In the surroundings

Pont-de-Vaux: a little corner of Bresse where you can enjoy a stroll

Welcome to Pont-de-Vaux, a little corner of Bresse directly accessible from the campsite, where time seems to slow down and you can enjoy a taste of the local produce. This place is full of surprises and invites you to unwind: between nature walks, heritage, gourmet pleasures and boat trips, you won’t get bored. Follow the guide!

Pont-de-Vaux is beautiful, but where do you start? Well, there’s the marina! This is THE place to be in Pont-de-Vaux. With its boats sailing quietly on the water, its holiday atmosphere and its quays where you can enjoy a stroll, the marina is perfect for a leisurely stroll with the family or a moment of idleness by the water. And for our holidaymakers who want to take to the open sea, you can even take a canal cruise!

For those who prefer terra firma but still want to enjoy “slow tourism”, get on your bike and explore the Voie Bleue, the superb cycle path that runs alongside the River Saône through the Bresse countryside. Easy access, flat terrain: everything is beautiful and peaceful all around.

It would be a shame to miss out on a gourmet break, because Bresse gastronomy is an art form! Every Wednesday morning, the market hall comes alive with local producers, tempting smells and colourful stalls to suit all tastes. It’s time to fill your shopping basket, sample local specialities (Bresse chicken, snails, honey, local wines…) and chat with the producers. So, let’s get cracking!

Pont-de-Vaux is also a great place to wander around the historic centre, with its quiet little streets, half-timbered Bresse houses and the discreet but pretty church of Saint-Denis. Special mention should be made of the Baltard market hall, which gives the village that extra touch of charm.

Welcome to Cluny Abbey: an impressive monument!

Situated 30 km from the campsite, Cluny Abbey is something of a local star. A gentle blend of heritage, spirituality… and excess with a medieval twist. If you thought the monks lived discreetly, you may be wrong: here, in the 11th century, they saw things (very) big.

Founded in 910, the Abbey of Cluny was for centuries a major spiritual and intellectual centre in Europe. At its peak, the monastic complex boasted more than 1,000 monks and an influence that spread far beyond Burgundy!

Today, only part of the buildings remain… but you can still feel all the power of the place. The site is immense, the vaults vertiginous, and the atmosphere is one of monastic calm and admiration. A cultural outing to take the whole family on a journey through history… Free for under 18 years old’s, you can also take a guided tour to discover local anecdotes.

Don’t forget to make a little diversions to the charming village of Cluny, with its narrow medieval streets, little shops where you can pick up a nice little souvenir, and a few terraces for a little break at the end of the day!

Cycling the Voie Bleue along the water's edge

For all cycling fans and those who enjoy discovering the countryside at their own pace, with beautiful views: discover the Voie Bleue cycle route, close to the campsite! This cycle route links the Moselle to the Saône over a distance of more than 700 km, offering a gentle escape via Pont-de-Vaux, in a 100% natural and relaxing setting.

There are no complicated climbs or stressful traffic here: the Voie Bleue runs alongside the Pont-de-Vaux canal and the banks of the Saône, in a flat, bucolic setting. Here, you can pedal to the rhythm of the water, see picturesque locks, quiet fishermen and a few swans splashing about.

Along the way, you’ll discover the Bresse region and its hidden treasures: the Pont-de-Vaux marina, locks for observation breaks, a few fields and meadows where cows graze in peace and pretty spots where you can settle down for a little picnic.

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a Sunday rider, the Voie Bleue is accessible to everyone. It’s an excellent family outing: children can cycle in complete safety, away from cars, and at their own pace! And of course, don’t forget to stop and admire the scenery! Along the way, take the opportunity to explore the surrounding villages, sample the local gastronomy or even push on to Mâcon for a cultural and gourmet break.

Excursions in the Mâconnais not to be missed

Welcome to a region rich in flavour and heritage! Just a few kilometres from Pont-de-Vaux, the Mâconnais rolls out its gentle hills, golden stone villages and rows of perfectly aligned vines. Here, you can wander around all day and visit all sorts of cool places!

You can’t visit the Mâconnais without stopping off at a wine cellar to sample some of the local delights: Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâcon-Villages, Saint-Véran… The wineries open their doors to the curious and share their passion with you as you share a moment of conviviality. And for that special touch, some tastings are accompanied by cheese or charcuterie, for those with a sweet tooth. Don’t forget to take home your own souvenir bottle (in moderation, always)!

For a gentle pace of life, consider a stopover in Tournus (20km from the campsite), where you can admire Saint-Philibert Abbey. From cultural visits to gourmet breaks, there’s something for everyone. The banks of the Saône invite you to take a stroll and relax.

