A scenic walk between Crémieu, a medieval town, and the Dizimieu lake

Crémieu, an iconic medieval town in the Balcons du Dauphiné region, charms visitors with its 15th-century market hall, ramparts, and Augustinian convent. As the starting point of the greenway, it offers a well-preserved and vibrant cultural heritage in the heart of a natural setting ideal for hiking.Crémieu, the gateway to Greater Lyon in the Balcons du Dauphiné region Crémieu is located in the heart of the historic Dauphiné region, at the junction of the departments of Ain, Rhône, and Isère. The first written records of its existence date back to the late 12th century. At that time, the town was the seat of a mandement—an administrative district within the barony of La Tour, which was incorporated into the Dauphiné in 1282. The Dauphiné was incorporated into the French Crown in 1349. It was in 1315 that the Dauphin Jean II, Lord of the Dauphiné, decided to grant Crémieu a charter of privileges. This seigneurial act, by granting new rights and privileges to the people of Crémieu, would pave the way for sustained growth, marked in particular by the construction of a new town on the site of former marshes, between the town’s two hills: to the west, Saint-Laurent Hill with the Dauphin’s castle, where the old quarters were established; and to the east, Saint-Hippolyte Hill with its Benedictine priory surrounded by fortifications. This new town, too, needed fortifications because Crémieu, located on the border between the Dauphiné and Savoy (with the Ain department largely belonging to Savoy), had to be able to play a military role in the event of an invasion. This second set of ramparts was therefore built in the 14th century.

From the top of the Saint-Hippolyte hill, you have an impressive view of the countryside surrounding the medieval city of Crémieu.

Du château delphinal, surplombant la colline Saint-Laurent aux vestiges d'un prieuré de Bénédictins, au sommet de la colline Saint-Hippolyte, les remparts se déploient sur un parcours de plus de 2 km qui enserre tout le centre historique de la cité.Les premières traces écrites de l'existence de Crémieu datent de la fin du XIIe siècle. A cette époque, la cité est le chef-lieu d'un mandement compris dans la baronnie de La Tour qui sera rattachée au Dauphiné en 1282. Le Dauphiné sera vendu à la Couronne de France le 16 juillet 1349. A cette époque, la cité est organisée autour de deux pôles : - la colline Saint-Laurent avec le château delphinal où se sont établis les quartiers anciens, assure un rôle civil et militaire. - la colline Saint-Hippolyte avec son prieuré de Bénédictins entouré également de fortifications en est le pôle religieux. Au XIIIe siècle, chaque colline est fortifiée de manière indépendante. En 1315, le Dauphin Jean II, seigneur du Dauphiné, décide d'accorder à Crémieu une charte de franchise donnant des libertés nouvelles aux Crémolans. Il crée ainsi les conditions d'un essor marqué notamment par la création d'une ville neuve entre les deux collines de la ville. Cette ville neuve ayant, elle aussi, besoin de fortifications, car Crémieu, situé à la frontière du Dauphiné et de la Savoie (l'Ain appartient alors à la Savoie) doit pouvoir jouer un rôle militaire en cas d'invasion, une seconde enceinte de rempart sera construite au XIVe siècle. Les portes de la Loi puis, plus tard la Porte Neuve ou Porte François Ier font partie de cette deuxième enceinte. Cet ensemble de fortifications est un témoignage rare tant par la qualité de l'ouvrage que pour son exceptionnel état de conservation. Les remparts possédaient au moins 11 portes et 14 tours de guêt.

In the heart of the lively medieval village of Crémieu, we welcome you to the old Capuchin monastery where 5 spacious rooms with private bathrooms invite you to enjoy a pleasant stay.Just a short walk from the medieval town of Crémieu, Clos Ayanna is housed in an elegant mansion dating back to 1615. This charming residence offers five spacious and carefully appointed guest rooms, located in a separate wing opening onto a large wooded park of over 2,000 m² with a saltwater swimming pool (open from May to September), a library and a relaxation lounge. The rooms, classified as ‘Chambres d'hôtes Référence’ (Reference Guest Rooms), offer between 30 and 40 m² of comfort and serenity. They all feature high-end bedding with mattress toppers, a private bathroom with walk-in shower, toilet, Wi-Fi, hairdryer and courtesy tray with coffee, tea and mineral water. Some rooms also offer a lounge area or direct access to the garden. A microwave and a selection of hot and cold drinks are also available. Every morning, a generous breakfast is served in the dining room or on the terrace. It features local and homemade products: jams, honey from the garden, brioches, yoghurts, fresh fruit juices and hot drinks. Alternatives are available for early departures or special diets. The famous ‘brioches perdues’ and a selection of breads complete this gourmet experience. With its Accueil Vélo label, Le Clos Ayanna welcomes cyclists with a range of dedicated services: secure storage, repair kits, washing machine and dryer, and documentation on routes. Its proximity to the Balcons greenway makes it an ideal stopover point. Le Clos Ayanna also hosts business trips and seminars in a dedicated 30 m² space, suitable for small meetings of up to 8 people. Its calm atmosphere, private hire options and tailor-made services make it an intimate and popular venue.

