The good news is that the Via Rhona is only twenty kilometres or so away and can take you from Geneva to Sète, via Lyon and other picturesque villages in the Ain.
Intermediate level walk – 8.40 km – 02H30 . The Château des Allymes, perched high above Ambérieu-en-Bugey in the Ain department, is an imposing medieval fortress dating back to the 13th century.
This well-preserved castle offers panoramic views over the Albarine valley and the Bugey mountains. It is distinguished by its military architecture, with towers, ramparts and keep. Visitors can explore its historic rooms, inner courtyards and exhibitions on regional history and medieval life. The Château des Allymes is a remarkable example of medieval heritage, offering a fascinating insight into feudal history and defence. Their website.
Accessible by bike from the Bô Hôtels Ambronay: Expert level cycling circuit – 42 km – 02H50 . Ambronay Abbey, in the Ain department, is a magnificent example of medieval religious architecture. Founded in the 9th century, this Benedictine abbey boasts a majestic abbey church, peaceful cloisters and well-preserved monastic buildings.
Today, the abbey is famous for its Baroque Music Festival, which attracts artists and audiences from all over the world every year. In addition to its historical and cultural importance, Ambronay Abbey offers a serene and enchanting setting, conducive to reflection and the discovery of religious and musical heritage.Their website..
The Parc des Oiseaux, located in Villars-les-Dombes in the Ain department, is one of Europe’s largest bird parks. This exceptional site is home to over 3,000 birds of 300 different species from every continent. Visitors can explore themed areas recreating the birds’ natural habitats, watch free-flight shows and take part in educational activities.
The park offers an immersive and educational experience, allowing visitors to observe rare and exotic birds up close in a natural, unspoilt setting. It’s an ideal destination for families and nature lovers alike.Their website..
The Grottes du Cerdon, located in the Ain department, are a spectacular natural site offering a fascinating immersion into the depths of the earth. These caves, formed by thousands of years of erosion, feature impressive stalactites and stalagmites, majestic galleries and mysterious underground chambers.
The tour, which is suitable for all the family, allows you to discover these geological wonders while learning about their formation and the history of the site. Outside, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities and prehistoric entertainment, making the Grottes du Cerdon an ideal educational and fun destination for an adventurous day out in nature. Their website.
The Royal Monastery of Brou, located in Bourg-en-Bresse in the Ain department, is a masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic architecture. Built in the early 16th century by Marguerite of Austria as a tribute to her late husband, it is notable for its refined sculptural details and magnificent stained glass windows.
The complex includes a sumptuously decorated church, three peaceful cloisters and a museum with collections of sacred art and paintings. The monastery is renowned for its unique architecture and poignant history, offering visitors a fascinating insight into Renaissance heritage and art. Their website.
The Cité de Pérouges is a magnificently preserved medieval village. Perched on a hill, it offers cobbled streets, stone houses and an authentic atmosphere that transports visitors back to the heart of the Middle Ages. Listed as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’, Pérouges is renowned for its historic charm, its ramparts and its fortified church.
Visitors can stroll through its picturesque streets, discover local artisans and taste the famous galette de Pérouges in an enchanting setting. It’s a must-see destination for lovers of history and heritage. Their website..
Ambronay Abbey, in the Ain department, is a magnificent example of medieval religious architecture. Founded in the 9th century, this Benedictine abbey boasts a majestic abbey church, peaceful cloisters and well-preserved monastic buildings.
Today, the abbey is famous for its Baroque Music Festival, which attracts artists and audiences from all over the world every year. In addition to its historical and cultural importance, Ambronay Abbey offers a serene and enchanting setting, conducive to reflection and the discovery of religious and musical heritage.Their website
‘Brew my beer, as I cook for those I love’ – a phrase that has marked the life and vocation of Patrice Pobel. From growing the barley, to brewing the beer, to the secret recipe, to labelling and bottling, come and discover how one man’s passion ended up turning into a recognised local business, selling hectolitres of beer and supporting several families. The Bô Bar at Bô Hôtels Ambronay is the place to discover the many award-winning beers from the River Ain! Their website.
If you are looking for typical Ain dairy products, don’t hesitate to visit the Laiterie de la Côtière store in Meximieux, where expertise, passion and kindness combine to offer you exceptional local products.
Many thanks to Mr. Bussi and his team for agreeing to work with us on all our dairy products, of which we are very proud. Their website..
Looking for typical Ain dairy products? Don’t hesitate for a second and visit the Laiterie de la Côtière shop in Meximieux, where expertise, passion and kindness come together to provide you with exceptional local products.
A warm thank you to Mr Bussi and his team for agreeing to work with us on all our dairy products, of which we are extremely proud. Their website
The restaurant at Golf de la Sorelle, in Villette-sur-Ain, offers a refreshing culinary experience in a green and peaceful setting. Tucked away in the heart of the golf course, it offers refined cuisine featuring regional and seasonal produce. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in the panoramic views of the golf course and surrounding countryside.
The restaurant is renowned for its warm atmosphere and attentive service, making every visit a moment of relaxation and gustatory pleasure, ideal for golfers and lovers of good food. Their website.
Restaurant L’Octroi is a traditional establishment where simplicity and conviviality reign. The menu offers typical and generous dishes to please everyone.
The Auberge de l’Abbaye 1 Michelin star in Ambronay is a charming restaurant located in a historic setting near Ambronay Abbey, a renowned heritage site. The restaurant offers refined cuisine using local and seasonal produce.
Guests can enjoy their meals in a friendly, authentic atmosphere, where the charm of the past blends harmoniously with modern comforts. The inn is prized as much for its warm atmosphere as for the quality of its food, offering visitors a memorable culinary experience. Their website
