Experience Montalieu-Vercieu, Isère, Rhône-Alpes: Nature and Adventure

This very gentle itinerary takes you along both banks of the River Rhône, from the stone quarries to the hillsides of Le Bugey, discovering the lovely stone villages and numerous lakes that are dotted discreetly across the landscape like little green gems. From Montalieu-Vercieu near the foothills of Le Bugey, head north along the D1075 road for a few kilometres before turning off to the left and crossing the Rhône into the department of Ain and the ancient village of Sault-Brénaz. Turn right onto the D19 to reach Montagnieu, then right again to take the D19a, crossing back into Isère via the Briord bridge. Take the D16 to find yourself surrounded by the lush greenery of Mépieu and Barral lakes, then follow the D1075 for 2 km until you reach Lancin and the beautiful 15th-century Château de Montchalin. The D140b road then takes you alongside Salette lake to Courtenay. Head back north on the D140a towards Optevez, then on the D52 to Charette before returning to Montalieu-Vercieu on the D1075.

Among natural landscapes and stone villages, you'll explore our region from hamlet to hamlet. Between Vassieu, Marieu, Parmilieu, Torjonas, St Baudille de la Tour, Le Vernay and Charette, discover our hills and their diversity of plant life. From Blue Valley, head towards Marieu and Parmilieu, then Combe d'Amblérieu via the forest. You'll cross the charming village of St Baudille de la Tour, the woods of La Perrette and the hamlet of Chapieu. Cycle along the Bryne lakeside, back down to Vercieu and finally Montalieu.

Discover the left and right banks of the Rhône in Ain and Isère, passing from one department to the other on the bridges of Sault-Brenaz/Isle de la Serre and Briord. On either side, the towpaths have a few secrets in store...

Discover the left and right banks of the Rhône in Ain and Isère, passing from one department to the other on the bridges of Sault-Brenaz/Isle de la Serre and Briord. On either side, the towpaths have a few secrets in store...

This mountain-bike itinerary takes you to the Environmentally Sensitive Area of Lemps Lake and also visits the Verbois Gorges.

From Blue Valley, take to the towpaths and the Amblagnieu road to pass the priory and the medicinal herb garden. You'll also pass "Bois Rambe" woods and the "Roche Ronde" rock on the way to the Rhône riverbank.

Short itinerary along the towpath and the Viarhona cycle path, exploring the woods of Le Corniolay and the Blue Valley

This challenging itinerary takes you through Montalieu, Vassieu, Parmilieu and Porcieu, across woodland and between quarries. You'll discover the Bigues trail with its stone features and a beautiful panoramic view over the River Rhône.

From Blue Valley, follow the Haut-Rhône railway uphill through Le Corniolay woods and cross the D1075 road at "Les Broyes". Pass by the Côtes de Cerriau hills and Lavan Lake before making the return trip via the towpaths.

This challenging itinerary provides a wonderful sample of all that our local landscape has to offer. Explore the northern tip of Isère with its quarries, forests, lakes, and vineyards dotted with "bigues" (planted stone posts supporting the vines), not forgetting all the viewpoints and the lovely panoramas of the River Rhône. From Blue Valley, head for the hamlet of Vassieu and cycle between the quarries of Grosse Pierre, Les Tiennes and Pont Bout (optional loop). Cross Marieu hamlet and follow part of the Bigues trail to reach Parmilieu. Between fields and forestland, you'll pass another quarry before reaching Torjonas, then climb to the limestone plateau, towards Amblérieu and the lake. You'll also pass the Côtes de Sarcalin and Côte du Pain hills to reach the D65 road (caution required) and turn right at a locality called "Le Serpay" before passing the Côte Corbeille slopes. You'll then climb towards the caves of La Balme and cross the Coteaux de St Roch Environmentally Sensitive Area, as well as Suptilieu and Le Devin. You'll then head North through Serverin Forest before returning southwards to Lecazat quarry and joining the Côte de St Vérand itinerary which offers panoramic views. You'll follow this hillside down to Roche Ronde where you'll join the Rhône towpath to reach the Blue Valley site.

