La Traverse

Bresse’s greenway cycle path

La Traverse, Bresse’s greenway cycle path

With the approach of summer (but not only) the desire to escape is more and more felt, and it is normal. We suggest you a little green interlude made of bike, rollerblade or scooter rides. Let’s ride together on the Traverse, the Bresse greenway par excellence.

Go to

The Bresse plain in complete safety

La Traverse is a marked-out, safe path, reserved for non-motorised vehicles, and is great for walking along or for getting some exercise in the great outdoors. From Attignat, 10 km north of Bourg-en-Bresse, this path runs along a former railroad track that once linked Bourg-en-Bresse to Chalon-sur-Saône in Saône-et-Loire. This line was closed to passenger trains in 1939 and then used for transporting goods until 1951.

At your own pace

This trail is currently 24.6 km long, from the south, the hamlet of Vacagnole in Attignat, to the town of Saint-Trivier-de-Courtes in the north. Between these two locations, the greenway cycle path crosses through the towns of Cras-sur-Reyssouze (Bresse-Vallons), Malafretaz, Montrevel-en-Bresse, Jayat, Saint-Etienne-sur-Reyssouze and Mantenay-Montlin. It’s a great way to explore the Bresse plain.

A section between Attignat and Bouvent

An extension of the path to Bourg-en-Bresse is currently underway and will soon link Attignat to Bouvent leisure complex. Providing a further 13 km for you to enjoy. Some of the sections have already been built, such as the part between the Avenue de Marboz and the Avenue Amédée Mercier in Bourg-en-Bresse. While you’re waiting for the path to be completed, you can still reach these towns along country roads but without a marked-out cycle path. We urge you ride along these roads with caution, especially when crossing the D975. We can provide you with a map of three recommended itineraries between Bourg-en-Bresse town centre and the start of La Traverse route in Attignat. Don’t hesitate to stop by to see us at the Tourist Office.

See all the charm of Bresse by bicycle

La Traverse is a unique way of exploring Bresse plain, and is a completely safe route. As a family, with a large group or with friends, take the time to observe your surroundings, stop off near one of our mills or on the banks of the Reyssouze. For avid cyclists, near the La Traverse route, you can also go on a refreshing ride around the lake in Montrevel-en-Bresse, where you’ll also find the campsite and La Plaine Tonique leisure complex. As a family, alone or with friends, the best way to explore our destination is by bike.

Bresse, a charming plain

La Plaine Tonique a 4-star campsite

Bourg-en-Bresse, the ultimate sporty town

TOP TIPS

This is a friendly route, to be shared with others so you’ll most likely run into pedestrians and cyclists of all ages. Don’t forget to be considerate of others and notify your presence using your bell.

Convinced ?

LA TRAVERSE IN A FEW FIGURES

Total distance Attignat >> Saint-Trivier-de-Courtes : 23 km (11 miles)

Inauguration in 2018

Desire to live