19th-Century Manor House in Crémieu, located in this medieval town, Villa des Contamines offers three elegant bedrooms set within a tree-lined garden. A refined retreat just a 10-minute walk from the historic centre, perfect for couples, cyclists, or business travellers.Located in Crémieu, a medieval town in the Balcons du Dauphiné, just 40 km from Lyon and close to Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport, Villa des Contamines is an elegant 19th-century manor house, perfect for a romantic getaway, a cycling stopover, or a business trip. Set in the heart of a spacious, tree-filled garden with centuries-old trees, the property offers a peaceful and refined setting, with stunning views over Saint-Hippolyte hill. Villa des Contamines features three comfortably appointed bedrooms, tastefully decorated in an elegant and welcoming style. Two rooms have a 160 cm double bed, while the third offers a 180 cm bed. All rooms include a private bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries. Guests enjoy complete independence thanks to a private entrance. Parking is available on the property for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, with a remote-controlled gate provided for secure and convenient access. The location is particularly appreciated: the historic centre of Crémieu is just a 10-minute walk away, allowing guests to explore the market hall, ramparts, and picturesque streets without needing a vehicle. While the property does not offer evening meals, the town of Crémieu has a wide choice of restaurants to suit every taste. Certified Accueil Vélo, the house regularly welcomes cyclists travelling along the Balcons greenway or the ViaRhôna. Cyclists benefit from a secure, fully equipped bike storage area. It is also possible to leave bikes and luggage on-site after checking out, allowing guests to enjoy a visit to Crémieu before continuing their journey. Every morning, breakfasts are prepared using locally sourced and homemade products, including jams for those with a sweet tooth. Breakfast includes hot drinks, fresh and dried fruits, yoghurts, pastries, homemade bread, jams, and spreads. A more savoury or sporty option is also available on request, particularly for cyclists.

Situated near the heart of the medieval town of Crémieu, in a peaceful setting, Chez Amélie features a swimming pool, terrace, garden and secure bike storage for cyclists.Along the Balcons du Dauphiné greenway, Amélie's bed and breakfast offers privacy and comfort. Each tastefully decorated room has its own private bathroom (shower or bathtub) for optimum comfort. Lounge areas are available, outside by the pool and inside in the veranda. Gourmets will appreciate Amélie's table d'hôtes, available on reservation. Meals are prepared exclusively with local produce. For breakfast, Amélie offers homemade bread and pastries, yoghurts from the farm, fresh fruit... A savory version is also available (on request).

In the heart of the medieval town of Crémieu, this holiday flat is located on the second floor of a 15th-century building listed as a historic monument. A peaceful and authentic stay with exposed beams, a fully equipped kitchen and linen providedNestled in a quiet street just a stone's throw from Crémieu's famous covered market, this charming flat will appeal to lovers of authenticity and heritage, with its exposed beams, preserved character and tasteful décor. The apartment includes a bright living space with an open-plan, fully equipped kitchen, a lounge-dining area furnished with a sofa bed, one bedroom with a double bed (140 x 190 cm), and a bathroom with bathtub, washbasin and toilet. Bed linen and towels are provided. This accommodation is ideal for a couple, solo traveller or small group looking to explore the medieval heritage of Crémieu and its surroundings.

Located near Les Halles, in the heart of the medieval town of Crémieu, the team at Le Galuber offers a selection of carefully chosen wines and authentic dishes made from local, seasonal produce.In Crémieu, Évelyne, manager and chef, offers home-style cooking prepared on site using fresh produce. Her husband, Éric, selects the wines, which include local, organic, biodynamic and natural options. The wine list features around 80 wines, including 15 by the glass, available at lunchtime and in the evening.

In Crémieu, La Bellissima brings a fresh take on Italian gastronomy with a refined, concise menu inspired by the Chef’s creativity. Each dish showcases quality ingredients and authentic flavours, all served in a chic, contemporary setting.Located in the heart of Crémieu’s historic district, just opposite the 15th-century medieval market halls, La Bellissima invites you to discover authentic and generous Italian cuisine. More than just a pizzeria, the restaurant celebrates classic Italian specialities such as homemade arancini mushrooms, eggplants alla parmigiana, escalope à la milanaise or lasagne bolognese. Among the unmissable of the house also find the pasta served in an authentic grindstone of parmesan. The menu evolves with the seasons, for a renewed taste experience. La Bellissima also offers a wide selection of pizzas, available to enjoy on-site or as takeaway — from timeless favourites like the Margherita or six Cheeses to more inventive recipes. In a stylish and carefully designed setting, La Bellissima combines elegance and warmth to create a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for family meals, evenings with friends, or a romantic dinner. Whether you're visiting Crémieu or living in the area, this Italian restaurant is a must-visit to savour Italy in the heart of the Balcons du Dauphiné. To deepen your culinary experience, the restaurant also hosts cooking workshops featuring iconic Italian recipes. Open to both beginners and enthusiasts, the sessions last around 1 hour and 15 minutes and are scheduled on request (simply contact the owner for more details).

