Route panoramique through the Saône Valley in Recologne-lès-Rioz

The scenic route through the Saône Valley in Recologne-les-Rioz is a circular route that starts on Rue de l’Église and returns to its starting point. Discover Recologne’s religious heritage along the Way of St James pilgrimage route, as well as its cultural heritage via Château de Ray (10 centuries of history).

Details

29058939
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.21 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 171 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 175 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 411 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 284 m

Description of the walk

Parking available next to the church.

Dark green circle markings

(S/E) At the start sign, head down Rue de l’Église, then first turn right then left at the village hall and continue along Rue de la Fontaine. Pass the fountain/wash house and reach a junction with a cross. Go to the left of it and head right (Grande Rue). Leave the village to reach a three-way junction by the pond.

(1) Turn left onto the small road and climb up to the Grandes Genièvres plateau (panoramic view of the Saône valley and Ray Castle). Stay on the main track for about 3 km until you reach a fork after crossing a strip of woodland. Turn left, head down through the Grande Plaine, skirting the woodland for a few hundred metres, and find a path on the right.

(2) Follow this path, keeping to the markings, to cross the forest. On leaving the woods, continue straight on and follow a track that becomes a road to Villers-Bouton. Stay on the main road to cross the village via Rue des Deux Fontaines. At the wash house and fountain, turn right (D5), and go past the church.

(3) Turn left onto Chemin des Craies and you will come to a three-way junction.

(4) Head left up the slope, then follow the track through the woodland until you find a path on the left.

(5) Take this path, cross a road and head straight ahead. Continue straight on, ignoring the logging tracks, until you reach the road (D5).

(6) Cross it and continue straight on until you reach the next small road.

(7) Turn left and head towards Éguilley, keeping to the left. Continue to the four-way junction.

(8) Turn left (Rue des Quatre Chênes) and continue to Recologne, joining Rue de l’Église on the right (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 338 m - Church car park
  2. 1 : km 0.83 - alt. 355 m - Pond
  3. 2 : km 3.83 - alt. 406 m - Exit from the woods
  4. 3 : km 6.2 - alt. 323 m - Chapel, Chemin des Craies
  5. 4 : km 6.9 - alt. 358 m - Three-way junction
  6. 5 : km 7.27 - alt. 341 m - Path on the left
  7. 6 : km 9.16 - alt. 333 m - D5
  8. 7 : km 9.9 - alt. 347 m - Forest track
  9. 8 : km 11.21 - alt. 288 m - Crossroads, Rue des 4 Chênes
  10. S/E : km 12.21 - alt. 338 m - Church car park

Notes

Parking available next to the church.

Worth a visit

Things to see:

- Ray-sur-Saône Castle: over 10 centuries of history. It was built in the18thcentury.
- The botanical trail near the pond.
- The fountain and church in Recologne.
- The GAEC des Aubracs farm.
- The wild boar park.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.2 / 5
richardd
richardd

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 18, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Easy hike.

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GéraldCh25
GéraldCh25

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, with no particular difficulties, through beautiful scenery, suitable for families. The information boards detailing the notable buildings in the villages along the route are a real bonus. The little church at the start is well worth a visit. The tarmac sections aren’t a problem as there’s very little traffic. With the weather and wildlife (foxes, squirrels) all playing their part, it was a thoroughly enjoyable outing in a region with a heritage waiting to be discovered.

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randonneur 70
randonneur 70

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 07, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This walk is lovely; the sections through the woods are beautiful, and it’s easy to follow. The final stretch from point 8 is along the road, which is a shame, but there’s no other way around it.
Thanks to those who maintain and mark the route; it’s perfect – just follow the markers.

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wassi2015
wassi2015

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

a very pleasant walk

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le saut de bonneille
le saut de bonneille

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very well-marked, easy walk
We shortened it by about 1 km as there was a lot of water in the woods following the night’s rain
But otherwise very pleasant to do in fine weather

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