Jons between the Rhône Lônes, ViaRhôna and rural heritage

If you’re looking for a hotel in Jons, the area’s nature, cycling and cultural attractions can help you get a feel for your destination. Former side channels of the Rhône, the ViaRhôna and historic landmarks offer different ways to shape your stay.

Nature along the Rhône Lônes

The Lône de la Ferrande in Jons is a former side channel of the Rhône. The Lône des Pêcheurs in Jons is a Natura 2000 site. The neighbouring wild lônes are home to 25 animal species recognised as being of European and national natural history interest. The remote and difficult-to-access lônes in Jons are a preferred habitat for kingfishers and European beavers.

The natural attractions thus link the area’s former river landscape with a specific protected-area designation and named animal species. The lônes’ remoteness and difficult accessibility are also part of their character.

ViaRhôna and the Jonage Canal

The ViaRhôna section from La Balme-les-Grottes to Jons runs alongside the Jonage Canal in Jons. From Jons, the ViaRhôna follows the canal’s left bank as far as the Jonage Bridge, crosses the bridge and then continues on a greenway into the Grand Parc. The canal, bridge and route beyond provide cyclists with clear landmarks along this section.

The route between La Balme-les-Grottes and Jons alternates between cycle paths and minor roads. The temporary route includes a busy stretch between Loyette and Jons. Signage and the GPX track are being updated; check the latest route information before setting off.

The Jons weir is also part of the history of water management on the canal. It was built around 1933 to increase the flow of the Jonage Canal and divert excess water into the former bed of the Rhône.

Agricultural Museum and Local History

The agricultural museum in Jons is a small open-air museum that bears witness to rural life. It includes a 1950 Massey-Ferguson tractor. Another exhibit is a late-19th-century Brabant double-turn plough of the “double chandelier” type. The two pieces of equipment illustrate different periods in agricultural history, complementing the nature and cycling attractions with a glimpse of rural life.

The Chapelle de la Rencontre was built on a site where a Templar commandery and a chapel stood in the 1140s. For hikers and pilgrims using the trails that pass through Jons, a table and benches provide shelter and a place to rest. The chapel also serves as a landmark and can be visited along the way. Check current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Jons Church is documented in historical records from 1182. It was probably the former chapel of the castle; the stone foundations of its walls are dated to the 12th century. An early historical record, a tentative interpretation of its former function and the dating of the foundations thus sit side by side.

Distance to the train station

Montluel train station is 7.3 km from Jons. If you’re planning a train journey, check the timetables separately.

Discover more destinations: Montrottier, Saint-Didier-Sur-Beaujeu, Blacé, Sathonay-Camp, Marcy-Lʼétoile, Rontalon, Saint-Nizier-D'azergues, Thurins.

For the broader travel overview: Rhône.