Chazey-sur-ain, Ain, Rhône-Alpes

In the heart of Bugey, this section of the ViaRhôna moves slightly away from the river and heads gently towards the authentic villages, châteaux and vineyards of the Balcons du Rhône region. The River Ain flows into the Rhône at Anthon, where a remarkable natural site marks a sharp contrast with the urban area nearby. Then comes the small village of Jons on the outskirts of Greater Lyon, the Jonage canal and the park, Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage. There is a temporary section on small roads.

Most of the walk is on footpaths and dirt tracks. During your walk, you'll enjoy views over the Bugey and Ain plains, and see two castles and two churches. Close to the ViaRhôna and the Voie Bleue, the Dombes is also a great area for cycling, walking and horse-riding! It's up to you to choose your itinerary and means of transport... Breathe in, breathe out, you're in the Dombes. Imagine the Dombes, land of a thousand ponds, as a festival of colors, scents and sounds. The deep blue of the water contrasts with the many greens of the vegetation. The intermittent concert of frogs is accompanied by the songs of wild birds. Sit back for a moment and watch the ballets on the calm waters of the ponds. The grey heron, master of the area, may even grace you with its presence! So, what could be better than a stroll to visit and discover the Dombes in slow motion?

St-Denis-en Bugey, Ambutrix, Vaux-en-Bugey and Vaux-Fevroux: four traditional villages nestled between vineyards and streams, in the heart of a confidential valley where natural gas has been exploited since the 1920s. A walk that combines nature and heritage. Leaving from St-Denis-en-Bugey town hall. Pass in front of an old mill, then head for the Tour de Saint-Denis: a medieval tower offering an attractive viewpoint with an orientation table. Also the starting point for numerous hikes and fitness trails. Pass through Ambutrix, a picturesque hillside village, before arriving in Vaux-en-Bugey. A town with a long history of winegrowing, Vaux-en-Bugey is still dotted with working vineyards. The vineyards offer a beautiful view of the original church tower. From the cemetery chapel, another panorama awaits the viewer. (NB: Pérouges Bugey Tourisme offers a free audio quest on the IziTravel application - download. A fun way to learn more about Vaux, its wine and the surrounding area). Vaux-Fevroux or "val fiévreux" owes its name to its remote position in the valley and the fevers that once decimated the village. Continue for 2km through the woods to the remains of a natural gas well in a meadow. Natural gas has been present in the valley since 1906, and its exploitation was a world first from 1919 onwards. In 1925, Saint Gobain built a factory in Lagnieu to take advantage of this energy. The plant still exists today, producing glass for the whole world. Further along the path, you can access the Buizin vats and waterfalls.

A slightly uneven walk as you climb up to the Dombes plateau, which offers a variety of landscapes, from undergrowth to stream banks. The Dombes heritage is revealed: La Moutonnière, the Moulin de Faux and the Château de Richemont. Close to the ViaRhôna and the Voie Bleue, the Dombes is also a great area for cycling, walking and horse-riding! It's up to you to choose your itinerary and means of transport... Breathe in, breathe out, you're in the Dombes. Imagine the Dombes, land of a thousand ponds, as a festival of colors, scents and sounds. The deep blue of the water contrasts with the many greens of the vegetation. The intermittent concert of frogs is accompanied by the songs of wild birds. Sit back for a moment and watch the ballets on the calm waters of the ponds. The grey heron, master of the area, may even grace you with its presence! So, what could be better than a stroll to visit and discover the Dombes in slow motion?

