The Genévrière Trail

The start of this circular route is in the car park opposite the town hall in Saint-Martin-en-Bresse, next to the War Memorial.

(S/E) Turn left onto the street between the town hall and the hotel-restaurant ‘Au puits enchanté’ and follow it to the end. Turn left onto Rue des Battois, continue to the junction with Route de Saint-Maurice and turn right to reach the three-way junction near the Fire and Rescue Centre.

(1) Pass the centre by turning right onto Rue des Grenouillères, then turn left onto Rue du Tacot. Join Route de Saint-Maurice, follow it to the right for about 50 metres, then turn right again to follow Route de la Genévrière. Cross the bridge over the stream and continue to a junction at the edge of the forest.

(2) Take the road on the left to the “Le Haras du Meix” riding centre in La Genévrière.

(3) Take the grassy path that descends to the left, behind the riding centre. Cross the stream again, come out onto Rue de la Chaume and turn right to rejoin the Route de Saint-Maurice D292.

(4) Turn left and follow the road carefully until you reach the first houses in the village.

(5) Take Route du Cavalier on the right, pass the sewage treatment plant and arrive at the edge of the woods.

(6) Turn left, go round the Étang Neuf on the left, follow the sewage treatment plant and come out onto Chemin du Puits. Continue to the junction with the Route de Saint-Maurice. Turn right to head back up past the Saint-Martin-en-Bresse Fire and Rescue Centre.

(1) At this point, carry on straight ahead, pass the entrance to the Community Stadium, then turn left to return to the starting point (S/E).

Signposting: follow the signage (SMB1) and the yellow markings (walking and hiking trail).

Safety instructions: be well equipped (rucksack,^first-aid kit, suitable clothing, good footwear, etc.). Bring a bottle of water and protect yourself from the sun. Carry a mobile phone. Do not leave any litter in the countryside. Take care when crossing roads. Do not stray from the marked paths. Keep clear of forestry work. Respect crops, livestock, private property and the regulations in force. Take care during the hunting season (September to February).

If you notice anything unusual on this trail, please report it to us using Suricate. We will be notified of your report and will endeavour to rectify the issue as soon as possible.

Built in^{the 19th} century, the church of Saint-Martin-en-Bresse is distinguished by its Neo-Gothic style and colourful stained-glass windows. Inside, you can admire a carved wooden altar and works of art that bear witness to its rich history.

On the way, you will pass the old railway station. Opened in 1901, it linked Saint-Marcel to Saint-Martin-en-Bresse, and then on to Chalon-sur-Saône. Thanks to this railway line, the Bresse region supplied Chalon with cereals, vegetables and poultry, whilst Chalon in turn provided manufactured goods, wine and stone, earning the train the nicknames ‘train des patates’ and ‘transpanouillard’. In about an hour, locals could reach Chalon-sur-Saône or visit the fairs and markets along the route. After the Second World War, traffic ceased completely, and the tracks were dismantled by German prisoners. In 1946, the line was completely decommissioned and the land on which the track stood was sold to private individuals.