Voie Verte in South Burgundy
When
enjoying the outdoors on a bicycle, roller skates, in a wheelchair for
the physically disabled or simply on foot, travelling over a safe route
protected from automobile traffic is a desire shared by all of us when
on holiday or during leisure time.
The "Voie Verte" course, developed by the Saône-&-Loire
Departmental Council, consists of a cycling path 117-km
long laid out on a paved, smooth rolling surface along
a former railroad line and canal towpaths. A number of facilities and
services are accessible all along the route: car parking lots, water faucets,
lavatories, picnic grounds, shaded rest stops, benches, bicycle parking,
bike and roller skate rentals and skate parks, among others…
A total of 21 touring loops for the cyclist, all well-marked,
are associated with the "Voie Verte"; they have been
designed to allow exploring and relishing the artistic and cultural life
experienced here in Southern Burgundy.
A "Voie Verte development programme", voted by the Saône-et-Loire
Departmental Council, calls for a network of some 400 km of cycling paths
throughout the department over a 5-year horizon.
Over its 31-km northern section between Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune-Dheune
and Chalon-sur-Saône, the "Voie Verte" borders
the Canal du Centre and enables appreciating the charm of this waterway
traversed by a large number of pleasure craft, while discovering the vineyards
of the Côte des Maranges and those of the Côte Chalonnaise
from a completely new perspective.
Beginning in Givry, the Voie Verte follows the path of
the former railway line. Its 20.5-km section south into Saint-Gengoux-Le-National
traverses a multi-faceted landscape composed of forestland and vineyard-clad
hillsides showcasing the area's rural architecture, including "cadole"
stone shelters, washhouses and fountains
From Saint-Gengoux-Le-National to Cluny, over a 20.5-km
stretch, the Voie Verte makes its way through the heart of gently rolling
countryside. Be sure to leave enough time to stop and visit the tourist
centres of Cormatin and Cluny
From Cluny heading to the old train station in Charnay-les-Mâcon,
the "Voie Verte" snakes its way for nearly 21 km through the
homeland of the famous poet and statesman Lamartine. Graced by natural
backdrops dominated by the Solutré and Vergisson peaks and Mont-Pouilly,
which have been nationally distinguished for their splendour, this section
criss-crosses the vineyards and villages of the Mâconnais country
where Lamartine evoked so many touching memories. The route features more
pronounced elevation differences along with the unique opportunity to
traverse the 1.6-km "Bois Clair" Tunnel.The tunnel is closed
from October to March in order to preserve the habitat of bats during
the hibernation period. A tunnel bypass itinerary has been indicated.
To the west, the "Voie Verte" path also runs along
the Canal du Centre over a 17-km stretch between Digoin and Paray-le-Monial.
This portion of the path makes its way through the lush Charolais pastures
and prairies that provide grazing land for the famous all-white breed
of beef cattle, renowned for its savour and succulence. This area also
features a large number of Romanesque structures, a diverse array of arts
and crafts activities and waterway cruises along the canals and rivers.
Hikes
The varied landscapes of South of Côte Chalonnaise
give real pleasure of hiking.
At the present time, 2 walks are available at Tourist Office: the walk
of the Mont Avril which is during approximately 2 hours with 2 beautiful
points of vue on the valley of the Saône with explanations about
fauna and flora of the area; and a walk around Buxy in the vineyard with
a duration of 1h30.
In autumn 2005 ,a guide of Green Walks (Balades Vertes) of Buxy and the
area realized by the Community of Communes of South of Côte Chalonnaise
will be available at Tourist Office of Buxy, 26 loops will be open to
the hikers.
Green
Trail (Piste Verte) – Walks on horseback
The Green Trail, created on Departmental Equestrian
Tourist Committee, is open to each form of not motorized hike. Equestrian,
on foot and mountain bike.
The Green Trail links: on the south, Cluny, Tour ronde market, next to
the stud farm to, on the north, Santenay (Côte d’Or), locality
“Les Bruchottes”.
Crossing the communes of Cluny, Lournand, Collonges, Flavy, Cortevaix,
Confrançon, Bonnay, St Hyppolite, Curtil sous Burnand, Burnand,
St Martin de Croix, St Gengoux le National, Sercy, Culles les Roches,
Saules, Chenôves, St Vallerin, St Boil, Montagny les Buxy, Cruchaud,
Bissey sous Cruchaud, Rosey, St Désert, Givry, St Denis de Vaux,
St Jean de Vaux, St Martin sous Montaigu, Mercurey, Aluze, Chamilly, Bercully,
Chassey le Camp, Valottes and Santenay.
On this itinerary or close by, you can find gîtes, auberges or chambres
d’hôtes (bed & breakfast) which can receive horses.
Information: ask equestrian lodging at Tourist Office of Buxy.
2 equestrian centers offer walk on horseback:
- Le Ranch Exotique in Messey sur Grosne offer walks on horse or pony
for the hour or for the day. Information: Madame Bonnot at 03 85 44 09
31 ou 06 08 86 28 57.
- Poney Club of Maizerolles in Sassangy offer to children lessons during
July and August, for the day or the week with lodging under tents. Information
at 03 85 96 15 15
Fishing
at the Etang des Vallottes
The pond of Vallottes in Chenôves is a very
nice place surrounded by greenery, quiet and clean. Fishing is open all
days on April to February.
Regular supplying with carps, tenches, roaches and trouts.
Annual and daily cards are on sale at the mini-market “Proxi in
Saint Boil.
Information: Monsieur Gressard Henri at 03 85 44 03 29
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