You will be able to admire the archeological, architectural and natural jewels of the Isle Crémieu and the Larina Plateau, with its high cliffs, home to falcons, snake eagles, buzzards and other birds of prey. Park in the car park opposite the kiosk in the village centre. Follow the path to the right until it become stony and begins to climb up the cliff. Two thirds of the way up, on the left, is a rocky platform that is tricky to get to. Once you have made your way onto it, take the small Tourdes Remparts track to the left, which leads to the Fontaine de la Vie, the plateau's only spring. From there, take a straight path downhill that takes you to a former riding school. Continue along this cliff-side path, and take in the view of the Val d'Amby and the Château de Brotel. Pass by a picnic area, cross the Catelans road at Larin, and the plateau itself from east to west via a grassy path. It passes over a barren hill and then goes downhill. Bear right through moors, and then head towards the western cliff until you meet the track coming from Bourcieu. Climb back up using this track, and walk along the clifftop. The track overlooks a marshy area and emerges in the archelogical site in Larina (leave at least 1 hour to visit it). There is an important excavation site near the statue of the Virgin Mary. Retrace your steps back along the path you took to climb the cliff to return to the car park in Hières-sur-Amby.

Circuit through the Fôret de Chassagne forest and along several ponds. Beautiful panorama of the Etang de Chassagne. Passes close to the former Abbaye de Chassagne (of which only a few converted buildings remain). Close to the ViaRhôna and the Voie Bleue, the Dombes is also a great area for cycling, walking and horse-riding! It's up to you to choose your itinerary and your means of locomotion... Breathe in, breathe out, you're in the Dombes. Imagine the Dombes, land of a thousand ponds, as a festival of colors, scents and sounds. The deep blue of the water contrasts with the many greens of the vegetation. The intermittent concert of frogs is accompanied by the songs of wild birds. Sit back for a moment and watch the ballets on the calm waters of the ponds. The grey heron, master of the area, may even grace you with its presence! So, what could be better than a stroll to visit and discover the Dombes in slow motion?

Situated at the feet of the medieval city, the hotel is modern and comfortable. The 33 rooms have air-conditioning and free wifi. The hotel has summer swimming pool, closed car park, bar and reception 24h/24. The Bérangère hotel is situated a stone’s throw from the medieval city of Pérouges and is an ideal place to explore the area. The hotel has 33 rooms equipped with television. Two of these rooms have been adapted to disabled people. The Bérangère is open all year round with the reception open 24 hours a day and also offers free WI-FI throughout the establishment and also has an outdoor swimming pool and big car park.

The tourist office of Pérouges welcomes you all year long to help you to visit the medieval city or the area. Events, touristic site, accomodations, restaurants won't have any secrets for you ! Guided tours in english or other languages are possible for groups with a reservation.

Take a refreshing break, under 45 minutes from Lyon. The team at this family campsite will give you a warm and enthusiastic welcome, and introduce you to the various leisure activities available on site and in the local area. A stop off point for the Via Rhona. There is also a heated swimming pool and a lovely children's playground.

Small pools, labyrinths, concretions and a lake: the Grottes de La Balme, located 40 minutes from Lyon, are rich in what nature has shaped. Discover a rare and exceptional natural site offering an unusual insight into the underground world! Arrive under this impressive porch and enter the bowels of the cliff to discover labyrinths, an underground lake, stalactites and stalagmites, an amphitheater of small pools... that's what the Grottes de La Balme have to offer. Take your time on a self-guided tour lasting around 1 hour 15 minutes, or take a guided tour (booking required). Visited since 1807, the Grottes de La Balme reveal their history and mysteries as you explore 1,000 meters of underground galleries. Located in the Nord-Isère region, in the center of the village of La Balme-les-Grottes, the caves are an exciting detour in the Balcons du Dauphiné region. Round off your day with a free visit to the Espace Naturel Sensible “Les Coteaux de Saint-Roch”, with its signposted path and discovery booklet. This protected natural area allows you to observe the particular features of the cliffs, forest and dry grasslands surrounding the Grottes de La Balme, home to numerous species of protected plants and animals. Become true adventurers with our 100% family-friendly activities! A playful visit with Archibalme's Investigation: young and old alike will be delighted. Summer and winter alike, the underground world never ceases to amaze! The souvenir store is open at the same time as the caves, and offers a wide range of gifts: crockery, textiles, stones, a selection of books and other must-have items for yourself or as a gift.