Espace Bike, less than an hour from Lyon, has a range of bikes for hire: exercise bikes, VAEs, mountain bikes, electric scooters (measuring over 140cm), all-terrain scooters, pedal go-karts, as well as children's trailers and waterproof panniers. Muscle bikes : What could be better than a nice mountain bike or VTC ride along the ViaRhôna cycle path in the Balcons du Dauphiné? We have a wide range of bikes to suit the whole family. We also offer accessories for your ride. Electrically-assisted bikes : Whether mountain bike, VTC or Gravel, electric-assist bikes are very accessible. You'll be able to ride faster and farther without too much effort, and discover the Balcons du Dauphiné in complete peace of mind. All-terrain e-scooter: This is an unusual means of transport for enjoying the charm of the countryside in complete peace and quiet. Ideal for families with children aged 12 and over. Pedal go-karts: From mini-karts to 4-seater karts, come and enjoy the Vallée Bleue leisure park with your family or friends. Fun for 4-year-olds and up! Helmets are included in the rental price. You can of course bring your own equipment. Before departure, you can borrow a hand pump, anti-theft devices, maps and yellow vests.

Enjoy a pleasant one-hour ride between Montalieu Vallée Bleue and the Sault Brenaz bridge in a superb locotractor! This 4km line uses historic equipment, bringing back to life the departmental trains of the 1900s. The starting station is the former Gare du Chemin de Fer de l'Est de Lyon, dating from 1895. The route runs along the banks of the Rhône before entering a wooded area. This means you can enjoy a bit of fresh air under the trees for around 1/3 of the route.

The Camping Point Vert is a 3 star campsite set in a wooded area on the banks of the River Rhône near the delightful village of Serrières-de-Briord. The campsite comprises 131 encampments and has 6 mobile homes available. The Camping Point Vert has all you will need for a fantastic family holiday, with a swimming pool, games room, tennis courts, shop, playground, volleyball court, TV room and Wi-Fi available throughout the campsite. Additionally the campsite is located right next-door to the Point Vert Activity Centre where one can partake in a host of water based activities such as sailing and kayaking or just relax on the supervised beach. In the evenings there is plenty of entertainment organised by the campsite staff.

Located on the Vallée Bleue leisure park and right next to Viarhôna, the campsite offers its customers free access to the heated swimming pool (in season only). Ideal for a cycling break or a family getaway. The campsite is located on the Viarhona route and offers pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as mobile homes for 4, 6 and 8 people. New for 2024: unusual accommodation in POD huts and trapper huts! On-site snack bar, launderette, small grocery shop, boules pitch, small play area and table tennis table, board games and book cupboard, barbecue available, waste sorting and compost bin.

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.

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.

« 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.

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.

Welcome to our B&B "Close to the Rhéby", in the center of Villebois, charming village of "Bugey area" with its stone houses. Thierry and Audrey welcome you in their house of the XIVth century, entirely renovated and arranged for your pleasure and comfort. You will be welcomed in five comfortable, modern and spacious rooms on the two floors of the house. Each room is equiped with a mini-fridge and private bathrooms. The beautiful shared kitchen will be the place for your breakfasts, made with homemade and local products, unless you prefer the shaded terrace in summer. You can relax in the swimming pool treated by a UV sterilizer (guaranteed without chemical products), heated from spring to autumn, or in one of the lounge chair by the pool. The house is ideally located on the edge of Via Rhôna for your bike getaways, as well as close to family walks, hiking or mountain biking for the more athletic type (cycling friends, a secure room is available). For water enthusiasts, many nautical activities are offered at "Espace Eaux Vives" or at the leisure centers of "Point Vert" and "Vallée Bleue", just a few kilometers away. Located near the Plaine de l'Ain business park, the house is practical for all your business trips. The hosts also offer two furnished lodgings in the neighboring village.

