This walk invites you to discover Saint-Grégoire Church, recognisable by its imperial-style bell tower, as well as the large-scale lock at Écuelles, a major structure for navigation on the Saône. The route also crosses the meadows of the Val de Saône, a refuge for the Eurasian curlew.
The start of this hiking trail is at Place du Monument, next to the playground, in the village of Charnay-lès-Chalon. Easy parking is available near the start sign.
(S/E) Facing the sign, turn left towards the town hall. Take Rue de la Forge on the right (opposite the town hall) heading towards the church.
(1) Keep the church on your right and continue straight on for 1.9 km. Pass the old lock at Charnay-lès-Chalon.
(2) Near the hamlet of Pâquier du Leat (pâquier = pasture), take the stony path on the right and follow the Saône for 5.8 km.
(3) At Les Brassets, take the path on the left which takes you over the embankment. Then continue straight on for 1.8 km to La Grande Varenne.
(4) Take the path on the left for 1 km.
(5) At the end of the path, turn left onto the stony path until you approach the Bois de la Vêvre.
(6) Take the stony path on the right, follow the edge of the woods on the right and continue straight on for 1.3 km to the Pré de la Cour.
(7) Continue straight on for 1.3 km to reach the village of Charnay-lès-Chalon and arrive at the town hall. Then, 150 metres further on, you’ll be back at Place du Monument (S/E).
Waypoints
S/E : mi 0 - alt. 594 ft - Monument Square
1 : mi 0.15 - alt. 597 ft - Church
2 : mi 1.32 - alt. 577 ft - Pâquier du Leat - La Saône
3 : mi 4.91 - alt. 581 ft - Les Brassets
4 : mi 6.03 - alt. 581 ft - La Grande Varenne
5 : mi 6.69 - alt. 581 ft - End of the trail
6 : mi 7.42 - alt. 577 ft - Bois de la Vêvre
7 : mi 8.22 - alt. 577 ft - Pré de la Cour
S/E : mi 9.11 - alt. 594 ft - Monument Square
Notes
Signposting: follow the signs (CHA1) and the yellow markings ( walkingand hikingtrail).
Safety instructions: be well equipped (rucksack,first-aid kit, suitable clothing, good footwear, etc.). Bring a bottle of water and protect yourself from the sun. Carry a mobile phone. Do not leave any litter in the countryside. Take care when crossing roads. Do not stray from the marked trails. Keep clear of forestry work. Respect crops, livestock, private property and current regulations. Take care during the hunting season (September to February).
If you notice anything unusual on this trail, please report it to us using Suricate. We will be notified of your report and will endeavour to rectify the issue as soon as possible.
Worth a visit
Church of Charnay-lès-Chalon: dedicated to Pope Saint Gregory the Great, this church stands out for its unusual appearance in the Burgundian landscape. Its ‘Imperial-style’ bell tower, covered in glazed tiles and topped with a bulb, reflects the influence of neighbouring Franche-Comté, to which the parish was once attached.
Écuelles large-capacity lock: it is one of five large-capacity locks on the Saône. This impressive structure is a key link in navigation on the Saône. With its 185-metre-long lock chamber, it allows massive convoys of passenger ships and river cruise vessels to pass through, enabling them to negotiate a significant drop in water level in just a few minutes.
The Eurasian curlew: the emblem of the Saône Valley, this large bird with a curved beak nests on the ground, hidden in the tall grass. Its survival depends on an exemplary partnership with local farmers: by delaying mowing or adjusting their cutting patterns, they give the chicks precious time to take flight.
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