Studio 38 m² on the 1st floor of owner's villa. Independent entrance : Family room/kitchen area (single sofa bed 120 cm), microwave, mezzanine (1 double bed), bathroom, WC. Electric heating, television, parking, balcony, courtyard, garden, garden furniture. Sheltered swimming pool (counter current, spa pool). Sheet/towel hire available. Pets by request. Date of construction: 1980. Date of renovation: 1990.

Apartment 40 m², adjoining owner's house . On elevated ground floor. Independent entrance. Apartment 40 m², adjoining owner's house . On elevated ground floor. Independent entrance. Family room, kitchen area (microwave) with sofa bed 120 cm, bedroom (2 single [electrically adjustable] beds 80 cm), shower-room (massage jets), WC. Geothermal electric heating. Parking, courtyard with garden (garden furniture), barbecue, swing, Sheltered swimming pool with counter current and spa pool steps. Car port. Enclosed terrace. Ping-pong table. Date of construction: 2000.

Founded in 1991 the Sorelle Golf Club is located 40 minutes drive from Lyon. This 18 hole, 5777m course is set on 75 hectares of picturesque parkland with lakes and trees and plenty of other natural obstacles. In addition to having a superb 18 hole course the Golf de la Sorelle also has an outstanding restaurant with 2 dining rooms and 2 terraces in its club house which is a completely refurbished 14th century residence. Also located in the clubhouse there six bedrooms available to visiting golfers. The Golf de la Sorelle also has a partnership with the nearby Ambotel Hotel which has preferable rates available.

On a pleasant shaded outdoor terrace surrounded by the Dombes lakes, the chef showcases delicious local cuisine, using fresh, local products! Frogs' legs, Dombes carp, free-range chicken are just some of the dishes that are guaranteed to whet your appetite. The Bicyclette Bleue Restaurant is at the entrance to the medieval town of Pérouges, in the beautiful Dombes region, with lush-green surroundings. It is the perfect place to come and enjoy regional specialities such as fresh frogs' legs with parsley, Dombes carp and Jura trout tartare, 'Perle de Dombes' free-range chicken with cream and morels, etc. The menu is guaranteed to get your mouth watering, with a selection of homemade desserts to finish. In the summer, you'll often be enjoying your meal whilst listening to a concert under the gazebo. The restaurant is featured in the 'Gault & Millau' guide, the 'Guide du Routard de l'Ain' and has been awarded the 'Saveur de l'Ain' quality label.

At the heart of the Espace Eau Vive site, a sports leisure centre, the campsite is located on the banks of the Rhône and Viarhona rivers. We offer classic pitches, camper van pitches and accommodation in domino tents or trapper tents. Cycling welcome. The Espace Eau Vive team can offer you a choice to suit your needs and budget. At your disposal: 5A electrical connection, 200m² marquee , picnic tables, heated toilet block, laundry room and hot showers. Ice creams, cold drinks. Domino tents: At the heart of the Espace Eau Vive site, the 3 domino tents each sleep 6. There is a dining area with two fridges and 2 gas rings, as well as a communal tent with tables and benches for meals. Trapper tents: The trapper area comprises 4 wooden tents, each sleeping 6, a 3m x 3m kitchen tent with two fridges, 2 gas rings and a 32m² communal tent with tables and benches for meals. For all tents: Bring pillows, fitted sheets, sleeping bags (only the undersheet is provided), toilet paper and all kitchen utensils (saucepans, crockery, cutlery, etc.). There is no heating or lighting in the tents (lighting in the kitchen and dining tents only). The campsite has been awarded the ‘Accueil Vélo’ label, and is equipped with an inflation station and a totem with a number of tools, as well as covered bike lockers.

The château's gardens date from the 18th century and were designed in the French style by Le Nôtre (Louis XIV's gardener). The château and gardens are listed historical monuments.

