Thel combines the memory of the Maquis de Chauffailles with an extensive forest landscape. Douglas fir forest covers more than 60 percent of the municipality; at the same time, the Mémorial de Thel is a place of particular historical significance. Local walking options include both a reconstruction of a historic route and a forest walk with viewpoints. When planning, consider whether the history of the place or a particular route should shape your stay.

Remembrance and historic routes

During the Second World War, the Maquis de Chauffailles established itself on the heights of Chèvrelus. The “Itinéraire du 3 mai 1944” reconstructs the route taken by a German unit on that day. The historic route led to the wooded peaks, Catoux and the Roche de Thel. This route therefore focuses both on its historical context and on the places named.

The bloody events associated with the Maquis de Chauffailles are commemorated in Thel every year. The “Chemins de la Mémoire” are a separate event: they take place every two years as a walk with two circular routes and end with a ceremony in front of the Mémorial de Thel, conducted by schoolchildren. If you would like to plan your trip around this walk, check the dates.

Compare walking routes by length

The “Circuit de l’attaque contre le Maquis” leads to the Mémorial de Thel and covers 15 kilometres with a total elevation gain of 531 metres. Its second loop runs from Foupeysson to the Mémorial and back; it is 6 kilometres long. The six-kilometre distance applies to this loop, while the 531-metre elevation gain applies to the entire circuit. This makes it easy to distinguish the shorter distance from the full route’s overall scope.

Another option is “Thel – Au delà du Mémorial,” an easy, 9.2-kilometre forest walk with viewpoints. Its stops include “Mémorial” and La Chevrelus. This offers another way to experience the forest landscape; its length and character differ from those of the Circuit de l’attaque contre le Maquis.

Plan your journey and accommodation

Thel is connected by the RD64 departmental road from Cours La Ville towards Ranchal and Saint-Vincent-de-Reins. The 9.2-kilometre walk starts at the Thel-Le Bourg car park, 52 Rue Louis Coillard, 69470 Thel. Before setting off, check that the planned starting point is accessible.

If you are planning a trip to Thel for the Mémorial or the walking routes, you can choose Thel as your destination when looking for an overnight stay and search specifically for holiday rentals. Plan your accommodation and the specific walk separately: the Thel – Au delà du Mémorial walk starts at the Thel-Le Bourg car park; for the Circuit, the total distance and elevation gain are important planning details.

Discover more destinations: Saint-André-La-Côte, Vaulx-En-Velin, Saint-Bonnet-De-Mure, Corcelles-En-Beaujolais, Dommartin, Meyzieu, Chessy, Craponne.

For the regional travel overview: Rhône.