Savoyeux: Church, Paper History and Canal Tunnel

There are also different route connections to the Saône, the canal, and the tunnel. This means the selection of travel themes ranges from a protected building to a technical innovation and named routes.

Church and Local History

The Église Saint-Cyr et Sainte-Julitte is documented as early as 1103. The year refers to the documented existence of the church, not when it was built. It has been protected as a historic monument since April 20, 1995. For your travel planning, these are two distinct points in time: the building’s early mention and its later, precisely dated protected status. Anyone interested in Savoyeux’s cultural history can use both details as separate points of reference.

Papermaking as Technical Heritage

The paper mill in Savoyeux represents a different kind of history. Its paper machine was the first in France to use gelatin sizing. This made the paper more durable and allowed it to contain a higher proportion of cotton rags. The innovation therefore concerns both the treatment of the paper and the composition this made possible. Alongside the church and canal construction, this technical aspect offers a distinct way to explore the town’s past: Savoyeux can also be understood through manufacturing and the development of materials.

Tunnel and Construction History

Construction of the Tunnel de Savoyeux began in 1837 under Louis-Philippe and was completed in 1843. The tunnel is about 642.5 meters long and 6.55 meters wide. Published measurements vary slightly, so these dimensions provide an indication of its length and width.

The Bief de Savoyeux includes a weir gate with a bridge, dated to 1843. This is the same year construction of the tunnel was completed, but the dates refer to two different structures. Comparing them places both in the history of the canal without confusing the tunnel with the weir gate.

Routes and Practical Planning

Between Autet and Seveux, the Via Francigena follows the Saône and the canal by the Tunnel de Savoyeux. On La Voie Bleue, the south-to-north route heads toward the tunnel. The descriptions emphasize different details: the Via Francigena is described by a section and its connection to the river and canal, while the direction toward the tunnel is the key detail for La Voie Bleue. Check the route of La Voie Bleue before your trip.

A 9.65-kilometer circular route takes in the Port de Savoyeux, Gallo-Roman remains, the Bois du Vernois, the Combe Roland, the Grand Bois, the Haut-Bois, Le Fauconnier, and the Voie Romaine. Unlike the directional information for the two routes mentioned above, this circular route has a total length and several named features. You can take these different types of route information into account when planning.

Bicycles are rented on site at the port of Savoyeux by Saône Plaisance. As availability may change, check this service in advance.

Discover more destinations: Conflandey, Fresne-Saint-Mamès, Chaux-lès-Port, Leffond, Traves, Breurey-Lès-Faverney, Vanne, La Roche-Morey

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Saône.