Tournus / Fleurville/Pont-de-Vaux
Leaving the soaring bell-towers of Tournus Abbey behind you, you can race along La Voie Bleue cycle route beside the Saône, past anglers and sailors. You soon find yourself at the foot of the excellent Mâconnais vineyards. How can you resist a tasting of Viré-Clessé, Montbellet or Uchizy on the way? Fleurville and its lake offer a lovely spot at which to relax and enjoy outdoor leisure activities. If more attracted by culture and gastronomy, there’s a link to Pont-de-Vaux you can take along a canal.
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
The route
The route is well laid out along this stage and signposted ‘Voie Bleue’ from Tournus to Fleurville. Almost all the way along, you cycle on the Saône’s towpath – except when you have to bypass Fleurville Lake (or plan d’eau).
Link to Pont-de-Vaux
After crossing Fleurville Bridge, at the level of the lock, turn right to follow the towpath beside the canal. This leads you to the river port at the heart of the lively little town of Pont-de-Vaux (3.5km away). This stretch will appeal to families. Note that anglers’ cars sometimes use this track.
SNCF (French national railways network)
TER line Dijon <> Tournus <> Lyon
Don't miss
Good plan: the free application VOIE VERTE 71 to discover the natural and cultural heritage along the Voie Bleue, between Chalon-sur-Saône and Mâcon (21 stages).
- Tournus: the old town and the Saint-Philibert abbey, a masterpiece of the first Romanesque art. The Hôtel-Dieu-musée Greuze, the Bicycle Museum or, more unusually, the Groupe SEB factory shop.
- The starred restaurants that have made the city's international reputation.
- Fleurville: the lake, hotel-restaurant Le Château de Fleurville. The former Café de la Marine on the banks of the Saône, made famous by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of The Little Prince, who liked to go there to meet his friend Léon Werth.
- Canal de Pont-de-Vaux: built in the 18th century by Léonard Racle, Voltaire's architect, it links Pont-de-Vaux to the Saône. Remarkable lock and bridge in metal made by the Schneider workshops in Le Creusot.
- Pont-de-Vaux: marina, Maison de l'eau et de la nature, Chintreuil Museum (fine arts, curio cabinet, calligraphy), swimming pool, skating rink, weekly market. 1 Michelin starred chef.
