The Madeleine Historical Trail

de fr

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.

Details

n°98466608
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.78 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 85 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 85 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 712 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 627 ft
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Description of the walk

The start of this circular route is next to the Madeleine memorial. There are a few parking spaces.

(S/E) Follow the road to the left of the monument, head towards Le Gagne-Pain and continue straight on for 600 metres.

(1) At the junction, take the road on the left, go straight on for 130 metres and then, at the next junction, turn right again. Continue straight on for 800 metres.

(2) At the junction, continue straight on to the hamlet of Faussigny, 350 metres further on.

(3) Continue straight on for 1.8 km to reach the hamlet of Villargeau.

(4) Cross the D218 then take the road on the right 400 metres further on. You will then arrive in front of Villargeau Castle.

(5) Continue straight on, then take the stony path on the right. Follow it for 1.5 km.

(6) At the junction, take the Grande Rue on the right and continue straight on for 700 metres. At the junction, take the D218 on the right to return to the memorial (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 712 ft - La Madeleine
  2. 1 : mi 0.44 - alt. 702 ft - Le Gagne-Pain
  3. 2 : mi 0.97 - alt. 692 ft - Crossroads
  4. 3 : mi 1.24 - alt. 692 ft - Faussigny
  5. 4 : mi 2.36 - alt. 676 ft - Villargeau. Crossing the D218
  6. 5 : mi 3.09 - alt. 702 ft - Villargeau Castle
  7. 6 : mi 4.01 - alt. 709 ft - La Grande Rue
  8. S/E : mi 4.78 - alt. 712 ft - La Madeleine

Notes

Signposting: follow the signs and yellow markings ( walkingand hikingtrail).

Safety guidelines: 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 trails. Keep clear of forestry work. Respect crops, livestock, private property and current regulations. 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.

Worth a visit

The story of the Madeleine tragedy is recounted at the start of the trail, near the memorial.

Villargeau Castle is one of the oldest and was once one of the most important castles in the Bresse Chalonnaise region.

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