September 9, 2020 / Walks

The towpath at Saint-Vulbas is a charming, flat, easy path along the Rhône, cut in two by the river stop (chemin du port). Ideal for a family outing, solo after work, or with a four-legged friend.

In Saint-Vulbas, starting from the port, the towpath* path along the Rhône offers two directions: towards the chapel of Marcilleux (3km to the south) or along the fitness trail (3km to the north). Double ride, twice the fun!

This is why the tourist office offers you a double “we tested for you” : a two-way stroll, written in two voices! Heading south, the intrepid Kitty and its faithful companion Patrouille, at the end of winter. To the north, Sabrina the stroller and her little husband, on a summer morning...
* towing was the river transport of goods on the Rhône using a rope pulled by horses.

The towpath: from the port of St-Vulbas to the island of La Fenière

To know everything

Difficulty : No
Distance: 2.8 km one way / 5.6 km round trip (1h30)
Elevation: no
Departure : Port Road
Point of interest : fitness trail, île de la Fenière (to be observed from afar)

The St-Vulbas river stop offers an ideal starting point for a walk with its picnic tables on the banks of the Rhône, decorated with flower beds. It's 10 a.m. on this Saturday morning. After having finished our croissant under the trees, we are ready for a digestive walk.

From the first meters, the path is very pleasant. The weeping willows casually drag a palm in the water of the river. The sun makes the bluish surface sparkle. The trees form a salutary shade on this hot day.

Full health in nature

The health course begins, discreetly. Developed stations find their place among the vegetation. Parallel bars, obstacles, abdominal benches, it's well thought out. If we were more athletic, it could have tempted us. But the heat and our tendency to the least effort makes us give up. We continue.

Always the bed of the river on our right and in places, on the other side, a gap in the vegetation lets see the village or a meadow. The path goes straight, between the corn fields and the water. It is a pleasant path for cyclists. We meet several who pedal, confident. Perhaps they go as far as St-Sorlin-en-Bugey, catch up with the Viarhona...

In the middle flows a river

Further on, the river forms a bend, the lawn is a soft green, the space is clear. Here, sandbanks ripple the shallow water. The meanders meander slowly to find further the course of the waves. A few steps away, the golden sparkles of the water respond to the silvery poplar leaves rustling weakly in the wind. We remain to contemplate this beautiful nature, sitting in the fresh grass.

The walk continues, between the green of the trees, the yellow of the sunflowers and the turquoise blue of the water. Until the end of the fitness trail, somewhere opposite the island of La Fenière. A bench is installed there, to welcome the walker. Everything is calm. Sitting, we watch the canoes go by… We are in no hurry to return.

Sabrina's tips

  • Take a picnic or a snack and enjoy the pleasant rest area on departure or return.
  • The path can be followed as a whole, from Marcilleux to La Fenière (approximately 9km).
  • Possibility of realizing the bike trail to the entrance to Lagnieu (roundabout) then take the Via Rhôna again, near St-Sorlin-en-Bugey.
  • A bike loop of about 40 km can be done by following the towpath from Marcilleux, then taking the Via Rhôna at Lagnieu (roundabout), section La Balme caves/Larina archaeological site.

The towpath: from the port to the Chapel

To know everything

Difficulty : No
Distance: 2.3km one way / 4.6km total (round trip)
Elevation: no
Departure : Port Road
Point of interest : Romanesque chapel of Marcilleux

Let's go for the ride!

13:30 p.m.: time to go for a walk! Hiking shoes on, equipment for the dog in the backpack and off we go. My trusty explorer Patrol and I have decided (I strongly influenced him in this choice) to go and recharge our batteries in peace, on a path discovered a few days earlier.

We start our walk at the start of the port fitness trail. A few cyclists make a refueling stop while admiring the peacefully flowing Rhône. Patrouille and I head for the chapel of Marcilleux.
Of course the path runs along the Rhône, towing requires. Fortunately, I don't tow a boat, I simply follow the playful footsteps of my experienced explorer!
The most marvelous will have been this silence strewn with perky birdsong. Spring is coming, nature is slowly awakening.

Yes, the branches are a bit dry and sparse, giving the colors a muted tone. We are in shades of brown embellished with a few soft greens or ivy greens.
Here we feel the humidity rising through a bisolet (a light breeze in Savoyard) striking, there you can smell the slightly muddy smell rising from the banks of the river. We are in the middle of nature!
We only meet a walker and his dog, the tonic Dani, who had the same (good) idea as us.

A very pretty chapel

During the journey the mind is free to wander, rest and rest. Little by little we see in the distance the chimneys of the power plant. Looks like a cloud factory. Hidden by the trees, the small Romanesque chapel does not appear until late in the field of vision.
This little building from the 7th century (or even more) is so charming!
A plaque explains its history. We sit here for a while to enjoy the tangy end-of-winter sun which does us the honor of accompanying us.

The return takes place in the same serene atmosphere. There are certainly many joggers coming to run out of steam on this beautiful path, and they are right! Combined with the other trails in the village, it is a perfect route for running without crossing vehicles and concentrating on your effort. 1h30 later (mister dog sniffs out a lot of improbable leads, I let him investigate) we are relaxed and happy to have shared a moment of such great quality with ease!

We promise we will come back on sunny days to admire the Larina plateau on the other side of the river, or take advantage of the shade of the trees.

Kitty's advice

  • As there is no water point on the way, remember to take a water bottle, or stop at the village supermarket before your walk!

A walk that has it all

Winter or summer, alone or accompanied, the towpath is really the walk to get some fresh air with ease. On foot, by bike or in a stroller, heritage enthusiasts or nature enthusiasts, this path will make everyone agree. Good walk !

Sabrina Megani
Co-authored by
Sabrina
Visitor services assistant
Old stones and pretty villages, she can't get enough of them. So much so that she moved to Pérouges, where she discovered a passion for gardening! Also likes to walk (but not run, never run) and take pictures. The rest of the time she prefers reading and eating cheese (with wine).

Special sign : collects tartan clothing.
Preferred country: Scotland (unless it's Italy).
Absolute fan of: tea !
Nature favorite: the blue lake.
Cultural favorite: the Ambronay festival.

Kitty Tranchina

Published by

Ketty

Guide interpreter speaker

This Savoyardo-Sicilian has a hard head but a melting heart (with honey). Passionate about history including that of Dauphiné (a heresy for a Savoyard!) she decided to express her enthusiasm for small talk by becoming a guide. Insatiable globetrotter, she worships pastry (and has a religion of pastries).

 

His credo: discover the world through a local specialty, a beautiful hike and a good laugh. The world is his home!
Purpose in life: provide a good time for its visitors.
Special sign : only has Jack Russells.
Favorite place : the view from the cross of Soudon.
Heart stroke : the free and rock atmosphere of Sylak.