Ambronay village

Known for its annual and international Festival of baroque music, Ambronay possess many other legacy pearls. Founded at the time of Charlemagne, the Benedictine Abbey boasts today a Cultural Centre of Meeting at the heart of a tree-filled park. Roman vestiges testify of the distant origin of the village.
Come meander into unusual places and discover the Ambronay Abbey, on the most beautiful legacy pearls of the region, at the mercy of a free or guided visit. Founded at the beginning of the 9th century by Barnard, officer of Charlemagne, it is attached to the Saint Benoit rule. More than 1 000 years of history are waiting for you at the Abbey. Discover its magnificent gothic cloister, its defense towers and uncover its secrets : who lived in these walls ? Which story relate these stones ?
Your steps will then guide you to the old town, in its narrow little streets lined with old houses to the remains of the ramparts that extend at the West of La Conche at the gate of the gargoyle, former gate of the town that still remains. The old castle of the Blains, today convert into a town hall, boasts some treasures, noticeable during the Heritage Days.

After the cultural discovery, let’s go to a more athletic discovery. At the heart of a wood the pathways will lead you in the different hamlets with their traditional stone houses and little heritage, at the top of the hills with majestic points of view on the Ain lowland… At the corner of a pathway, on the hights of Merland, a surprising meeting is waiting for you : the Highland Cattle, Scottish cows with long brown fur, free-range farmed . Fishing hobbyists could install their fishing rods on one of two equipped lakes, the lake of Vorgey and the lake of Longeville, ideal to discover the canoeing. At Spring you could go and discover the Ain River with many itineraries for a day or half a day.

The Cultural Centre of Meeting of Ambronay give you an appointment each year, from mid-September to early October, for its known and prestigious Festival of baroque music with a wealthy and varied program.

To be seen : Benedictine Abbey – Town hall – Castle of Saint-Graz