A medieval record of a church, a technical innovation in papermaking, and the history of a canal tunnel give Savoyeux a clearly defined cultural profile. The area also offers routes along the Saône and the canal. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Savoyeux, you can choose what to explore based on your interests: church and industrial history, canal construction, or paths and scenery.
Church and Industrial History
The existence of the Église Saint-Cyr et Sainte-Julitte is documented from 1103. It has been protected as a historic monument since 20 April 1995. The dates refer to different things: 1103 marks the documented existence of the church, while 1995 marks its protected status. The church thus links a historical record reaching far back in time with its later heritage designation.
Another way to explore Savoyeux’s history is through its paper mill. Its paper machine was the first in France to use gelatin sizing. This process made the paper more durable and allowed a higher proportion of cotton rags to be used. This technical innovation thus links a new papermaking method with tangible effects on the material.
Tunnel and Waterworks
Construction of the Tunnel de Savoyeux began in 1837 under Louis-Philippe and was completed in 1843. The tunnel is about 642.5 metres long and 6.55 metres wide. The Bief de Savoyeux also includes a weir gate with a bridge dating from 1843. The same year therefore marks both the completion of the tunnel and the construction date of the structure at the Bief: two separate reference points in the history of the canal.
Routes and Directions
Between Autet and Seveux, the Via Francigena follows the Saône and the canal by the Tunnel de Savoyeux. On its south-to-north route, La Voie Bleue heads towards the tunnel. The points of reference differ: for the Via Francigena, the section and its route along the Saône and canal are specified; for La Voie Bleue, the northbound direction and the direction towards the tunnel are given. If you are planning to follow La Voie Bleue, check the route before your trip.
Saône Plaisance rents bicycles at the port of Savoyeux. As availability may change, it is advisable to check in advance what is currently on offer. Another route with a specified distance is a 9.65-kilometre circular route. It includes the Port de Savoyeux, Gallo-Roman remains, the Bois du Vernois, the Combe Roland, the Grand Bois, the Haut-Bois, Le Fauconnier, and the Voie Romaine. Its stated length and named landmarks distinguish this circular route from the directional information for the Via Francigena and La Voie Bleue.
The Wider Landscape
In the central Val de Saône, the stretch downstream from Ormoy to Savoyeux extends along the river. Areas with a favourable ecological status are still well represented locally, although they are more scattered. This regional perspective complements the specific buildings with a view of the wider river landscape, offering a different scale for planning a trip than the history of individual places and structures.
Discover more destinations: La Barre, Huanne, Champlitte, Bourbévelle, Magny-Jobert, Cult, Vanne, Esboz-Brest.
For the regional travel overview: Haute-Saône.
