Discover Jons through several specific themes: the Rhône Lônes, the ViaRhôna, agricultural exhibits and historic religious buildings. When planning your visit, it helps to distinguish the cycling route and its conditions from the natural and historical sites. This will help you decide whether to focus your stay on cycling, nature or local heritage.
Nature at the Rhône Lônes
The Lône de la Ferrande in Jons is a former side channel of the Rhône. The Lône des Pêcheurs is designated as a Natura 2000 site. Together, they offer different perspectives on the lônes: their former connection to the river and a designated protected area.
The nearby wild lônes are home to 25 animal species recognized as being of European and national natural heritage interest. The remote and hard-to-access lônes are a preferred habitat for kingfishers and European beavers. Wildlife shapes the natural environment of the lônes. Bear in mind that the lônes are difficult to access.
Cycling the ViaRhôna
The ViaRhôna section from La Balme-les-Grottes to Jons runs along the Jonage Canal in Jons. The section alternates between cycle paths and minor roads. Between Loyette and Jons, the route is temporary and includes a busy stretch. As the signage and GPX track are being updated, check the latest route information before setting off.
From Jons, the ViaRhôna follows the canal’s left bank to the Jonage Bridge. After crossing the bridge, the route continues along a greenway into the Grand Parc. This makes it easy to distinguish the section to Jons from the continuation across the bridge.
Water management and rural life
The Jons dam was built around 1933 to increase the flow of the Jonage Canal and divert excess water into the former bed of the Rhône. Together with the former side channel of the Rhône, this structure points to the history of water management in the area.
Another point of interest is the agricultural museum in Jons: this small open-air museum bears witness to rural life. Its exhibits include a 1950 Massey-Ferguson tractor and a “double chandelier” Brabant reversible plough from the late 19th century. The two dates provide a concrete comparison between agricultural exhibits from different periods.
Chapelle de la Rencontre and the church
The Chapelle de la Rencontre was built on the site of a Templar commandery and a chapel dating from the 1140s. It serves as a landmark for walkers and pilgrims and can be visited along the way. For those using the walking trails that pass through Jons, the table and benches offer shelter and a place to rest. Check current visiting arrangements before your visit.
The church in Jons is also a historic landmark: it is documented as far back as 1182 and was probably the former chapel of the château. According to an archival document, the stone foundations of its walls date from the 12th century.
Getting there by train
Montluel station is 7.3 km from Jons. If you are planning to travel by train, check the timetables separately before departure.
Discover more destinations: Pont-Trambouze, Morancé, Aigueperse, Saint-Clément-Sur-Valsonne, Chassagny, Brignais, Saint-Laurent-D'oingt, Saint-Laurent-De-Mure
For the broader travel guide: Rhône.
