Thoissey: Heritage, Canal Paths and Green Spaces

Get to know Thoissey through its historic spaces, art and paths by the water. There are also opportunities for walks, cycling and seasonal leisure activities. Visiting arrangements vary: advance reservations are required for the Apothicairerie, the outdoor swimming pool is seasonal, and route conditions may change. If you are looking for a hotel in Thoissey, you can plan your stay around the sights and activities you actually want to enjoy.

Art, Architecture and Local History

Founded in 1666, the Cellier des Ursulines serves as an exhibition venue for Thoissey's art collections. The exhibition programme may change. Since 2024, visitors have also been able to see the restored north and south galleries of the small cloister, which are used as exhibition spaces. This offers two distinct ways to explore the Cellier: through the local art collections and through its galleries.

The Apothicairerie in Thoissey was established within the hospital between 1731 and 1735. Its features include patinated walnut woodwork and cobalt-blue Nevers faience displayed on Renaissance-style cabinets. Visits are available for groups of 5 to 25 people by prior reservation; summer visits are also offered by the association Les Amis du vieux Thoissey et de ses environs. As reservations and summer offerings may change, check visiting arrangements in advance.

The Chapelle du Clos de l'Hôpital also makes its own architectural statement: the building dates from the 18th century and features wall paintings in the style of Fra Angelico. If you prefer to take in local history in stages, follow the Itinéraire patrimonial et touristique de Thoissey. Its 14 information panels trace the town's history, and the route is accessible year-round. The panels and materials may be updated.

Walks and Nature

The Chemin le long du Canal de Thoissey is an approximately 900-metre towpath for walks. Along Avenue du Port, the towpath follows the Canal beneath an avenue of 179 plane trees planted in the 19th century. This makes for a manageable walk alongside a distinctive part of the local tree population.

In the Parc municipal Général Marchand, the arboretum showcases numerous tree species with explanatory panels. Visitor facilities also include a children's playground and animals. The panels highlight the tree species along the walk; the playground and animals add to the park's amenities without displacing its focus on the tree collection.

Along the Chalaronne, the Sentier de Découverte La Chalaronne au fil de l'eau – Boucle Nr. 1 Thoissey offers short, easy walks. There are educational panels along the loops. The route is accessible year-round; check trail conditions locally. It differs from the canal towpath both in its location along the Chalaronne and in the panels along the loops.

Cycling and Seasonal Activities

The Voie Bleue includes a cycling stage from Thoissey to Trévoux. Route availability and surface conditions may change, so check the latest conditions before setting off. In Thoissey, next to the campsite on the Voie Bleue, there is a central rest stop with luggage lockers, picnic tables, toilets, drinking water, tourist information and Wi-Fi. These facilities may also change; check their current status before your ride.

The Piscine estivale outdoor swimming pool is seasonal and has three pools, a slide, a diving board and water features. Opening arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check before visiting. On the banks of the Chalaronne, Parc Aventure Thoissey offers families activities in a shady, leafy setting. Opening and activity offerings may vary by season. The outdoor pool and adventure park are seasonal options, while the Itinéraire patrimonial et touristique and the Sentier de Découverte are described as year-round routes.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Alban, Péron, Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône, Mionnay, Gorrevod, Chaneins, Asnières, Dompierre-sur-Chalaronne.

See the main travel overview: Ain.