ViaRhôna by bike - Stage 05 - Seyssel > Belley

Since 1952 the Chautagne Cellar offers you the excellence of the wines of Savoy through vintages that are ever more prestigious and respectful of the environment.

Nicknamed 'Savoie's Little Venice', Chanaz lies on the banks of the Canal de Savière. This village has kept all of its original charm, with its traditional houses and water and flowers throughout the village.In this harmonious and pristine environment of water, mountains and nature, there are many aspects that visitors adore: navigating yachts, locks, leisure areas, water fun, a wide range of sports and activities, ancient craftsmanship, local produce, ancient architecture and a rural setting are the benefits of this tourist-focused rural village. The frequent passage of boats and visitors creates a lively and friendly atmosphere.

The Lavours Marsh is one of the last remaining giant marshlands in continental Western Europe. Located near Ceyzérieu in the shadow of the Grand Colombier the marsh covers an area of 500 hectares and is traversed by a wooden footbridge 1.2km long.The Lavours Marsh was declared a Nature Reserve in 1984 to protect the rich and diverse flora and fauna that exists there. Visitors can view this remarkable marshland from a 1.2km long wooden pathway on stilts that allows access right to the very heart of the marsh. All along this pathway there are signs in both French and English that give explanations about the various plants and animals that exist in the marsh. The pathway is accessible to wheelchair users and all the signs are available in Braille for the visually impaired. The only entrance to the Lavours Marsh is located in the hamlet of Aignoz, here you will find plenty of free parking and the Maison du Marais, an interpretative centre that explains the history and life of the marsh. Each year at the Maison du Marais between April and October a program of various events is scheduled that allows the public discover more about the marsh’s flora and fauna and heritage. To access to the swamp, a mandatory parking is at visitors disposal free of charge, at the entry of Aignoz hamlet. It is important de respect the natural reserve regulation: dogs and gathering forbidden. The stilt walk is accessible to people with reduced mobility with the help of an accompanying person.

Belley, historic and religious capital of Bugey . A bishopric since the 6th century, Belley has left its religious mark on the whole of Bugey: cathedral, churches, chapels....In Gallo-Roman times, Belley was one of the region's most important towns, benefiting from its position as a crossroads on the road linking Lyon and Geneva. Recent excavations have uncovered a vast spa complex. The town's emblem is the she-wolf, the etymology of Belley referring to Bellone, the Roman goddess of war, represented by this animal. Don't miss the bronze she-wolf in the Grande Rue, sculpted by Colette Sonzogni. 1077: Bugey is ceded by the Holy Roman Empire to the House of Savoy. After the Treaty of Lyon in 1601, marking the attachment of Bugey to France, Belley became the seat of the Baillage and was administratively attached to the province of Burgundy. To admire: the inner courtyard of the Tourist Office, former seat of the Baillage. St Jean Baptiste Cathedral: Classified as a historic monument, Belley's neo-Gothic Cathédrale St Jean-Baptiste was built on the site of the 12th-century cathedral, of which only traces remain on the north portal. For the most part, it dates from the 19th century. Palais épiscopal and Parc Jean-Pierre Camus: Listed as a historic monument since 1932, the former 18th-century bishop's palace was bought by the town in 1978 and now houses the municipal library, the Société Savante Le Bugey, and serves as an exhibition and reception hall. To discover : The park, entirely renovated in 2010 by the City of Belley to make it a place to relax and stroll. The courtyards: Numerous 15th-century courtyards line the Grande Rue. Discover them on tours organized by the Tourist Office, including the courtyard of the birthplace of Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, the famous gastronome and author of the culinary treatise "The Physiology of Taste".