Get off the beaten track and discover charming villages near Lyon, between Pérouges and Bugey. An authentic walk to meet the heritage, landscapes and know-how.
Between Pérouges and Bugey, each step in our pretty villages leads from a stone building to an intriguing alley. Each of these villages has surprises in store. All have their own personality, which is just waiting to seduce you. The tourist office invites you to meet them. A short guide to discovering the hidden, secret, discreet nuggets they contain.
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Here begins your beautiful escape made up of big and small stories.
An ode to contemplation. An invitation to stroll. A call to relax. This is what the delicious wanderings in our charming villages are all about.
Not to be missed
They are the top 3 of our tourist territory. If you only have to visit one, it is to choose from among these. Ladies and gentlemen, here are the stars of Pérouges Bugey Tourisme!
Perugia
The beautiful medieval city 40 minutes from Lyon is the undeniable must-see. The alleys entirely paved with round pebbles invite you to stroll in a timeless atmosphere. It is pleasant to let yourself be guided by the delicious aromas of the village speciality: Perouges cake ! If you prefer to be guided by history, the Pérouges tourist office has everything you need: brochures, guided tours or audio guide… All the secrets behind the beautiful stone facades will be revealed to you.
Ambronay
This is a village that has well deserved its name “ small city of character » ! And it's not Lady Ambronay, the superb abbey millennium, who will come to say the opposite. For a cultural and serene visit, the church and the cloister open their doors all year round with free access to the curious. 45 minutes from Lyon, an idea to enjoy a bit of freshness in summer. To be completed by full village tour, with its beautiful old monuments and narrow streets.
Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey
Little sister of Pérouges in more discreet, St-Sorlin-en-Bugey has many stories to tell. Starting with his intriguing fresco, on a house facade. The square of the old hall, the bucolic washhouses, the romantic ruins of Cuchet castle, the Rocher de la Pouponne are all curiosities that are worth a look.
After the discovery, place at the wine tasting in the winegrowers of the village. It must be said that St-Sorlin shares the long winemaking tradition of Bugey!
Wine-growing villages
In addition to St-Sorlin-en-Bugey, the Bugey sector has a number of villages at the heart of the vineyards. The work of the vine is a tradition initiated by the monks from the Middle Ages. Each village has its own grape variety, one might say!
Vaux-en-Bugey
Nestled in the hollow of the valley, only the intriguing bell tower of the church points above the tiled roofs. This ancient fortified village, nestled in the vines is an invitation to stroll. A beautiful wine city 45 minutes from Lyon which reveals all its charm in autumn ! Along the Buizin stream, through the peaceful alleys, the places lend themselves to discovery. Why not moreover, in the form of a audio-ludic survey, to explore historical secrets? The day can end with a wine tasting at a winegrower of the village.
Montagnieu
The only village to have a grape variety in its name! The birth of this sparkling white wine would be due to a happy coincidence. Legend or reality, the fact remains that this hamlet is surrounded by the vines that produce this Bugey wine. The town is classified flowery village. From spring, the profusion of flowers rivals the vineyards, facing the panorama of the meanders of the Rhone. Here too, wine tasting is a must.
Seillonnaz
A neighbor of Montagnieu, Seillonnaz is above all intriguing for its vineyard hills very steep slopes surrounding it. The heart of the hamlet presents a beautiful heritage of country. The square of the church planted with superb trees, the beautiful stones of the apse, the garden and the house of the old presbytery, form a magnificent whole.
Historic villages
In the territory of Perouges Bugey Tourism, heritage is made to fill up with history(s). Listed monuments rub shoulders with unusual details and the anecdote is never far from the historical fact.
Lhuis
Small village of beautiful stones and beautiful residences. The charming church, classified sculpted capitals, bears witness to 2000 years of history! Along the streets, the little heritage parades: old communal ovens, washhouses, fountains... A decor that gives Lhuis its authentic atmosphere. Ideal for breathing the calm of Bugey.
Ordonnaz
The beautiful roman church is a peaceful haven with a refined decor. The altar and contemporary stained glass create an elegant ensemble. Beside him is a Sully lime tree, planted in 1601, under the mandate of the minister of Henri IV. He is the symbol of attachment of Bugey to France. Food lovers can visit the village fruit, which houses a mini county museum.
Villebois
Charming village with beautiful stone houses. And the stone in Villebois, it's a whole story. The "choin" is the limestone rock which was extracted by the quarries of the town. In the main square, the monolith testifies to this skill. It would be the largest stone cut in one piece from a French quarry. The strong men walk tells this important saga in a natural setting. The heights of the village are full of narrow streets to explore.
Panorama bonuses
In addition to being pleasant places with their share of heritage, these towns have viewpoints striking. Watch your eyes, you will be amazed!
Innimond
Innimond is somewhat the counterpart of Ordonnaz. Here too, a millennial church watches over the hamlet. On his forecourt, another sully tree 400 years old, spreads its tortuous branches. In this village which takes on the appearance of a crèche under the snow, the panoramas of the Alps will amaze you. Behind the chapel, the Alpine chain unfolds, sprinkled with white. At belvedere of the small Perthuis, just above is the master Mont Blanc who sometimes honors us with an appearance.
Unknown
Nicknamed the "diamond of Bugey" this village is unusual by its perfectly round shape. Spiritual reason or layout around the communal orchard, which has now disappeared? No one knows but his observation from the cross of Evosges is an intense pleasure for the traveler in all seasons.
Know-how, relaxation and local festivals
These villages are so many promises of a simple and relaxing time. There are the know-how of the builder, the legacy of the past, the mineral smell of stone heated in the summer sun. It is also the unique taste of local produce. Those that can be tasted on the spot, at the producer.
Here no noise but the song of the birds, the sweet perfume of nature or the woody aroma of a glass of Mondeuse being swirled around. Here, the inhabitants are proud of their jewels and their traditions : candle lights, baroque music festival, oven or medieval festivals… You are welcome whenever you want.
Find out more
- And when the stone paths are dressed in green, they are beautiful hiking trails which are then available to you.
- The guided tours from the tourist office will tell you more about these sometimes secret villages. Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, Vaux-en-Bugey, Pérouges or even Lagnieu, You choose.
- To visit independently, it's even easier with audio tours from the tourist office on the free Izitravel application.