Saint-Bernard: Château, Garden and Saône

Saint-Bernard offers several distinct themes for a stay: the château on the banks of the Saône, its garden, the history of three artists, and cycling and walking options. If you’re looking for a hotel in Saint-Bernard, these choices can help you decide what to focus on during your trip. The château’s history and its later association with artists take center stage, while the priory adds a much earlier foundation to the historical picture. If you’d like to plan an outdoor activity, you can choose between cycling and walks, each with its own specifically named theme.

The Château’s History and Artists in Saint-Bernard

The Château de Saint-Bernard was built on the banks of the Saône in the 13th century. It has been classified as a historic monument since April 10, 1997. The construction period and classification mark different aspects: the 13th century indicates when it was built, while the later date marks its formal monument status.

From 1923, the château was home to Maurice Utrillo, Suzanne Valadon, and André Utter; all three had a studio there. This adds a later history of artists to the history of the building. The studios connect the three names to their artistic work at the château and give a more concrete picture of their historical relationship with the place.

The Château’s Garden

The château’s garden was created in 2003 on two hectares and has been open to the public since April 2008. The two dates describe separate steps: its creation in 2003 and public access from April 2008. The garden has also been awarded the French “Jardin remarquable” label.

The Priory of La Bruyère

The Benedictine nuns’ priory of Notre-Dame, also known as the Priory of La Bruyère, was founded in the 9th century. A cloister gallery from the first half of the 12th century has been preserved. The foundation and the surviving gallery therefore date from different historical periods: one date refers to the priory’s foundation, the other to a surviving part from a later period. The priory is privately owned; do not plan to visit it as a publicly accessible attraction.

Cycling and Walks along the Saône

The Voie Bleue follows the towpath from Saint-Bernard along the Saône. The “Jeu de piste à bicyclette pour enfants” is a ten-kilometer cycling treasure hunt for children and families. The route is a loop from Trévoux to Saint-Bernard. Compared with the Voie Bleue, the treasure hunt offers an explicitly family-oriented format and a loop route with a specified distance. Before making plans, check whether it is available on your chosen date.

The “L’eau et les hommes” walks from Saint-Bernard explore the stories of the Saône and the ponds. The offer includes four themed walks starting in Saint-Bernard, Trévoux, Parcieux, and Civrieux. Unlike the family treasure hunt, these walks focus on the Saône and the ponds. As route details can change, check the latest route information before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Thoiry, Cleyzieu, Saint-Bois, Hotonnes, Montluel, Sainte-Julie, Pérouges, Saint-Genis-Pouilly

For the broader travel overview: Ain.