Vincelles (Saône-et-Loire) walks

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 nature, passing through woods, fields and meadows.

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.

Surrounded by waterways, Louhans, of Burgundian origin, means ‘pleasant spot by the water’. The medieval town has preserved its main street, featuring 157 arcades – one of the longest in France. Several of the arcaded houses, half-timbered houses, the loggia and the Maison du Bailly are well worth a visit, as are the ancient defensive towers of Saint-Paul and Saint-Pierre. Don’t miss the Hôtel-Dieu and its apothecary’s shop either. A large poultry market is held on Monday mornings.

This walk in the heart of the town offers a real breath of fresh air and allows you to discover the flora and fauna that have found a suitable environment in which to thrive. It’s the perfect family walk to enjoy after exploring the old medieval town and its main street, lined with 157 arcades – one of the longest in France. On Monday mornings, there’s a large market, including a poultry market, situated just on the other side of the railway line.

Surrounded by waterways, Louhans, of Burgundian origin, means "pleasant place by the water". Over the centuries, the town has developed thanks to trade. The medieval town has preserved its main street with 157 arcades, one of the longest in France. On Monday mornings, there is a large market, including a poultry market.

Sornay, a rural village of 2,000 inhabitants situated near Louhans-Châteaurenaud and Branges, is bordered by two rivers: the Sâne Morte and the Seille. The latter, popular with anglers and boaters, features a towpath perfect for exploring the wetlands and their characteristic flora and fauna.

Sornay, a village situated near Louhans-Châteaurenaud and Branges, is bordered by two rivers: the Sâne-Morte and the Seille. The latter, popular with anglers and boaters, features a towpath that’s perfect for exploring the wetlands and their characteristic flora and fauna.

Sornay, a rural village with a population of 2,000, is situated near Louhans-Châteaurenaud and Branges and is bordered by two rivers: the Sâne Morte and the Seille. The latter, popular with anglers and boaters, features a towpath ideal for exploring the wetlands and their characteristic flora and fauna.

Bruailles boasts a well-preserved heritage: the bishop’s house, the vicarage, the church and the bakehouse. The bakehouse was once used by the villagers to bake their bread. Situated in the heart of the village and close to the town hall, it is brought back to life several times a year during various village events. Two rivers wind their way through the village, flowing between floodplains and wooded countryside: the Vallière and the Solnan.

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.

Before being renamed Montpont-en-Bresse in 1961, the village was first known as Mons Pavonis and then Montpaon. Dotted with ponds, streams and rivers, it also boasts a large area of woodland. The charm of this countryside lies in the diversity of its heritage, fine examples of which can be found in the village centre, with its brick church, its town hall housed in a former manor house, and its library set in a traditional Bresse-style building.

Before being renamed Montpont-en-Bresse in 1961, the town was first known as “Mons Pavonis” and then “Montpaon”. Dotted with ponds, streams and rivers, it also boasts a large area of woodland. The charm of this countryside lies in the diversity of its heritage, fine examples of which can be found in the village centre, with its brick church, its town hall housed in a former manor house, and its library set in a traditional Bresse-style building.

Before being named Montpont-en-Bresse in 1961, the village was first known as “Mons Pavonis” and then “Montpaon”. Dotted with ponds, streams and rivers, it also boasts a large area of woodland. The charm of this countryside lies in the diversity of its heritage, fine examples of which can be found in the village centre, with its brick church, its town hall housed in a former manor house, and its library situated in a traditional Bresse-style building.

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.

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!