Discover Thel: Mémorial and hiking trails

Thel between history and hiking trails

Thel combines a strong historical focus with several hikes that vary in length and theme. One of the commune’s most historically significant sites is the Mémorial de Thel. There is also the remembrance of the Maquis de Chauffailles, a historic memorial trail and a Douglas fir forest that covers more than 60 percent of the commune. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Thel, this mix can help you decide the focus of your stay: history at the Mémorial or activity on one of the routes mentioned.

Memorial sites and historic trails

During the Second World War, the Maquis de Chauffailles established itself on the heights of Chèvrelus. The bloody events in Thel associated with the Maquis are commemorated each year. The “Itinéraire du 3 mai 1944” retraces the route taken by a German unit that day. Its historic course led to the wooded peaks, Catoux and the Roche de Thel. The named places and reconstructed route give this trail a different focus from a hike chosen mainly for its distance.

The “Chemins de la Mémoire” take place every two years as a hike with two loops. They conclude with a ceremony conducted by schoolchildren in front of the Mémorial de Thel. Dates and participation may vary, so check the specific information for your visit before travelling.

Hikes by length and character

The “Circuit de l’attaque contre le Maquis” leads to the Mémorial de Thel and covers 15 kilometres with a total elevation gain of 531 metres. Its second loop runs from Foupeysson to the Mémorial de Thel and back; it is 6 kilometres long. The 15 kilometres therefore refer to the entire circuit, while the 6 kilometres apply specifically to its second loop.

Another option is “Thel – Au delà du Mémorial”: this forest hike is 9.2 kilometres long and offers viewpoints. The route lists “Mémorial” and La Chevrelus as stages. In a direct comparison of distances, that means 6 kilometres for the second loop, 9.2 kilometres for the forest hike and 15 kilometres for the entire circuit. This makes it possible to distinguish the shorter loop from the distances given for the complete routes.

The “Thel – Au delà du Mémorial” hike begins at the Thel-Le Bourg car park, 52 Rue Louis Coillard, 69470 Thel.

Forest landscape and directions

More than 60 percent of the commune is covered by Douglas fir forest, which plays a major role in shaping Thel’s landscape. For directions on arrival: Thel is connected by the RD64 departmental road from Cours La Ville towards Ranchal and Saint-Vincent-de-Reins. This road leads to the commune; the starting point for the “Thel – Au delà du Mémorial” hike is listed separately at its own address. When planning your trip, you can therefore treat getting to Thel and choosing a specific hike as two separate steps.

Discover more destinations: Charentay, Saint-Étienne-Des-Oullières, Saint-Bonnet-De-Mure, Belleville-Sur-Saône, Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin, Saint-Vincent-De-Reins, Régnié-Durette, Marcy-Lʼétoile.

For the main travel overview: Rhône.