Between the Saône and the Plateau, starting from Massieux

Park in the car park at Massieux cemetery. This route is signposted with hiking posts; yellow markings will soon be added to this walk.

(S/E) From the car park, opposite Massieux cemetery, turn left towards Parcieux and continue straight on until you reach another cemetery on your right.

(1) Turn right onto Montée du Calvaire. Stop for a moment in front of the calvary in the village of Parcieux, situated on a promontory and consisting of three large cast-iron statues on their crosses. At the junction, turn left onto Chemin du Fagot. Cross Route de Genay. Pass Les Chalandonnettes, a development of affordable detached houses built in 1970 on the initiative of the Minister for Housing, Albin Chalandon.

(2) Cross the D933 road with care and continue straight ahead. Follow the towpath to the banks of the Saône and reach the Maison éclusière on the right.

(3) Here, take a relaxing and cultural break. The Maison éclusière offers a discovery trail and an exhibition hall where you can immerse yourself in the history of the Saône’s development and meet the lock keepers through audio testimonials. An animated model also helps you understand how the dam and its famous sluice gates work. This venue also hosts concerts and workshops. Continue along the towpath and enjoy the banks of the Saône once more.

(4) At Bas de Saône, turn right towards Parcieux and then left onto the D933.

(5) Cross the road carefully and continue straight ahead along the Chemin des Mûriers, which runs alongside the sports grounds. There used to be a castle here, of which only the park, lined with century-old trees, remains. A silkworm farm had been set up in the outbuildings, as there were many mulberry trees in the village and silkworms are fond of them. At the end of the sports ground, turn right then left to join the Route de Genay, which you follow to the left until you reach the church.

(6) Step inside the church and admire, in the chancel, the painted wooden high relief depicting the Last Supper, listed as a Historic Monument. Opposite the town hall, turn right onto Rue de la Fontaine, heading towards Trêve d'Ars.

(7) Continue through the village, noting a beautiful wash house with an elegant roof, and carry on straight ahead until you reach the three-way junction; continue along Rue de la Fontaine, then take Route de Reyrieux on the right. Turn right onto Chemin du Trève Magnin, which runs alongside Château Grange Blanche (private property). At the end of the path, turn left onto Chemin Creuse du Roussillon.

(8) At the crossroads, turn left onto Chemin de la Petite Creuse du Bochat until you reach Trêve d'Ars.

(9) At Trêve d'Ars, turn right towards Les Terreaux, then continue straight on to the right along a small dirt track.

(10) At Les Terreaux, turn right towards Massieux.

(11) At Les Requettes, leave the^GR® Beaujolais Bugey via La Dombes and turn left towards Bernoud. The path winds through fields and woods. Turn right at the^first fork and continue to the main road. Cross carefully and go straight on. At the hamlet of Bernoud, continue left until you reach a road.

(12) At the road, turn right towards Massieux, following the Chemin du Paradis. At the end, turn right onto the Chemin des Trois Fontaines, which runs alongside a pumping station.

(13) At the crossroads, turn left onto Route de Civrieux and leave it at the cross to continue along Chemin des Dorriers, continuing to the end.

(14) Turn right onto Chemin du Cimetière and return to the cemetery car park (S/E).

Lock keeper’s house: four picnic tables and the chance to fill your water bottle during opening hours.