Attractions and Places To See around Thoissey - Top 20

Thoissey offers several historical sites. You can visit the Apothecary of the 18th Century Hospital, which preserves a remarkable apothecary with blue-dominated faience vases and walnut woodwork. The Convent of the Ursulines, originally established in 1666, now serves as an exhibition room for local art. Don't miss the 15th-century Windmill, unique for retaining its original large wooden guivre. The Thoissey Church (Sainte-Marie Madeleine), consecrated in 1872, features monumental paintings by Daniel Sarrabat. You can also discover several bourgeois and half-timbered houses throughout the town.

Yes, Thoissey is rich in natural beauty. The town is bordered by the majestic Saône River and the picturesque Chalaronne River. You can enjoy the impressive “Levée du Port” with Plane Tree Avenue, an avenue of 179 plane trees over 900 meters. The Merchant City Park offers wooded areas, a play area, and animals, making it ideal for families. The Val de Saône Listed Site is a protected area with flooded wet meadows and alluvial woodlands, perfect for observing diverse flora and fauna. You can also walk along the Towpath along the Saône for pleasant views.

The region around Thoissey provides extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy fishing along 13 km of the Saône River, the Chalaronne, and various ponds. There are over 130 km of hiking trails, equestrian, and mountain biking routes across the intercommunal area. For cycling, the Towpath along the Saône is a very pleasant option. You can also find various running, hiking, and road cycling routes in the area. For example, explore some of the hiking trails around Thoissey or try the road cycling routes.

Absolutely! The Merchant City Park is a great option for families, featuring wooded areas, a play area, and animals like deer, hens, geese, and ducks. Another excellent choice is the Cormoranche Lake Leisure Center, which offers supervised swimming, a sandy beach, playgrounds, picnic areas, and various water activities during the summer season.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Rémont Mountain. At 515 meters above sea level, it offers extensive vistas in all directions, with ruins accessible by a staircase adding to its charm. Another spot for beautiful views, particularly of vineyards, is Upper Chenas.

The best time to visit Thoissey for outdoor activities is generally during the warmer months, from spring through early autumn. This period offers pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, fishing, and enjoying the leisure activities at the Cormoranche Lake Leisure Center. The natural landscapes, such as the Val de Saône Listed Site and the riverbanks, are particularly vibrant during these seasons.

Yes, there are several easy walking options. The Towpath along the Saône offers a flat and pleasant route suitable for walking and cycling. The Path along the Chalaronne also provides a bucolic setting for a leisurely stroll. Additionally, the Merchant City Park has wooded paths that are generally easy to navigate. You can find various hiking routes around Thoissey, some of which are rated as easy.

Yes, you can explore Thoissey's historical treasures by following a Tourist Route with 14 Panels, which includes new panels implemented in 2021 presenting "Les Illustres" – notable personalities of Thoissey. Guided tours for the Apothecary of the 18th Century Hospital are also available through the Val de Saône Chalaronne Tourist Office, offering deeper insights into its history.

Thoissey is a great base for cycling. You can enjoy leisurely rides along the Towpath along the Saône, which is a very pleasant cycle path. For more challenging rides, there are numerous road cycling routes around Thoissey, including loops that take you through scenic areas like Col du Plageret or Col de la Sibérie. The region also offers mountain biking routes.

Yes, the Thoissey Intercommunal River Stop, inaugurated in 2014, provides a convenient stop for river tourism. It is located between the campsite and the road bridge, offering facilities for those exploring the Saône River by boat.

The Val de Saône Listed Site is a protected area covering 1,260 hectares, characterized by its unique landscape of flooded wet meadows, oxbows, islands, and alluvial woodlands. It is exceptionally rich in diverse plant and animal species, making it a significant ecological site. Interpretation panels are available for visitors to learn about the local flora and fauna, offering a deeper understanding of this preserved natural environment.

Parking is generally available within the town of Thoissey, particularly near its main historical sites and parks. For specific attractions like the Merchant City Park or the Apothecary of the 18th Century Hospital, you will typically find designated parking areas nearby. When visiting natural areas like the Towpath along the Saône or the Levée du Port, roadside parking or small lots are often accessible.