Soucieu-en-Jarrest: Aqueduct Routes and Local History

Aqueduct and Construction History

Soucieu-en-Jarrest can be explored through its aqueduct structures and paths through the landscape. At the edge of the village stands the Mur de Granchamp, which is about 200 m long. It carries the aqueduct channel. The wall thus links a specific structure with the aqueduct’s technical water conveyance.

The aqueduct’s final arch is known as “Le Chameau” because of its shape. Nine arches carry the channel to the Gerle, the reservoir of the Garon siphon. Four openings, through which lead pipes once ran, have been preserved. The name “Le Chameau” refers to the shape of this arch; Gerle denotes the reservoir, and the openings preserve traces of the former pipe route. The name therefore does not refer to an additional arch, but to the final arch itself.

The church of Saint-Julien contains wood panelling dating from 1785. It came from Cluny Abbey and was sold to the parish of Soucieu in 1845. The panelling was designated as a protected feature in 1978. The dates mark different stages: 1785 is the year it was made, 1845 the sale to the parish, and 1978 its protection. Alongside the aqueduct, it stands as a distinct testament to local history, whose origins and protected status can be placed in their historical context.

Routes Through the Village and Countryside

The short footpath “Du Violon au Moulin Rose” showcases the main features of Soucieu-en-Jarrest’s heritage and takes about an hour. It thus combines a clearly defined theme—local heritage—with an approximate duration. If this duration is important for planning your day, bear in mind that it is an estimate.

The circular route “Les Aqueducs de Soucieu” passes through orchards, along the remains of the Gier aqueduct, and through the Furon Valley. It is 10.9 km long, has 150 m of elevation gain, and is marked with yellow PDIPR signs. The route starts at Stade Jean Garin in Soucieu-en-Jarrest. The “Les Aqueducs de Soucieu” circular route is open every day all year round and is free of charge.

The routes offer different planning details: “Du Violon au Moulin Rose” is described in terms of an approximate duration, while “Les Aqueducs de Soucieu” is described by its length, elevation gain, markings, and landscape. You can weigh these details according to whether a time estimate or a description of the route profile is more helpful when making your choice.

An Annual Event

The Fête de la pêche de vigne takes place in Soucieu-en-Jarrest every year on the first Sunday in September. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the date for the relevant year. This allows you to include the recurring annual event in your plans alongside the village’s architectural and hiking attractions.

Discover more destinations: Pont-Trambouze, Les Sauvages, Cercié, Charnay, Sarcey, Limas, Charly, Bessenay

Back to the regional travel overview: Rhône.