In 1807, the first catholic secondary school in the Ain was founded by Father Ruivet, former non-juring priest. The Chapel was also built at that time. The main building was completely rebuilt in 1859 by Bossan, the architect of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. It was closed during a short period after the law of the separation of the Church and the State in 1905. The school was converted into a hospital during the Great War and received a lot of casualties. In 1968, it was definitely closed and, since May 1980, the town hall has been installed in the building.

This building was constructed in 1818. It included a corn loft, a room for the town council and a guardroom. It was also a justice courtroom and a jail. It was first enlarged in 1845. Between 1897 and 1899, there was a total restoration of the building and the belfry. In 1945, a statue made by H.Collomb was erected in front of the belfry, symbolizing the heroism of Meximieux. For the year 2000, the town council wanted to give the old chime a new lease of life. From 8 bells in 2000, it went to 17 in 2005 and to 20 in 2012.

A visit to this magnificent walled medieval city is like taking a step back in time. Parts of Pérouges date from the 13th and 14th centuries and it is one of the most beautifully preserved historic villages in France. Perched high upon a hill Pérouges gives some fantastic views of the surrounding Dombiste countryside. This fantastic village dates from the middle ages and today houses many shops, cafés and restaurants along its narrow cobbled medieval streets. With tourist maps available in several languages, Pérouges is a great place for a quiet stroll where one can marvel at the beauty of the architecture of the middle ages or sample the traditional ‘Galette de Pérouges’, the cake for which the village is famous for.

Due to the diversity of monuments and curiosities of the city, such as the XVIIIth century cooler, the two castles and the bucolic garden called "jardin des simples", Vertrieu is an unavoidable milestone in the Balcons du Dauphine territory. Vertrieu owes its development to its location, in a Rhone's hollow, which helped it grow its maritime activity during centuries. Its highly strategical position stands from the High Middle-Age, as the tombs in the Rue des Juifs testify. Vertrieu's architecture in the end of the Middle-Age is as urban, with its narrow lots alongside the streets, as it is rural with outside stairways typical from the winegrowers' houses, and agricultural commercial activity. Wherever, if the Rhone is linked to the town's History, so are the castles called "new" and "old" that shape the landscape. If you like romantic walks in nature or strolls nearby the river, or if you are a History lover, you can only fall for Vertrieu's charm!

You have an absolutely remarkable view of the two châteaux de Vertrieu from this orientation table.

Tuck into a generous regional dish in the heart of the medieval old town of Pérouges, in a rustic, warm and friendly setting where the rooster is king! The Auberge du Coq Restaurant has 2 dining rooms that can cater for a total of 120 patrons. The restaurant is open all year round from Tuesday evenings to Sunday lunchtime. Foie gras , chicken with morel mushrooms, frogs legs, coq au vin and galette de Pérouges with fruit puree are just some of the dishes to be savoured at the Auberge du Coq, bon appétit!

A cosy atmosphere combined with old-fashioned elegance that's the charm of this elegant café.

A cosy atmosphere combined with old-fashioned elegance and refined food and service is what the Ostellierie du Vieux Pérouges is renowned for. The Hostellerie du Vieux Pérouges is located in the heart of medieval Pérouges complete with parquet flooring, mullioned windows, traditional fireplaces and waitresses in traditional costumes, the restaurant has all that you will need for a fantastic dining out experience. The separate dinning rooms and function room are capable of seating 180 patrons. The Ostellerie du Vieux Pérouges is open daily for both lunch and evening meals, where one can enjoy local delicacies such as morel mushrooms, freshwater fish and crayfish Bressan poultry and of course ‘Galette de Pérouges’.