Discover an authentic place with traditional and renowned know-how. Rediscover the taste of bread from days gone by with a wide range of breads made in a mill steeped in history! Here, traditional bakery techniques are perpetuated, allowing the bread the time to develop into exceptional organic bread, the result of a unique combination of the baker's own know-how and the place where the product is made. For 20 years, these bakers have been applying this know-how by working with organic flours, mainly from France. They use a slow kneading and fermentation process to ensure that the flavours develop to the full. Their traditional floor oven gives the bread an intense crust that protects and preserves it better. They have developed a wide range of breads and pastries to suit all tastes: walnut bread, rye bread, sandwich bread, wholemeal bread, chestnut bread, quinoa bread, fig and hazelnut bread, rice - tiger nut - raisin bread, bricohes de Nanterre.... They have also developed a wide range of naturally gluten-free products, which are also available from the online shop. The products are distributed in around forty specialist organic shops, at food markets, and on the spot as they come out of the ovens. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

The church was built in 1833 from local stone and dedicated to Saint Louis. Its interior was last restored in 1975. The church still boasts its original stained-glass windows, including that of the chancel which catches the eye with a beam of harmonious colour appearing to emanate from Saint Louis. (Source: Les Communes du Pays des Couleurs se Racontent). Canton of Morestel administrative district. Le Pays des Couleurs (Land of Colours).)

The Ninon Vallin centre is named after the opera singer who was born in Montalieu-Vercieu. It is a cultural and recreational venue comprising an auditorium with 383 seats and a 600 m² multi-purpose room. Auditorium 340 seats in tiered rows Sound and lighting equipment A 15 metre wide stage Video and screening equipment A giant screen (9.5 x 4.5 metres) 4 dressing rooms (2 group and 2 individual) Air-conditioning Multi-purpose room 600 m² 2 group changing rooms Fitted kitchen Dance floor 450 chairs & tables as required Atrium Reception area Bar Refrigerator

120 mooring rings, without equipment, with boarding ramp or walkway. The pontoons are all equipped with water and electricity. Free use of slipway. Sailing regulated.

Of the 7 washhouses that were still in use at the beginning of the century, only four remain, in Vassieu, Conilieu and Amblagnieu. They are still fed by springs. Originally, these "gabouillons", as they were called in the region, were very basic reservoirs dug out near the streams. All of the washhouses were built in the same layout, with a roof to protect the washerwomen from the rain or sun. To allow daylight through, the working area was never protected by a wall.

In Marieu and Turnoud, the wells have a rim surround and a winch to draw water. The well at Conilieu, on the small square outside the château, is covered with a large stone slab. In June, it is surrounded by a ring of purple irises. (Source: Les Communes du Pays des Couleurs se Racontent). Canton of Morestel administrative district. Le Pays des Couleurs (Land of Colours).)

The village of Bouvesse-Quirieu has a washhouse in each hamlet: Bouvesse, Chavanne, Enieu, Marlieu, Quirieu, Quirieu Port and Le Bayard. Originally, these "gabouillons", as they were called in the region, were very basic reservoirs dug out near the streams. All of the washhouses were built in the same layout, with a roof to protect the washerwomen from the rain or sun. To allow daylight through, the working area was never protected by a wall.

Four fountains dating from the last century can be found in the hamlets of Bouvesse, Enieu, Quirieu and Le Bayard. Those of Bouvesse, Enieu and Le Bayard used to be fed by a source but are now connected to the village water supply. Saint Roch fountain was unblocked and put back into service in 1976. It flows with very cold, drinkable water which comes from a spring located on the Quirieu mound. (Source: Les Communes du Pays des Couleurs se Racontent). Canton of Morestel administrative district. Le Pays des Couleurs (Land of Colours).)

Every hamlet had its own communal furnace, meaning that it was at the disposal of all the residents. Nowadays, the bread furnaces are more than just decorative features. They are also meeting places where people gather for friendly celebrations during the local bread festivals. Several furnaces still remain in the village, including those at Le Rolland, Chavanne, Enieu, Marlieu, Quirieu, Quirieu Port and Le Bayard. Those in Marlieu and Le Bayard are still used regularly by the village's various associations.

The wells were built in the last century. There are two at the centre of Marlieu hamlet and one at Quirieu Port.

