La Chapelle-Saint-Sauveur (Saône-et-Loire) walks

A pleasant and peaceful walking and mountain-biking route, following roads and paths to reach the Moulin de Chavenne and its pond.

Don’t miss the Renaissance-style château, construction of which began in 1680, the shaded park with a fitness trail, and several ponds.

Renowned for the diversity of its landscapes and the multitude of animal species it is home to, the Lower Doubs Valley forms part of the European network of the most prestigious natural areas: the Natura 2000 network. Over 160 bird species have been recorded across this protected area, including the European bee-eater, the bluethroat, the common tern, the whinchat and the kingfisher.

Four-kilometre trail with educational panels on seven themes related to natural and man-made environments and their associated biodiversity. Near the Mératon Sensitive Natural Area, you can enjoy views of oxbow lakes and reed beds and perhaps spot some wildlife!

The Grand Bois de Pontoux trail is a particularly easy walk, almost entirely shaded. It’s the perfect outing for a refreshing break in the heart of nature, whilst strolling through a magnificent collection of unspoilt ponds. A rejuvenating getaway not to be missed!

In the north-east of the Burgundian Bresse, Frangy-en-Bresse stretches from east to west for around 10 km. It shares a natural border with the Jura via the River Seille. A Natura 2000-designated wetland area, between the Seille and the Seillette, created for the preservation of wildlife, is particularly rich in bird and plant species. Along the trail, you can pass through the commune’s many hamlets and discover fortified houses and Bresse-style farmhouses.

This is an educational trail. Max found an old photo album belonging to his grandfather in his attic. He is charmed by the old photographs taken in Saint-Didier: typical farms, beautiful fishing ponds, and mouth-watering poultry. Without a moment’s hesitation, Max takes his friend Jack in the footsteps of his ancestor, but things have changed a great deal since the 1950s.

The Tremblay Trail is a historic and picturesque circular route in the heart of the Doubs plain, completely flat and ideal for the whole family. The route invites you to discover a rich local heritage, from the church of Navilly and its neo-Gothic style to the magnificent Romanesque church of Pontoux, passing close to the remarkable18th-century Navilly Bridge, which spans the Doubs.

Set off to explore the church of Villegaudin, a testament to the village’s past, walk near the Étang de Villegaudin, a haven of biodiversity, and finish at the Moulin de Gabrot, a former private mill nestled on the banks of the Cosne. A walk rich in nature and local heritage!

Between plains, vineyards and hills, discover Commenailles, a typical village in the Bresse region of the Jura, set in unspoilt countryside with rolling hills, ponds and forests, home to many protected species. Throughout the route, you will discover beautiful Bresse-style houses.

This walk along the Doubs takes you to the site where the remains of a 17th-century boat mill were discovered, a unique testament to the ingenuity of millers of yesteryear. The route also passes close to Île du Château, a preserved sensitive natural area rich in wildlife and birds.

The “Entre pièces et rivières” trail invites walkers to discover Saint-Martin Church, notable for its half-timbered walls, and Saint-Grégoire-le-Grand Church, easily recognisable by its Franche-Comté-style bell tower with glazed tiles. Along the route lies the hamlet of Chazelle, where horses and cattle graze peacefully in the meadows in summer.

Set off in search of the heritage of Saint-Martin-en-Bresse by exploring its 19th-century church, notable for its neo-Gothic style and colourful stained-glass windows, as well as the old railway station, once a hub of trade between the Bresse and Chalon, now gone but steeped in history.

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.

Starting from the hamlet of La Madeleine, this historic path immerses you in a place steeped in history. Here, on 8 and 9 March 1944, a group of resistance fighters based in the surrounding forests was taken by surprise and surrounded, leading to fierce fighting in the woods, the fields and right into the heart of the village. This site commemorates the sacrifice of four resistance fighters and three residents of the hamlet, including the Jouvenceau brothers. As a tribute, a memorial has been erected using stones from the burnt-out houses, ensuring the memory of these events lives on. It is a moving stop, combining heritage, nature and the duty to remember.

The Sentier de la Vivelle is an invitation to unwind in the heart of nature. This circular forest path, particularly suitable for families and Sunday outings, crosses the Bois de Guerfand. The route is shaded and flat, making it accessible to all, including young children. It is an ideal route for discovering the local flora and enjoying the tranquillity of a preserved woodland.

An easy family walk! This flat route, accessible to all, crosses the Palleau State Forest, a protected site listed as a Natura 2000 area. You’ll walk in the shade of a large deciduous forest. One of the jewels of the Palleau Forest’s wildlife is undoubtedly its bird population, with a remarkable diversity and density of certain species. For example, the density of middle spotted woodpeckers is one of the highest in France. The Palleau Forest is actively managed by the National Forestry Office (ONF). Forestry in the area is based on sustainable and responsible management, where timber production is balanced with the preservation of ecological riches. Thanks to selective high-forest management and natural regeneration, the forest maintains its biodiversity whilst meeting local economic needs.

In the heart of the Burgundian Bresse region, Vincelles is bordered by the non-navigable stretch of the River Seille, which is a delight for anglers. Close to Louhans-Châteaurenaud, the trails are easily accessible and will take you on a journey through woods and meadows to discover the natural surroundings. In the village, you can admire the private mills that dot the Bresse countryside.

Fellow walkers, this walk starting from the village of Chamblanc will take you through the villages of Lechâtelet and then Pagny-la-Ville along the banks of the Saône. The return route follows the flatlands back to Chamblanc. Avoid this walk in hot weather as there is little shade along the route.