Cycling
The Tour du Mont Orgier – 1V is an easy, 13.7-kilometre circular VTT/VTTAE route with 338 metres of ascent. Without changing the difficulty level, it is suitable for electrically assisted mountain bikes and is designated as a green route.
On the section between the Les Izereblets and Marnézia Grange rouge signposts, the route passes through Mérona. The Château de Mérona is a stop along the Tour du Mont Orgier – 1V.
Culture and History
Today’s Château de Mérona stands on the site of a fortress destroyed by Louis XI. Visible traces of the former fortress include a dovecote, a tower and stones from the walls.
A papal bull dated 20 April 1154 confirmed the church of Mérona to Château-Chalon Abbey. The former church of Mérona, dedicated to Saint Désiré, stood in the valley between Mérona and Plaisia. An altar, tombstones, numerous human skeletons and coins from various periods were discovered among the ruins at the former site of the Saint-Désiré Church.
The Grotte de la Vie Neuve in the Chanois area has a two-metre-wide opening. Inside, it widens and ends at an underground lake or watercourse.