The current church was probably built in the late 18th century. Its interior is very plain, apart from the high altar, sculpted by Adami de Lyon in 1861, which was moved from the chancel to the right-hand chapel. The church was extended in 1841 and the roof restored in 1866. The current stained-glass windows were installed in 1951. Three bells are still in operation today.

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.

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.

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

Loïc serves market fresh, seasonal cuisine, which diners can enjoy on the terrace in the village square in summer. The fixed price menus are excellent value for money, and the gourmet dishes in the evenings and at weekends will delight your taste buds. After travelling the world as a chef, working particularly in Switzerland, Canada and Luxembourg, Loïc Normand took over Le Chantegrit in July 2014. His career and travels allow him to develop creative and inventive dishes based on French cuisine. From the Lesdiguières catering college in Grenoble, via the Chamber of Trade in Savoy, he has been influence by the chef Gilles Vernice, who he has worked with many times, both in summer and winter. Lunchtime: starter, main, dessert, €15: seasonal, market fresh cuisine In the evening: menus between €21 and €36: gourmet cuisine Children's menu, €10 Specialties of the house: cassoulet from the south west Wines Le Chantegrit's wine list does not exceed €29 Burgundy (Haute Cotes de Nuits, Passetoutgrain Cotes du Rhône (Croze Hermitage, Saint Joseph) Savoy wines (Mondeuse, Roussette) Bordeaux Champagnes and sparkling wines

Traditional cuisine - Dish of the day - Italian specialities - Frogs' legs and wishbones.

Dish of the day and a choice of dishes. Traditional cuisine based on fresh, seasonal produce. Salad menu/Grilled meats.

Kebabs and Turkish cuisine. 100% veal meat. Fresh produce. To eat in or take away.

In a country setting, come and recharge your batteries and relax in the Village des Pêcheurs, where you will receive a warm welcome from Fabienne and Lucien Rigot

The Camping Point Vert is a 3 star campsite set in a wooded area on the banks of the River Rhône near the delightful village of Serrières-de-Briord. The campsite comprises 131 encampments and has 6 mobile homes available. The Camping Point Vert has all you will need for a fantastic family holiday, with a swimming pool, games room, tennis courts, shop, playground, volleyball court, TV room and Wi-Fi available throughout the campsite. Additionally the campsite is located right next-door to the Point Vert Activity Centre where one can partake in a host of water based activities such as sailing and kayaking or just relax on the supervised beach. In the evenings there is plenty of entertainment organised by the campsite staff.

Located on the Vallée Bleue leisure park and right next to Viarhôna, the campsite offers its customers free access to the heated swimming pool (in season only). Ideal for a cycling break or a family getaway. The campsite is located on the Viarhona route and offers pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as mobile homes for 4, 6 and 8 people. New for 2024: unusual accommodation in POD huts and trapper huts! On-site snack bar, launderette, small grocery shop, boules pitch, small play area and table tennis table, board games and book cupboard, barbecue available, waste sorting and compost bin.

Paying access to drinking water and waste disposal when the campsite is open. Parking allowed for 36h on the leisure base.

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.

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.

« 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.

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.

Welcome to our B&B "Close to the Rhéby", in the center of Villebois, charming village of "Bugey area" with its stone houses. Thierry and Audrey welcome you in their house of the XIVth century, entirely renovated and arranged for your pleasure and comfort. You will be welcomed in five comfortable, modern and spacious rooms on the two floors of the house. Each room is equiped with a mini-fridge and private bathrooms. The beautiful shared kitchen will be the place for your breakfasts, made with homemade and local products, unless you prefer the shaded terrace in summer. You can relax in the swimming pool treated by a UV sterilizer (guaranteed without chemical products), heated from spring to autumn, or in one of the lounge chair by the pool. The house is ideally located on the edge of Via Rhôna for your bike getaways, as well as close to family walks, hiking or mountain biking for the more athletic type (cycling friends, a secure room is available). For water enthusiasts, many nautical activities are offered at "Espace Eaux Vives" or at the leisure centers of "Point Vert" and "Vallée Bleue", just a few kilometers away. Located near the Plaine de l'Ain business park, the house is practical for all your business trips. The hosts also offer two furnished lodgings in the neighboring village.

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.