Various ways to discover the bucolic natural environment of Southern Burgundy
The Creusot Montceau area, located in the department of Saône-et-Loire in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, is renowned for its rich industrial heritage. Visitors come here in part to contemplate the one that tells a part of the history of France, and whose structures seem to live in perfect harmony with nature
It is precisely around the natural environment that we are going to linger in the course of these lines. For Creusot Montceau is a green and gently undulating territory, where walks, bike rides or boat rides allow you to enjoy the fresh air, to oxygenate your lungs and to cross woods, hedgerows, marshes, as well as to stop at the edge of a body of water or to go up a canal. One can also take advantage of the walks to stop in villages and at the foot of buildings perfectly integrated into the green landscape. Here are the different ways in which travelers can discover Le Creusot Montceau, and marvel at every moment of its bucolic landscapes.
Green walks, to discover Creusot Montceau
In Creusot Montceau, the green walks are a set of paths that cover the various landscapes of the territory. They are adapted to all types of walkers. Couples, groups of friends and families with young children are all welcome to enjoy a weekend or a relaxing vacation. You can start with a short walk, hike for several hours or go for an early morning jog.
In any case, it is an excellent way to take the time to contemplate the richness of nature, its fauna and flora. Beyond the natural landscapes, the trails also allow you to discover the heritage and everything that contributes to make each commune, and each site of interest, an enriching stop.
To combine nature and architectural treasures, the "Nature and Heritage" walk takes walkers through the state forest and around the large lake, one of whose banks reveals the charming village of Saint-Sernin-du-Bois. Labelled as a "Cité de Caractère de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté", you can admire its 11th century priory and its 14th century keep, before returning to the countryside and walking through the Fontaine Sainte marshes, where explanatory panels inform about the richness of the biodiversity. From this marvelous village where time seems to have stopped, one can set the goal of reaching the Pissoire waterfall with the "Water and Forest" walk. You will find yourself in the middle of the woods listening to the soothing sound of the small waterfall. Splendid under the autumnal colors, each season recites its charm, and one does not fail to come there either to find fresh air in summer.
The walk "Entre Bois et Vallées" starts in the village of Saint-Symphorien-de-Marmagne, where the beauty of the surrounding landscapes is apparent at first glance. The walk leads you through hamlets, through streams, to the Marnay ponds and to breathe the air of the woods. Then there are the viewpoints offered on the splendid Mesvrin valley and its green reliefs. On the way, we also take time to stop and admire incredible buildings such as the chapel of Maison Dru, set on its rocky spur in the heart of a green setting. Not to mention the beautiful stones of the Bâtiments de l'Usine, which is an old dye factory and a nod to Creusot Montceau's industrial past. And then, the Mesvrin region is so beautiful with its undulations that you can also walk along the river in the heart of the valleys or follow the ridge lines until you reach the plateau of Bellevue and the Croix Blanchot. The walk is simply called "Bellevue", and the 360° panorama offered on the landscape is breathtaking
Another interesting green walk is the one that starts in the commune of Marmagne, and which offers a dive into a part of the history of the territory. Named "Sur les hauteurs du Rançon" (On the heights of the Rançon), the itinerary follows the route of the Rançon's waters to the commune of Le Creusot, where the famous factory of the Schneider dynasty was located. Excursion in the forest to reach the starting point of the catchment tunnel, detour by the Haut-Rançon dam surrounded by hardwoods, this walk is captivating in many ways.
Cycling through the landscapes of Creusot Montceau, greenway and EuroVelo 6
It is not surprising that the Creusot Montceau area is a favorite destination for bicycle enthusiasts. The Saône-et-Loire is indeed the birthplace of the first Voie Verte in France! That's all there is to it. Today, South Burgundy is rich of numerous routes for cyclists. They guide them through the green hills emblematic of the region, but also close to the vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise. You can also take advantage of this opportunity to meet the winemakers and taste some great wines. You can also visit architectural treasures such as the feudal castle of Berzé-le-Châtel and the abbey of Cluny. Founded in 910, the latter has extraordinary proportions and has radiated over Europe throughout the Middle Ages. In another register, between Chagny and Montchanin, the Voie Verte can be used by bicycle or electric scooter and takes place along the canal.
