners where you'd already think you were on vacation. Corners of paradise, in short, to the point where some have taken their name. On the heights of Guéreins, a small village of some 1,500 souls, stands the Croix du Paradis. A modest monument that offers a breathtaking view of the Beaujolais region. Once you've admired the panorama from the orientation table, you can direct your steps or wheels toward Montmerle-sur-Saône, joining the towpath for less than 6 km.

From there, a short detour of a few hundred meters is required towards the Minimes Tower, which overlooks the meanders of the Saône. While the view from the foot of its 634 vines is already worth the detour, this 20-meter-high building, erected in 1843 from the foundations of the old castle, opens its doors every Sunday in midsummer, at the end of the day*. It's an opportunity to gain some height and enjoy the exceptional landscape.

In the footsteps of the Curé of Ars

From the bottom of the tower and the...

...to read more, join our community of subscribers

and access all of our articles on the website and mobile app

from €1 for the first month, with no long-term commitment

{'skus': ['jslswgpremium16']}

Google: €1 for the first month, then €12.99

Le Journal de Saône-et-Loire

Le Journal de Saône-et-Loire

Similar News

All News
Animated ArrowAnimated ArrowAnimated Arrow