Finally, the Mâconnais is also home to a myriad of charming little villages such as Berzé-le-Châtel, Pierreclos and Igé. And, of course, they’re all equally photogenic – it would be a shame to miss a shot!

Life in a castle: discover Brancion and Berzé-le-Châtel!

As well as the walks, there are plenty of cultural discoveries to be made! Here you’ll find hidden historical gems that will blow your mind.

For your first stopover, take the road towards Brancion. Perched on its rocky outcrop, the medieval castle of Brancion dominates a village listed as a ‘historic site’ that seems to have survived the ages with flying colours. Here, you can enjoy the tranquillity of the cobbled streets and stroll around in an almost chivalrous atmosphere! Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the castle has seen many battles, different lords and a few centuries of slumber. For a panoramic view of the Mâconnais hills and the pretty village, head to the top of the keep! The restored rooms sometimes host exhibitions and medieval events that appeal to young and old alike! Also worth a visit: the village’s Romanesque church with its ancient frescoes and the covered wooden market hall.

For our second stop, we’re heading for the Château de Brézé-le-Châtel! Located just a few kilometres from Cluny, this castle is colossal… and for good reason: it’s the largest fortress in southern Burgundy! With 13 towers, 3 walls and a fairytale atmosphere, it looks like something straight out of a medieval film. Inside, you’ll discover a place that’s both defensive and refined: a chapel decorated with frescoes, terraced gardens with views over the Mâconnais and vineyards, and rooms furnished to delight the eye. History buffs will love the architectural details! In summer, the château organises guided tours, concerts and festive events.

Hiking around Pont-de-Vaux: from secret spots to waterside walks

Around Pont-de-Vaux, there are no dizzying peaks or complicated gradients to climb. Here, we play the pleasure walk card: peaceful landscapes, flat paths, pure nature and a few heritage nuggets to discover along the way. And it’s accessible to all abilities, whether you’re a weekend walker or a keen sportsman!

It’s an ideal way to start out: walk along the canal at Pont-de-Vaux, past locks and boats. It’s flat, shady in places, and perfect for a digestive stroll after the Wednesday market.

For another enjoyable walk, take the Bresse villages loop. This route links Pont-de-Vaux to a number of picturesque Bresse hamlets. There are pretty half-timbered houses, traditional farms and sometimes, if the season is right, fields of flowers as far as the eye can see. For bonus views: set off early in the morning to take advantage of the golden light that adorns the scenery!

For nature lovers, a walk along the Saône offers a wilder setting. Herons, swans and, if you’re lucky, even a discreet beaver can be seen. It’s also a great spot for a picnic overlooking the water.

The Roche de Solutré: a breathtaking setting for a 100% nature outing

Around 35km from the campsite, the Roche de Solutré stands proudly amidst the vineyards of the Mâconnais. This 495-metre-high limestone boulder is emblematic of the area. So much so that it was even visited by François Mitterrand, who came to climb it every year… !

But the good news is that you don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer to climb the Roche. The climb takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, on a well-marked path. And the reward at the end is breathtaking: an incredible panoramic view of the Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards, the surrounding hills and, on a clear day, the Alps. Plan to set off early in the morning to take advantage of the soft light, or late in the afternoon for a majestic sunset.

The Roche de Solutré is more than just a rock. Thousands of horse bones have been discovered here, the remains of hunts organised by prehistoric man over 20,000 years ago. To find out more, head to the Musée de Préhistoire at the foot of the Roche, which tells the story of the site in minute detail.

After the descent, extend your walk in the surrounding vineyards or discover the charming villages of Solutré-Pouilly and Vergisson. And of course, you can’t leave without sampling the local wines (in moderation) or stopping off for a gourmet break.

The Azé Caves: a 90-million-year underground journey

About 20 kilometres from the campsite, the Azé Caves are a real time machine. This is not just a simple hole in the rock, but two caves in one with a history dating back more than 90 million years (no less!). Yes, when dinosaurs still roamed the lands of Burgundy…

For your first immersion, head to the prehistoric cave. There you can see traces of cave bears, lions, and even prehistoric humans who made their little camp here… 300,000 years ago. All accompanied by an enthusiastic guide who will tell you about these discoveries with passion!

For the second part of the tour, the river cave invites you into a fairy tale. You follow a long corridor carved out by water, listen to the sound of the underground river, and discover a mineral landscape sculpted drop by drop over thousands of years. Stalactites, stalagmites… and even a few discreet bats!

Allow about 1 hour and 15 minutes for the guided tour and bring a light jacket for the coolness of the caves (a fur coat isn’t essential, but there’s no reason not to bring one…).

The Azé Caves are nestled in the heart of a preserved natural site. After the tour, enjoy a short walk in the surrounding area. You can also picnic in the shade or venture to the nearby vineyards to extend your outing.