In Épinac, routes for different modes of transport meet a history shaped by mining, railways and local architecture. The Voie Verte runs through the centre and can be used for walking, cycling and inline skating. Several circular trails have their own focus and vary in length and route—giving you a concrete basis for matching your planned routes to the days available for your trip.
Routes through Épinac and the Bois de Mollaire
The 6.2-kilometre Autour du Puits Hottinguer circular trail crosses the Gué de Champy footbridge and follows the Promenade de Barlibeau and the Chemin de Monestoy. If you’re looking for a longer loop, you can compare the distances of the other trails described here: En passant par Grandvaux is 11.1 kilometres long and follows a botanical trail through the Bois de Mollaire to Grandvaux. La chapelle de Montartaux covers 10.9 kilometres. The trail climbs to the hamlet of Ressille, from where you can see the Chapelle de Montartaux.
Another circular trail, 9.5 kilometres long, leads to the sites of the ten most important former mine shafts in the historic Épinac-les-mines area. Explanatory panels make it easy to explore independently, and the route can be travelled year-round on foot, by mountain bike or by car. The options range from a walk featuring named bridges and paths to a circular route that explores the area’s former mining history.
The Fontaine Bonhomme nature trail is a marked botanical route in the Bois de Mollaire. Families can discover the forest’s wildlife and plants there. It adds a dedicated way to experience nature to the circular trails: the focus is on the forest’s plants and animals, rather than another route distance.
Activities along the Drée
Fishing is possible in the Drée and its tributaries, the Petite Drée and the Miette. A leisure centre on the Drée offers mini golf, children’s games, table football and table tennis. So, as well as the trails, there are specific leisure activities to enjoy; the waterways and the centre offer different ways to spend time along the Drée.
Mining, railway and architectural history
The Chapelle de la Garenne is a brick chapel in the heart of the Cité de la Garenne, with remarkable stained-glass windows. The Compagnie du Chemin de fer et des Houillères d’Épinac built it between 1866 and 1869 for its employees, particularly for the housing estate’s private school. This building brings together local architecture and the history of the mining company.
The Musée de la Mine, de la Verrerie et du Chemin de Fer covers history, industry and minerals. The former railway line became the Promenade de Monestoy in 1992. Reservations for the Musée, the Maison Sœurotte and an escape game are accepted at reservation@epinacmusee.fr. If any of these activities are part of your plans, check availability before your trip.
There are also historic buildings in the surrounding area: Val Saint Benoît Abbey is in the Battées forest near Épinac and was built by Gauthier de Sully in 1236. The proportions of its church are reminiscent of Cistercian abbeys. The date of the Chapelle de Dinay is less certain: it may date from around the year 1000.
Discover more destinations: Chassigny-Sous-Dun, Saint-Jean-De-Vaux, Verdun-Sur-Le-Doubs, Igornay, Romenay, Toutenant, Bosjean, Fleurville.
For the broader travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.
