XNZT4T4T0E303JEH8TB (also called "Saint-Clément-sous-Valsonne") is a municipality in the Rhône department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, a few kilometers north-east of Tarare which it is bordering.
Its territory of 14.5 km² ranges from 319 to 710 m above sea level, and it belongs to the natural region of Beaujolais, whose mountains correspond to the north-east of the Massif Central.
Crossed by the course of the Soanan, the locality is covered with forests (47% of its surface area), meadows (36%) and agricultural areas. Among the latter, on the west-facing hillsides, there remain plots of vines.
Located "below" its neighbor Valsonne, the town developed along the river.
If industrial activity had taken off in the 19th century (weaving factories, bluestone quarry and barite sulfate mine), today, apart from a few wine estates, Saint-Clément-sur-Valsonne is essentially a residential locality. There are around 900 inhabitants there. Its heritage and leisure offerings are sure to appeal to lovers of green tourism, just a stone's throw from Tarare and the major sites of Beaujolais.
In terms of heritage, the Saint-Clément parish church was rebuilt in local stone at the end of the 19th century and completed in 1900. Large in size, displaying a neo-Gothic style, it houses some remains of the previous building which dated from the medieval period. The slabs of the old church are still on the square, hidden however by the tarmac covering. In the new church, to see in particular, a font from 1610, marble plaques near the stairs, but also statues representing the Curé of Ars, Saint Anthony and Saint Joseph.
In the religious domain, in addition to the numerous crosses (in stone and wrought iron) dotting the surroundings of the town, to still see the old convent where nuns taught the girls of the village until the beginning of the 20th century. In the 1980s, the building was rehabilitated into a village hall then into a rural center dedicated to municipal associations.
Another large building, the retirement home built in 1882 on the hill overlooking Saint-Clément. Here again, it was nuns who were in charge of the residents for a long time. Following restoration work, the establishment now accommodates some 80 “boarders”.
A fresco representing Saint Honoré, on a house near the church, created in the 20th century to thank the town's baker, completes this overview.
Finally, on the "north" exit of the village, you can still observe the old entrance to the mine once exploited for its stones, its richness in barite but also its oxygenated water with therapeutic virtues.
As for leisure, a "city park" is available to sportspeople and on the cultural side, shows and community events are regularly hosted at the Foyer Rural. Information at the town hall on +33 4 74 05 12 13.
It then remains to discover the natural riches of the town in terms of landscapes and hiking trails as well as loops dedicated to mountain bikers.
Many routes take the Col de la Croix Paquet, to the southwest of the village, which rises to an altitude of almost 600 m. It connects Saint-Clément-sur-Valsonne to Tarare. Its bends bordered by forests are a delight for cyclists and car rally drivers alike.
Many other paths cross the hilly territory, also running alongside the vineyard plots and offering views of the surrounding mountains. Maps and information on +33 6 61 86 04 38 or +33 4 74 89 58 03.
Mountain bike enthusiasts can also join the outings of the local club, La Chamoise: contact +33 6 20 88 20 26.
Along the way, breaks with or without tasting (in moderation of course) with local producers can punctuate these walks. This is particularly the case at Jean-Paul Decours (red and rosé Beaujolais appellation wines, information on +33 4 74 05 11 55), Jean-Paul de Saint-Jean (contact on +33 4 74 13 01 49) or Patrick Sonnery (contact +33 4 74 05 10 17).
To conclude, mention the fishing sites along the banks of the Soanan. Information on regulations on +33 4 74 05 12 13.
The third or fourth Saturday in May, traditional class festival (which perpetuates the conscript parades of yesteryear) and fairground attractions.
The first Saturday in July, in odd years, pig festival with gourmet, fun and musical events on the pig theme (pig cry competition, pig races, exhibitions, arts and crafts market, etc.).
