Montbellet brings together the Saône, vineyards, and several opportunities to explore culture and nature. The Saône borders the town to the east, while vineyards lie to the west. For travelers looking for a hotel or other accommodation, this makes choosing a destination more specific: are you more interested in cycling and walks by the water, wildlife watching, or architectural history and art? Montbellet offers distinct, clearly defined themes to suit these interests.
The Saône, the Voie Bleue, and riverside meadows
In Montbellet, the Voie Bleue follows a cycling route along the Saône between Mâcon and Heuilliez-sur-Saône. On the Tournus–Fleurville section, the route associated with Montbellet largely follows the surfaced and signposted towpath along the Saône. This means cyclists can take in both the named locations and the character of this stretch of the route.
Along the Voie Bleue near Montbellet are meadows with interesting fauna and unique flora. Animals found there include beavers, foxes, and kingfishers; there are also some rare species. The riverside meadows make wildlife watching a specific interest alongside the town’s architectural discoveries. Montbellet also offers walks by the water. Those who prefer to explore on foot or want to focus on nature can therefore choose between two different activities: cycling along the Saône and walking by the water.
Romanesque architecture and art
The Chapelle du Prieuré de Saint Oyen is a Romanesque chapel dating from the 11th to 12th centuries. Its original function also points to the history of Montbellet’s church: the chapel was an extension of the church. It belonged to a priory that was dependent on the Abbey of Saint-Claude in the Jura. This reveals a historical connection between the chapel, the church, and the priory, which is of particular interest to travelers keen to explore ecclesiastical architectural history.
The Church of Saint-Didier reflects a different phase of construction. Beneath its bell tower, it preserves a Romanesque bay dating from the 12th century; the nave was extended in 1702. This comparison highlights two specific periods: a surviving Romanesque architectural feature and a later alteration to the nave. If you would like to explore historic architecture, this distinction offers a more detailed perspective than simply grouping both churches together as historic buildings.
The Chapelle des Arts adds a different cultural dimension to this focus: since 2010, it has served as an exhibition venue for artists. Thus, in addition to the history of religious architecture, art exhibitions are another theme that can help guide your travel plans.
Local products and events
The Moulin des Essarts offers organic sourdough bread, baked in a wood-fired oven, by order. If you would like to include this offering in your plans, check in advance whether it is currently available to order, as this may change. The mill also regularly hosts gatherings and events at the farm with volunteers and farmers. Event dates vary, so check the relevant dates before making a specific event the reason for your trip.
When looking for overnight accommodation, it helps to be clear about what matters most: do you want cycling on the Voie Bleue and the riverside landscape to be the focus of your trip, or are you particularly interested in the history of the churches and the artists’ exhibitions? Your answer will help clarify which themes you want to shape your stay in Montbellet. It is best to plan ahead for events and bread orders if you would like these offerings to be part of your trip.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Germain-Du-Bois, La Grande-Verrière, Saint-Marcelin-de-Cray, Saint-Aubin-Sur-Loire, Cuisery, Beaumont-sur-Grosne, Vers, Saint-Symphorien-De-Marmagne
For the overview of the wider region: Saône-Et-Loire.
