The meadow and banks of the Seille at Sornay

Start point: ‘Flots Bleus’ car park, located along the D971 road in the centre of the village. Easy parking for motorhomes. A large sign showing the three routes in the area is located at the start.

(S/E) From the car park, walk along the D971 on the pavement towards Louhans; after about 250 m, turn left onto Rue de la Charité and continue to the end of the street.

(1) At the junction, turn right onto Rue de l’Église towards the cemetery, then, just before the cemetery, turn left onto Impasse du Vernay, a tarmac road that quickly turns into a stony track.

(2) Continue to the first ‘cut’ in the Seugnière (a meander of the Seille that was cut off when the Seille was channelled at the end of the 18th century). Look out for the first three information boards.
The^first is dedicated to the bocage landscape you are passing through.
The^second is about wildlife. It invites you to take a break and pay attention to your surroundings. You might be lucky enough to spot herons or Eurasian curlews, which love the meadows bordering the Seille.
The^third board offers you the chance to brush up on your knowledge of bird tracks. A table and benches will also allow you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the spot.
Follow the path to the towpath along the Seille.

(3) After reading the information, continue to the left and take the towpath that runs alongside the Seille towards the lock.
The^fourth information board explains the sections.
Three more information boards are on your way to the lock. They are dedicated to the birds, fish and meadows around you. It is not uncommon to come across pleasure boats sailing on the Seille. There are also many anglers present. A quick hello and keeping dogs on a lead are appreciated. Head to the lock.
‘'Turning right, you can access the Square des Américains where tables and benches in the shade are available for a picnic. Please take care. There is little space on the verge and there is traffic on this departmental road. Two information boards recount the passage of the Americans in 1944 and navigation on the Seille''.

(4) To continue the walk, first turn left then right , crossing the D167 with care.
Continue along the towpath for nearly 2 km until you reach the next house. The Seille is on your right and, on your left, a vast meadow full of flowers in spring, where certain birds nest during the breeding season.

(5) After passing the house, turn left onto Chemin des Sassaudes, a tarmac road. Continue for 1 km until you reach a crossroads: a conservation orchard on one side and large market-garden greenhouses on the other.

(6) Cross the D167 with care. Continue to Rue des Écoles, on your right, just before the church.
Near the church, two information boards explain the architecture of the Bresse region and market gardening, an activity that was once very widespread in the area.
Continue along this street to the car park (S/E)

Starting from the village of Sornay with free parking available. A short circular route with toilets, picnic tables and information boards. The path is accessible to all and ideal for families. Trainers or light walking shoes are sufficient.

The walk is best enjoyed at different times of year to discover the various cycles of this natural environment.
Please note: the trail is inaccessible during periods of high water.

This trail is signposted with directional signs (SO2) and yellow paint markings.

This fairly leisurely trail offers a lovely insight into the region’s heritage, nature and history over just a few kilometres. You can extend your outing by joining other trails in the area (SO1 and SO3) or by heading to the nearby Voie Verte la Bressane.