The castles of Vataneins and Tavernost

This short walk will allow you to discover, from the road, the private châteaux of Tavernost and Vataneins.

Details

21013989
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.62 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 44 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 44 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 272 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 218 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Francheleins (01090)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 46.07264° / E 4.83038°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3029SB, 3030SB
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Description of the walk

Starting from Cesseins (municipality of Amareins-Francheleins-Cesseins). Parking on Rue du Jeu de Boules.

(S/E) Follow Rue du Jeu de Boules westwards. At the junction, turn right onto the D75g. Cross the D27 (take care) and continue along Chemin de Beybleu opposite. The road soon gives way to a wide path between the fields. At the road, turn right. Ignore the next three junctions, continuing straight ahead.

(1) At a place called Le Merle (view of Beybleu Pond), turn right. Ignore the dead-end on the left. At the three-way junction, take the road on the right, then, at the crossroads, turn onto the road on the left. Cross the D75 and continue straight ahead.

(2) In front of the entrance to Tavernost Castle, continue right along the long avenue of plane trees which leads onto the D27. Follow it to the right for 50 metres before turning left twice. Take the next road on the right. Cross the D75 and continue straight ahead.

(3) Continue left for a quick round trip to admire the Château de Vataneins.

(4) Return to the junction.

(3) Follow the D75g to the left towards Cesseins. At the crossroads, turn right to return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 262 m - Cesseins
  2. 1 : km 2.21 - alt. 219 m - A place called Le Merle. Head towards the - Callonne (rivière) - Affluent de la Saône
  3. 2 : km 3.99 - alt. 246 m - Château de Tavernost
  4. 3 : km 6.52 - alt. 272 m - Access to Vataneins Castle
  5. 4 : km 6.7 - alt. 265 m - Château de Vataneins
  6. S/E : km 7.62 - alt. 262 m - Cesseins

Notes

There are no public toilets, drinking fountains or picnic areas nearby along the route.

This walk is organised by the Val de Saône Centre Tourist Office in collaboration with the FF Randonnée de l'Ain.

89% tarmac.

Worth a visit

Tavernost Castle:
Built in the commune of Cesseins, Tavernost Castle dates from the 13th century. All that remains of the original structure are two square towers, built of Savoyard stone, massive and crenellated. It was only later that the section erected in the 18th century was added, consisting of numerous windows and projecting turrets at the corners.

Vataneins Castle:
Built in 1882 on the site of a former hunting lodge and remodelled several times, it overlooks the Beaujolais landscape and is notable for the red bricks used in the construction of the entire building. Solid and sturdy, the building features numerous mullioned windows. On its south façade, it is flanked by an imposing octagonal tower.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
User 24588077

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 11, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A brilliant walk through fields and along small tarmac roads with
breathtaking views of Tavernost Castle and its grand avenue lined with plane trees
and its black sheep, and the magnificent Château de Vataneins.
Avoid doing this walk in hot weather as there is very little shade.
The route is well signposted.

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CBT
CBT

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 23, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Short but sweet ballad

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frperron
frperron

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 22, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely little walk along paths and small roads.
Superb castles and beautiful properties.

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CHEVELU Jean-marc
CHEVELU Jean-marc

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A rather monotonous walk – thank goodness for the two castles. It should be classified as ‘easy’ rather than ‘moderate’.

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Roger VIACAVA
Roger VIACAVA
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk in late December in sunny weather.
Both castles are very beautiful.
The route is very exposed and should be avoided in very hot weather or
in strong winds.

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Office de Tourisme VSC
Office de Tourisme VSC

Hello,

Thank you for your comment. We look forward to seeing you again on our hiking trails!

The team at the Val de Saône Centre Tourist Office

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SANDRIANE
SANDRIANE

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk and a chance to explore some beautiful private castles.
This route is very easy.

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