Thil-Sur-Arroux: Hiking between ponds and rivers

Thil-Sur-Arroux is located in the continental ZNIEFF Type II area “L'Arroux d'Autun à Digoin”. Points of interest include the signposted “Entre étang et rivière” circular trail, the Église Saint-Martin, and mills in Thil-Sur-Arroux. For planning, you can choose between hiking routes, varied landscapes, and local history.

Hiking between ponds, rivers, and bocage

The signposted “Entre étang et rivière” circular trail is 7 km long and starts and ends in front of the town hall. It is of moderate difficulty and has an elevation gain of 320 metres. The route passes through the bocage landscape of the southern Morvan between ponds and rivers, reaching the Moulin Condamné. It is designated for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and e-mountain biking. Check the current route and local trail conditions before setting out.

A 3 km variant of the “En montant à Dône” route passes through Patigny to Mont Dône. The two routes mentioned therefore differ in length: the circular trail is 7 km, while the variant to Mont Dône is 3 km. The VTT-FCC circular route in Thil-Sur-Arroux runs through the southern part of the Grand Autunois Morvan between forest and lake.

Walks and nature activities

“Merveilles et nature” offers guided walks and nature activities covering 6 to 9 km. The focus is on local heritage, fauna and flora, and rural heritage. Other walks in the surrounding area are 6 to 7 km long and are intended for families and friends. Animals are allowed at “Merveilles et nature”; there is also a picnic area. Activities are available seasonally, so it is advisable to check the dates before travelling.

Mills and history

The Moulin Condamné is one of the sights in Thil-Sur-Arroux. The “Entre étang et rivière” route leads to the mill; its pond and waterwheel are clearly visible under a shelter. The Moulin Condamné is in very good condition and could even be operated. If you are interested in its operating status, confirm it on site.

Another structure is the Moulin de Thil in the hamlet of Vauqueune: an old seigneurial mill that belonged to the monks of the Abbey of Saint-Martin d'Autun. They built a fortified priory in Thil in the 10th century. The Moulin de Thil is privately owned and cannot be visited.

The Château de Thil stands on the site of a fortified priory dating from the 10th century, with its priory church. The château’s former chapel housed an image of the Virgin Mary with Child, associated with a healing rite at a spring dedicated to Saint Martin. Access to the private grounds is restricted. The château cannot be seen from the road because of the park’s trees. If you are considering a visit, clarify the access conditions in advance.

Église Saint-Martin and getting around

The present-day Église Saint-Martin was built from 1857 to 1859 and consecrated in 1860 by Monsignor de Marguerie. Parking for cars is available at the church; it can be reached by car via a departmental road. There is a picnic table and a sign pointing to the hiking trails nearby. Local parking and wayfinding options may change; check the information on site before driving there.

Discover more destinations: Frontenaud, Ciel, Iguerande, Saint-Jean-De-Vaux, Montpont-En-Bresse, Chassigny-Sous-Dun, Cuisery, Martigny-Le-Comte

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