Walks in the forest of Rothonne

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".

Situated just 2.5km south of the town of Belley the Rotonne Forest is an ideal place for a family day out!The Rothonne Forest has three bicycle trails that range in length from 3km to 8.5km that are completely suitable for children. Additionally there is a hiking trail and the forest is also a lovely place to relax and stroll about in and has plenty of picnic tables which are wheelchair friendly. Located at different points around the forest there are some fantastic statues in wood of some of the animals that can be found in the Rothonne Forest. The forest also has observation stations for bird watchers. There is plenty of car parking available with 8 spaces reserved for people with disabilities.