EuroVelo 6 Basel - Nevers: Paray-le-Monial - Digoin Green Route

Cycling between heritage and nature: from Paray-le-Monial to Digoin on the EuroVelo 6

Between Romanesque heritage, peaceful canals et hedgerow landscapesthe cycle route linking Paray-le-Monial to Digoin offers a bucolic interlude on theEuroVelo 6, one of the major European routes for cycle touring. This section of walking and cycling path, largely laid out along the Central Canalinvites you to a gentle and accessible discovery of Charolais-Brionnais, in the heart of Southern Burgundy.

The departure is at Paray-le-Monial, charming city bathed by the BourbinceKnown for its famous Basilica of the Sacred Heart, masterpiece ofBurgundian Romanesque artThe city deserves a closer look. Cloister, Chapel of the Visitation, Hieron Museum, House of Contemporary Mosaic There are plenty of opportunities to stroll. religious and artistic heritage gives Paray a peaceful atmosphere, conducive to a serene start to the stage.

Upon leaving the city, the cyclists quickly reach the walking and cycling path which runs alongside the Central CanalThe route is flat, perfectly secure et enjoyable, without road intersections. The towpathbordered by meadows and punctuated by locks, it winds through a typical Charolais bocage landscapeIt's a route that exudes tranquility, between green fields, traditional farms et small, unassuming villages.

The highlight of this stage is undoubtedly the Digoin canal bridge. True 19th century technical featThis structure allows the canal to majestically cross the Loire. In DigoinThe discoveries continue: the River port, the developed riverbanks, Central Canal and the Observatory invite you to better understand the intimate relationship between the city and its waterways. Don't miss the Ceramics Museum and the famous Digoin Factory, emblem of the Local expertise since 1875.

For the more adventurous, the route continues beyond Digoin towards Bourbon-Lancy, spa town au rich medieval past, accessible after following the Loire side canalThis equally pleasant section still crosses some peaceful landscapesbefore concluding the stage with a short climb around the belfry gate of Bourbon-Lancy. Up there, The view rewards the effortsThe city also offers Baths, an charming old quarter and good restaurants to discover the local specialtiesincluding the famous Charolais beef.

Ce route of approximately 43 km is ideal for day trip. The smooth coating and the absence of car traffic along most of the route guarantee a great securityEven for families. connections with other cycle routes are possible: the Veloire in Paray-le-Monial and the GTMC (Great Crossing of the Massif Central) to Bourbon-Lancy.

Accessible by train via the Paray-le-Monial, Digoin or Gilly-sur-Loire train stationsThis stage is a true gem of a cycling trip. At the crossroads of the nature, the story and gastronomy, it offers a authentic immersion in a region to discover… at the pace of the pedals.