Saint-Vincent-De-Reins: Hiking and Textile History

When choosing a place to stay, Saint-Vincent-De-Reins can be considered through several specific themes: the Circuit 32 Les filatures trail connects the town centre with the Les Filatures district, whose history is shaped by the textile mills along the Reins. The town’s history also includes the former narrow-gauge railway and religious sites of remembrance. Another point of interest is Lac des Sapins, about 7 km away. If you are looking for hotels in Saint-Vincent-De-Reins, you can first consider whether hiking, industrial history or leisure activities at the lake should be the focus of your trip.

Hiking between the town centre and Les Filatures

The Circuit 32 Les filatures trail is a moderately difficult 11-kilometre hike; the stated duration is about 3 hours and 30 minutes. The starting point is the centre of Saint-Vincent. From there, the route leads to the Les Filatures district and back to the village via the former railway station. Yellow markings and route number 32 on a red background serve as guides. When planning your hike, the distance and approximate time are therefore just as important as the route’s moderate difficulty rating. Check local conditions before setting out.

Textile history and the former narrow-gauge railway

The Reins River enabled numerous textile mills to be established in the village and gave the hamlet of Les Filatures its name. The industrial district developed by the river two centuries ago, when the first mechanical textile mills emerged. The Reins runs along the commune of Saint-Vincent-De-Reins. The Pont de la Côte is also part of the area’s transport history: for several years, it was the terminus of the Amplepuis–Saint-Vincent-de-Reins railway line served by the narrow-gauge railway.

Religious history of the area

Notre-Dame de Saint-Vincent began in the late 19th century as a Marian devotional project featuring a statue and a chapel. Another historical point of reference is the Croix Blanche de Propremont, an ex-voto cross blessed in 1933. A footpath leads to the cross. At Notre-Dame, the beginning of the devotional project can be dated; for the cross, the year it was blessed is specifically known. These religious sites add to the town’s hiking and industrial history.

Lac des Sapins and Marche des cèpes

Lac des Sapins is about 7 km from Saint-Vincent-De-Reins. The leisure park there includes a swimming area, a sailing centre and horse riding. The lake therefore offers a different focus from the trail: leisure park activities contrast with a hike rated as moderately difficult.

Events can also be relevant when planning your trip. The Marche des cèpes is traditionally held on the fourth Sunday in September and is one of the main events organised by the Saint-Vincent-De-Reins festival committee. Other events vary from year to year. For specific travel dates, confirm the current edition of the Marche des cèpes locally.

Discover more destinations: Longes, Taluyers, Savigny, Caluire-Et-Cuire, Irigny, Genay, Soucieu-en-Jarrest, Ampuis.

For the broader travel overview: Rhône.