Another great cycling route passes through Creusot Montceau: EuroVelo 6, which links the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea over a distance of 4,450 km. In Saône-et-Loire, there are three stages, which offer the opportunity to be in contact with the nature and the sites of interest of the territory. From Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune to Montchanin, you pedal through the superb hills of Burgundy. What an opportunity to stop for a picnic and a nap in the shade of a tree! Then, from Montchanin to Montceau-les-Mines, we follow the canal to pass by the old mining center of Montceau, history to plunge once again in the industrial past of the territory. Finally, during the last stage, which takes place from Montceau-les-Mines to Palinges, we enjoy a river atmosphere, by following the Canal du Centre and the Bourbince River. The stroll is punctuated there too by the vestiges of the mining and steel industries, inseparable from the region.
Le Creusot Montceau along the water
The landscapes and the heritage of Creusot Montceau can be appreciated during a walk or a bike ride, but also from the water! For the sailors in the soul, what could be more exciting than renting a houseboat without a license to travel the Canal du Centre? This one reveals the most beautiful aspects of nature, but also treasures of architecture of the territory, millenniums and of the industrial era. A cruise on the Canal du Centre gives you the opportunity to slow down time and be in perfect harmony with the landscape. You can enjoy the water and the banks along which cows graze and birds come to rest in search of food. You can sail at your own pace and without any pressure.
Boaters can also count on the port of Montceau-les-Mines(/v7661-montceau-les-mines-71300/c1122-voyage-transports/c1145-avion-bateau-bus-train-taxi-parking/c1152-bateau-ferry/c902-port/270601-port-de-plaisance.html) and the rest stops for drinking water and food. The port is a modern facility where you can take a shower, connect to electricity and enjoy the shops and restaurants of the city. On the way, boaters can also stop at the halts of Saint-Julien-sur-Dheune, Blanzy and Génelard. In addition to water and electricity connections, they will find shops and picnic areas where they can recharge their batteries on dry land. Everything is done so that families and groups of friends can spend a pleasant moment, contemplating the landscapes of southern Burgundy, while enjoying an original, rejuvenating vacation that they will remember.
USEFUL INFORMATION
When to come?
If all seasons are suitable for a stay in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, winter can be cold in the eastern part of France, so be careful to cover up between visits to each site. Spring, summer and milder autumns, on the other hand, are ideal for long walks outside to contemplate the beauty of the heritage along the streets and paths.
Duration
It is possible to go to Creusot Montceau for a weekend getaway, as well as for a one-week to 10-day stay to take full advantage of the richness of the heritage of the different communes. Especially when you want to alternate between visiting sites and nature breaks
Budget
There are accommodations for all budgets, from bed and breakfasts to modest hotels and more elegant ones. From 70 € per night for two people. Formulas in restaurants start at 16 €
Public
Everyone - young and old - takes great pleasure in visiting the industrial heritage and museums of Le Creusot Montceau and delving into its past!
The area is fascinating for all lovers of the history of France and its regions.
The advantages
Rich heritage and history of the area
A multitude of sites accessible for visits
A pleasant surroundingnature to take the fresh air
The possibility to leave during periods when the number of visitors is lower.
The minuses
Beware of the rain that can come in the middle of autumn and winter.
How to get there
By car. From Paris and Lyon, follow the A6 and exit at Chalon. Then take the RCEA (N80 then N70).
By train. Several connections per day between Paris Gare de Lyon and Le Creusot TGV. The journey takes 1h20. Several connections also between Lyon and Le Creusot, for a 40 minutes journey. From Marseille, a few daily connections. Count on 3 hours of TGV.
Useful
CREUSOT MONTCEAU TOURIST OFFICE - More information on the site
Open from July1st to September 30th every day. The rest of the year, from Tuesday to Friday and Saturday depending on the time of year
Two reception points available:
CHATEAU DE LA VERRERIE
Rue Jules Guesde
71200 Le Creusot
Tel : 03 85 55 02 46
CAPITAINERIE
Quai du Général de Gaulle
71300 Montceau-les-Mines
Phone : 03 85 69 00 00
