Discover Saint-Loup

Saint-Loup combines the town’s early history with the Chapelle de Vindry and a choice of seven hiking routes. Historical details span from a document dating to 963 to the polychrome coffered ceiling of 1683. For hiking, there is both a range of route lengths from 5 to 30 kilometres and specific details for an individual circuit.

A donation in 963

A document dating to 963, preserved in the cartulary of Savigny Abbey, records that Arulfe and his wife donated half of the church of Saint-Loup to the abbey, subject to the reservation of usufruct. The donation included the presbytery and all its associated properties. The reservation of usufruct means that a right of use remained in place after the transfer; the donation was therefore not unconditional. Thus, this historical record includes not only the early date but also the scope and condition of the transfer.

The Chapelle de Vindry

The Chapelle de Vindry is a 17th-century chapel. Older reused elements include an armarium, a small basin and the base of the holy water font. These features predate the chapel itself and were incorporated into it. The polychrome coffered ceiling has a more precise date: it dates to 1683. “Polychrome” means multicoloured; a coffered ceiling divides the ceiling surface into individual panels. This makes it possible to distinguish the chapel’s construction period, the older origins of individual features and the date of the ceiling.

The chapel is open year-round by request; you can obtain the key from the neighbours. Plan to make an enquiry before your visit rather than expect access at any time.

Hiking in Saint-Loup

Seven hiking routes ranging from 5 to 30 kilometres are available in Saint-Loup. The hiking circuits were confirmed in the most recent revision of the departmental PDIPR and have been signposted by departmental teams since 2017. The distance range gives an overview of the options; the Saint-Loup Circuit 22 also has specific details on its length, duration, markings and surface.

The Saint-Loup - Circuit 22 Des pâtures vers le bois is classified as an easy hike, is 9.2 kilometres long and is listed as taking 2 hours and 40 minutes. It is marked in yellow. 36 percent of the route follows paved minor roads, while 64 percent runs along unpaved paths. Most of the route is therefore on unpaved surfaces, while just over a third follows paved minor roads. Markings and surfaces may change after maintenance work; check the latest information before setting off.

The Pré Sadot trail is another named local route: it has been cleared and prepared for pedestrians. Its details complement the specific features of Circuit 22 and add to the overview of hiking trails in Saint-Loup.

The historical and active aspects of a stay can be planned separately: access to the Chapelle de Vindry must be arranged by request, while the length, duration and surface of the chosen route are considerations when hiking. The document, the chapel’s architectural details and the various hiking routes each offer a different way to discover Saint-Loup.

Discover more destinations: Thizy, Dareizé, Ranchal, Beaujeu, Taluyers, Lancié, Vourles, Saint-Cyr-Au-Mont-d'or.

For the broader travel overview: Rhône.