On a pleasant shaded outdoor terrace surrounded by the Dombes lakes, the chef showcases delicious local cuisine, using fresh, local products! Frogs' legs, Dombes carp, free-range chicken are just some of the dishes that are guaranteed to whet your appetite. The Bicyclette Bleue Restaurant is at the entrance to the medieval town of Pérouges, in the beautiful Dombes region, with lush-green surroundings. It is the perfect place to come and enjoy regional specialities such as fresh frogs' legs with parsley, Dombes carp and Jura trout tartare, 'Perle de Dombes' free-range chicken with cream and morels, etc. The menu is guaranteed to get your mouth watering, with a selection of homemade desserts to finish. In the summer, you'll often be enjoying your meal whilst listening to a concert under the gazebo. The restaurant is featured in the 'Gault & Millau' guide, the 'Guide du Routard de l'Ain' and has been awarded the 'Saveur de l'Ain' quality label.

Restaurant located on the banks of the Rhone, near the Via Rhona. Shaded terrace.

Roxane and Olivier welcome you to a fully renovated 19th-century building, a former coaching inn that combines old stone and modernity as it should be. We look forward to welcoming you for a stopover, whether for business or pleasure. Single, comfort, and family rooms, equipped with private bathroom, mini bar, LCD TV and some with air conditioning. Restaurant combining old stones and modernity, a warm, friendly welcome and cuisine prepared according to the seasons and daily deliveries of fresh produce.

The whole team is waiting for you to try the traditional cuisine, pizzas and specialities. Fixed price menu available at lunchtime. Contemporary decor. Located in the centre of Montalieu-Vercieu (2 min from the Vallée Bleue) Pizzas, to eat in, take away or have delivered, delivery service available in 10km radius from the restaurant. Free delivery for 2 pizzas or more.

Pizzas, mussels and chips (in summer), and its traditional menu (salads, pasta...) Bar and ice creams served in the afternoon.

Chef Ludovic Brehin has put all his know-how into revisiting the menu with a refined cuisine featuring key products such as the famous Dombes-style sautéed frogs and goujonnette for the daily Dombiste menu. Takeaway dishes by e-mail or telephone reservation. A friendly stopover with a daily menu, a gourmet menu to delight your taste buds, and a famous "carp" menu.

Situated at the feet of the medieval city, the hotel is modern and comfortable. The 33 rooms have air-conditioning and free wifi. The hotel has summer swimming pool, closed car park, bar and reception 24h/24. The Bérangère hotel is situated a stone’s throw from the medieval city of Pérouges and is an ideal place to explore the area. The hotel has 33 rooms equipped with television. Two of these rooms have been adapted to disabled people. The Bérangère is open all year round with the reception open 24 hours a day and also offers free WI-FI throughout the establishment and also has an outdoor swimming pool and big car park.

Take a refreshing break, under 45 minutes from Lyon. The team at this family campsite will give you a warm and enthusiastic welcome, and introduce you to the various leisure activities available on site and in the local area. A stop off point for the Via Rhona. There is also a heated swimming pool and a lovely children's playground.

Studio 38 m² on the 1st floor of owner's villa. Independent entrance : Family room/kitchen area (single sofa bed 120 cm), microwave, mezzanine (1 double bed), bathroom, WC. Electric heating, television, parking, balcony, courtyard, garden, garden furniture. Sheltered swimming pool (counter current, spa pool). Sheet/towel hire available. Pets by request. Date of construction: 1980. Date of renovation: 1990.

Apartment 40 m², adjoining owner's house . On elevated ground floor. Independent entrance. Apartment 40 m², adjoining owner's house . On elevated ground floor. Independent entrance. Family room, kitchen area (microwave) with sofa bed 120 cm, bedroom (2 single [electrically adjustable] beds 80 cm), shower-room (massage jets), WC. Geothermal electric heating. Parking, courtyard with garden (garden furniture), barbecue, swing, Sheltered swimming pool with counter current and spa pool steps. Car port. Enclosed terrace. Ping-pong table. Date of construction: 2000.

Located in the village of Hières sur Amby, 30 km from Lyon, this hotel and restaurant will give you a warm welcome for a relaxing break, surrounded by nature. Make the most of the hiking trails in the area and the Grottes de la Balme and Larina archaeological site.

