Montmerle-Sur-Saône: Discover its history and walking routes

Montmerle-sur-Saône offers historic buildings, walking routes, regional products and its own connections to the Saône for your stay. If you are looking for a hotel here, you can choose the focus of your trip based on whether you want to include local history, walking or cycling routes, the market and wine, or the riverside landscape in your plans.

Chapelle and Tour des Minimes

The Église Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours, also known as the Chapelle des Minimes, dates from the 11th century. The church contains twelve protected objects. You can visit the exterior of the Chapelle des Minimes year-round; access to the interior may vary seasonally. This distinction is useful if you are planning a visit to the chapel and would like to include a possible visit inside.

The Tour des Minimes is a cylindrical brick tower about 20 metres high, built in 1843 by Monsieur Voisin. At the top, an orientation table offers panoramic views; access arrangements may vary. If you would like to include the viewpoint in your plans, check the access arrangements before your visit.

Walking routes and trails

The one-hour “Circuit découverte” starts at Place de la Mairie in Montmerle-sur-Saône and leads to historical traces of the town. It is suitable for families and groups of friends. This walk combines a specific time estimate with a local history focus.

The Circuit Randoland Montmerle has a different focus: it is designed as a family-friendly treasure hunt and includes a parent sheet and three activity sheets for children aged 4 to 12. The age groups are 4–6, 7–9 and 9–12. The route is available year-round and can be followed free of charge. Check before you arrive whether the materials are available. This lets you choose between the one-hour route exploring historical traces and a treasure hunt with age-specific sheets.

Two routes start at the Site des Minimes. The Chemin du Curé d’Ars follows the route taken by the holy Curé d’Ars to Montmerle-sur-Saône; you can use it on foot with family or friends, or by bicycle. The Circuit des Minimes au Paradis loop runs from the Site des Minimes to the Croix du Paradis in Guéreins. From the heights of the Val de Saône, it offers views of the Monts du Beaujolais; the return route then follows the riverside towpath. When comparing the routes, you can weigh the stated option of cycling on the Chemin du Curé d’Ars against the destination and riverside return route of the Circuit des Minimes au Paradis.

Market, wine and refreshments

The regular market is held year-round on Thursdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon. There, you can meet local producers, ask for advice and choose regional products. Offerings from individual vendors may vary. As recurring schedules can change, check the market hours before your visit.

Millésimes et Cuvées offers a wine cellar and wine tastings in Montmerle-sur-Saône. If you are planning a tasting, check the current opening hours. The mini-golf course has a snack bar, a wood-fired grill, a drinks stand and an ice cream parlour; availability may vary.

The Saône and mooring your boat

The Parc de la Batellerie is a landscaped tourist site north of the municipality on the banks of the Saône, in a striking setting. The Halte fluviale de plaisance provides mooring for small pleasure boats up to 15 metres long and has twelve berths. If you are planning a stopover, it is advisable to check berth availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Arbigny, Culoz, Dagneux, Bâgé-La-Ville, Châtillon-Sur-Chalaronne, Malafretaz, Champagne-En-Valromey, Ornex

For the broader travel overview: Ain.