Montmerle-Sur-Saône offers several ways to enjoy a stay focused on local history, walks and regional produce. A one-hour route leads to historic landmarks in the town; other routes highlight scenic views or follow the path of the holy Curé of Ars. You can also plan separate visits focused on heritage and the market.
Heritage with a story to tell
The Église Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours, also known as the Chapelle des Minimes, dates from the 11th century. The church houses 12 protected items. Its exterior can be viewed year-round; access to the interior may vary by season. If you plan to visit the interior, check access arrangements before your visit.
The Tour des Minimes is a cylindrical brick tower, about 20 metres high and built in 1843 by Monsieur Voisin. At the top of the tower, an orientation table offers panoramic views. As access arrangements for the viewpoint may vary, check in advance if the view is important to your plans. The chapel and tower offer different points of historical interest: one is a place of worship with protected items, the other a structure with a specified material, shape and construction date.
Walking routes with different highlights
The “Circuit découverte” starts at Place de la Mairie in Montmerle-sur-Saône. This one-hour walk takes you past historic landmarks in the town and is suitable for families and groups of friends.
The Circuit Randoland Montmerle is designed as a family-friendly treasure hunt. It includes a sheet for parents and three sheets for children aged 4 to 12. The age groups are 4–6, 7–9 and 9–12 years. The Circuit can be completed independently year-round; confirm before travelling that the required materials are available.
The Circuit des Minimes au Paradis offers a different route: from the Site des Minimes, it leads to the Croix du Paradis in Guéreins, across the heights of the Val de Saône with views of the Monts du Beaujolais, and then back along the river towpath. The Chemin du Curé d’Ars follows the path taken by the holy Curé of Ars to Montmerle-sur-Saône. It can be travelled on foot with family or friends, or by bicycle. This gives you a choice between a one-hour historic walk around the town, a route with described scenic views, and a trail that can be travelled on foot or by bike.
Market and regional offerings
The regular market takes place year-round on Thursdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can meet local producers, ask for advice and choose regional products there; individual vendors may vary. Check the market times before your visit if you want to plan around it.
Millésimes et Cuvées offers a wine cellar and wine tastings in Montmerle-sur-Saône. If you would like to include a tasting in your stay, check the current opening hours in advance. The mini-golf venue has a snack bar, a wood-fired barbecue, a drinks stand and an ice-cream shop on site. The availability of these offerings may vary.
Saône riverbanks and boat mooring
North of the municipality, Parc de la Batellerie is a landscaped tourist site on the banks of the Saône, set in striking scenery. The Halte fluviale de plaisance allows small recreational boats up to 15 metres long to moor and has 12 berths.
Discover more destinations: Saint-André-de-Corcy, Cleyzieu, Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans, Chaneins, Saint-Étienne-Du-Bois, Biziat, Bourg-Saint-Christophe, Coligny.
For the broader travel overview: Ain.