Opposite the medieval market hall in Crémieu, La Bellissima’s Cafeteria Gelateria offers a delicious break in a cosy setting: homemade pastries, artisan ice creams and hot drinks for a sweet treat at any time of day.All pastries are homemade. You’ll also find a fine selection of artisan ice creams, made on-site with generous and authentic flavours. Hot drinks, coffees and rich hot chocolates perfectly complement these sweet treats, offering a moment of relaxation in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Whether after a meal, for an afternoon snack, or during a stroll through Crémieu’s historic centre, the Cafeteria Gelateria is a must-visit for lovers of sweet indulgence in the Balcons du Dauphiné.

A beautiful lake (regulated fishing), a path through dry grasslands, woods for shade. Highlights: Lake - Nut press - Orchids Facilities: Numerous information boards / Educational pondThe Marsa lake and dry grasslands offer a condensed environment typical of Isle Crémieu: dry hillsides, marshy areas and meadows. Do you know that this environment hosts more than 450 animal and plant species? The vegetation around the lake is an ideal refuge for many birds such as the Grebe and Marsh warbler, while the hillsides, hunting area of the red-backed shrike, are covered with orchids in the spring. The site also houses a large population of European pond turtles, an endangered specie in France, which feed and winter in the pond and lay their eggs on the dry grasslands.

Located between Villemoirieu and Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas, the Besseye marsh is one of the last large wetlands in Eastern Lyon. Thematic path: educational pond, observation pontoons and information boards.Covering 35ha, this remarkable natural area is home to a great diversity of natural environments dominated by reed beds and swamp sawgrass, characteristic of low marshes. This mosaic of wetlands, alder trees and dry meadows has led to the establishment of plant and animal heritage species. Numerous amphibians, such as the Palmate newt and Natterjack toad, live in the ponds and flooded areas, and there is a large number of endangered plant species such as Teucrium scordium or the Lesser water-plantain.

Cette mystérieuse maison de village en pierre, avec ses pièces exiguës et ses escaliers biscornus se situe en plein cœur de la cité médiévale de Crémieu. Le terrier accepte de loger seulement les sorciers et moldus fans de la saga Harry Potter...Le Terrier des Sorciers permet d'accéder à pieds à tous les commerces et restaurants de la cité médiévale de Crémieu. De jolies balades vous attendent en empruntant les nombreux chemins de traverse.

Located in the heart of the medieval town of Crémieu, this hotel, which holds the Accueil Vélo accreditation, offers 9 rooms, including 4 family rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. It is an ideal base from which to explore the town and enjoy the Voie Verte des Balcons and the ViaRhôna cycle routes.Located in the heart of the medieval town of Crémieu, just a stone’s throw from the historic quarter, the Hôtel La Bâtisse welcomes guests into a warm and elegant setting. The building, listed by Bâtiments de France, features tasteful décor that is both chic and modern, creating a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. The hotel has 9 comfortable rooms, including 4 family rooms, all equipped with an en-suite bathroom, a flat-screen TV and practical storage space. The rooms offer simple yet tasteful comfort, ideal for a holiday, business trip or family stay. Please note that the hotel is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility due to the building’s historic layout. Guests can enjoy the hotel restaurant, which serves traditional and creative cuisine featuring seasonal produce. Come the warmer months, a pleasant terrace at the rear of the hotel offers a peaceful spot to relax. Accredited with the ‘Accueil Vélo’ label, this hotel and restaurant is a popular stop for cycle tourists travelling along the ViaRhôna or the Voie Verte des Balcons du Dauphiné. Located right next to these two cycle routes, the establishment provides a secure bike storage room equipped with CCTV. It is also equipped with a washing machine and a tumble dryer, which are particularly useful on long-distance cycling trips. There is also a bike repair shop right next to the hotel, making it easy to get your bike fixed if needed. For added convenience, cyclists can also leave their bikes and luggage at the hotel after checking out, so they can spend more time exploring the medieval town before continuing their journey. Every morning, the restaurant serves a traditional breakfast consisting of bread, pastries, butter, jams and cereals. A savoury platter can also be prepared upon prior request for guests wishing to enjoy a more substantial breakfast before setting off on a day of sightseeing or a cycling trip.