At the heart of the Espace Eau Vive site, a sports leisure centre, the campsite is located on the banks of the Rhône and Viarhona rivers. We offer classic pitches, camper van pitches and accommodation in domino tents or trapper tents. Cycling welcome. The Espace Eau Vive team can offer you a choice to suit your needs and budget. At your disposal: 5A electrical connection, 200m² marquee , picnic tables, heated toilet block, laundry room and hot showers. Ice creams, cold drinks. Domino tents: At the heart of the Espace Eau Vive site, the 3 domino tents each sleep 6. There is a dining area with two fridges and 2 gas rings, as well as a communal tent with tables and benches for meals. Trapper tents: The trapper area comprises 4 wooden tents, each sleeping 6, a 3m x 3m kitchen tent with two fridges, 2 gas rings and a 32m² communal tent with tables and benches for meals. For all tents: Bring pillows, fitted sheets, sleeping bags (only the undersheet is provided), toilet paper and all kitchen utensils (saucepans, crockery, cutlery, etc.). There is no heating or lighting in the tents (lighting in the kitchen and dining tents only). The campsite has been awarded the ‘Accueil Vélo’ label, and is equipped with an inflation station and a totem with a number of tools, as well as covered bike lockers.

« Le gîte » has been designed to welcome groups. It includes all the equipment you need everyday… It is composed of 2 floors : upstairs, there are 6 rooms of 4 beds, one room of 2 beds (with bunk beds in each room), showers and toilets. Please bring your sleeping bags, pillows and toilet bag. We provide fitted sheets. On the ground floor, there is a kitchen, a common room with tables and chairs, a TV room and toilets. The kitchen is equipped with electric cooking plates, an oven, a micro-wave, a dish-washer, a fridge with a freezer compartment, a coee machine and all the usual kitchen tools for about 30 persons (crockery, pots and pans). We leave it up to you to bring sponge, washingup liquid, dishwashing detergent, cloth, cleaning supplies, toilet paper… We remind you that the house is available from 2 p.m the day of your arrival and has to be left at 12 a.m the day of your departure.

A recently renovated hotel and restaurant with views of the Rhone and the Bugey cliffs. Located on the RD1075, the hotel is soundproofed and the food served in the restaurant is prepared with attention to detail.

Old family farmhouse located in the heart of the Dombes, in a hamlet surrounded by meadows. Completely renovated, warm and carefully decorated to spend a weekend or extend your stay quiet. Many sports and cultural activities. The “gîte de la Commanderie” is an old farmhouse in the heart of La Dombes, the family house of Françoise Goze who welcomes you in a warm atmosphere, tastefully decorated. The house of 140 sqm on two levels, accommodates 8 to 11 people for a weekend or an extended stay. Possibility to rent only the ground floor for two people. On the ground floor, accessible to people with disabilities , with living room ( TV , DVD player, wood burning stove, sofa , library) onto a large terrace with barbecue and garden furniture. Fitted kitchen (multifunction oven, dishwasher, washer-dryer, fridge- freezer, ceramic hob), 1 bedroom (double bed 160 x 200), showerroom with toilets. Upstairs reading room under the roof with old bed (110 x 190 ), three bedrooms, one with a double bed 160 x 200 , one with two beds of 90 x 200 and one with two beds of 110 x 190 , bathroom with shower and separate toilets. Oil central heating. Sheets, towels and kitchen towels provided, beds made on arrival. Baby equipment (cot, changing table, high chair) available. End of stay cleaning included (during the stay on request). Non- smoking rental. Bicycles to explore the road ponds. Welcome horse riders with meadow available. The "Museum Pass" of Ain is offered. Many sports, cultural activities, family and gourmet food within 20 km: the medieval village of Perouges, the Parc des Oiseaux of Villars. Your hostess will make you share with passion and kindness Current Dombes and her childhood.

A perfect place for cyclists or travellers who want to stay on budget. 30 rooms all equipped. HD television, TNT and wifi included. Bathroom and separate WC. The beautiful tree-filled park with a view on the rhône river invites to relaxation.