Charlieu, medieval town – Basilica of Paray-le-Monial loop from Chauffailles

Bike touring routes & trails

France

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Charolles

Chauffailles

Charlieu, medieval town – Basilica of Paray-le-Monial loop from Chauffailles

Hard

5.0

(2)

riders

Charlieu, medieval town – Basilica of Paray-le-Monial loop from Chauffailles

07:22

127km

580m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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16.3 km

Charlieu, medieval town

Highlight • Historical Site

Charlieu is a "village of character in the Loire" which has an exceptional heritage. The Benedictine abbey, founded around 875, is a masterpiece of Romanesque art and a remarkable Cluniac site. It is located a few meters from Place Saint-Philibert in Charlieu and it is possible to book guided tours.

The medieval city has also managed to preserve dozens of old houses, dating from the 13th to the 18th century, so some are half-timbered. The Saint-Philibert church houses stalls in its choir that are unique in France. Mansions and museums (silk museum, hospital museum) also contribute to classifying this town of 3,800 inhabitants as “the most beautiful detours in France”.

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21.3 km

Old Railway Bridge and Station Signaling

Highlight • Bridge

Switch operating mechanism, railway signaling and old railway bridge

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37.6 km

Marcigny

Highlight • Settlement

Marcigny is renowned for its traditional Monday market, which has existed since the 11th century. This commune is also home to the Saint-Rigaud Abbey, an important historical site dating from the Middle Ages. The city is also famous for its ceramic manufacturing, notably the famous stoneware potteries which are very popular with craft enthusiasts.

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37.9 km

Mill Tour

Highlight • Other

40.2 km

Viewpoint

63.5 km

Along the canal at Paray-le-Monial

Highlight • Cycleway

A pleasant stretch that runs alongside the Canal du Centre between Paray-le-Monial and Digoin.

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64.3 km

Basilica of Paray-le-Monial

Highlight • Historical Site

The Romanesque basilica of Paray-le-Monial is contemporary with Cluny Abbey since it was consecrated in 977, and allows us to imagine the splendor of its great neighbor, almost entirely destroyed during the French Revolution. Its orange-yellow limestone stones add to the richness, majesty and simplicity of the place. It is the most visited building in the Saône-et-Loire department.

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87.4 km

Baugy church

Highlight • Other

The Baugy church, which dates from the end of the 11th century, is distinguished by its yellow limestone and its medieval architecture. Dedicated to Saint-Pons, it seduces with its ornate bell tower and its recently restored interior, decorated with 19th century paintings. The church features distinctive sculpted elements, including capitals decorated with plant and animal motifs.

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100 km

Véloire, from Pouilly-sous-Charlieu to Iguerande

Highlight (Segment) • Other

La Véloire is a cycle route that runs along the Loire, a river that has remained mostly wild. In this green setting, travel safely away from cars and in the middle of nature.

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127 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types