Saint-Aubin-en-Charollais: Canal Engineering and Cycle Route No. 8

Saint-Aubin-en-Charollais brings together architectural monuments and canal history with a specific connection to cycling: Circular Route No. 8 reaches the commune, while the lock, waterworks and ecclesiastical art reveal different historical aspects. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the architectural and artistic heritage on the one hand and the route of the cycle trail on the other. The route passes through the village, but starts and ends in Paray-le-Monial. This lets you distinguish between a cultural-history focus and a cycling stage.

Canal Engineering and Water Management

The Aqueduct and water intake of Theilly or Tilly is located in Saint-Aubin-en-Charollais on Bief 21 of the Loire-Océan slope. It dates from the last quarter of the 18th century and carries the Tilly stream to the Bourbince. Its location, date and water management come together here: the aqueduct is a specific example of historic water engineering and the management of a named watercourse.

The Site of Lock 20 on the Ocean slope, known as La Gravoine, includes a mechanised lock chamber. The site also includes a garden and a traditional lock keeper’s house. A small annex houses the control station. The individual features show that the complex encompasses more than just the lock chamber.

The Montceau farm school can be seen from the canal in Saint-Aubin-en-Charollais. This gives you another specific landmark when exploring the area around the canal.

Art and Historic Buildings

The high altar altarpiece is located in the church of Saint-Aubin-en-Charollais. It was listed as a protected object on 7 May 1971. This places a named altarpiece at the centre of attention, offering a distinct point of reference for art and cultural history alongside the village’s technical structures.

The isolated road bridge at Montceau provides access to the Domaine du Montceau. At the same time, the bridge retains its appearance from the late 19th century. Its role as an access route and its preserved architectural form are two distinct aspects of the same structure.

Beyond Saint-Aubin-en-Charollais, the private Chipot Mill can be seen from the road. It dates from the 15th and 16th centuries and features a fine watchtower, a stair tower and a remarkable wooden gallery. The mill is another architectural landmark; its private status is also relevant information for finding your way around the area. Chronologically, it can be distinguished from the aqueduct: the mill dates from the 15th and 16th centuries, while the waterworks date from the last quarter of the 18th century.

Planning Cycle Route No. 8

Circular Route No. 8 starts and ends in Paray-le-Monial and reaches Saint-Aubin-en-Charollais. The loop is 45 kilometres long, is rated easy, and is designated for cycling and mountain biking. The start and end point matters for planning: Saint-Aubin-en-Charollais is on the route, but is not the stated starting point of the loop.

The distance and stated difficulty provide a practical framework for planning your ride. Check the route conditions and downloadable tracks again before setting off. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether your travel plans are driven more by the cycle route or by the village’s architectural and artistic heritage.

Discover more destinations: Mâcon, Azé, Étrigny, Verdun-Sur-Le-Doubs, Ligny-En-Brionnais, La Grande-Verrière, Dompierre-Les-Ormes, Antully

For the broader travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.