From Perouges to Bugey

Trail “between ruins and vineyards”: from Montagnieu to Briord

A pedestrian circuit between culture and viticulture. The path connects Gallo-Roman curiosities, like the underground aqueduct of Briord and strolls in the vineyards of Montagnieu. A whole program that will delight lovers of history and good wine.

Distance : 6.8 km

Duration : 2h

Level : Moderate

Elevation : 297 D +

Walking

Trail “between ruins and vineyards”: from Montagnieu to Briord

Distance : 6.8 km

Duration : 2h

Level : Moderate

Elevation : 297 D +

Walking

Download the circuit

Departure: Montagnieu

Loop

Earth, Hard surface (tar, cement, floor), Gravel, Not suitable for pushchairs

Pet Friendly

Passage along the departmental road between the place called "les granges" and the access to the aqueduct of Briord (500 m) Passage on the departmental road between the end of chemin de la serraz and Tour d'Oncin (200 m). Stairs from Montagnieu village to "les granges" short crossings of the departmental road

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Throughout the walk, the Gallo-Roman history of Briord is revealed to the attentive eye. From the discreet remains of an early Christian necropolis to the preserved tunnel of an underground aqueduct, the first part of the walk will delight the souls of archaeologists. While some will dream of Indiana Jones, others will be delighted by the view of the Brive valley and the vineyards of Bugey, before taking a path between the vineyards of Montagnieu.

On arrival in the village, the walk can end on a refreshing and friendly note by stopping at one of the village winegrowers. Fans will enjoy tasting a few bubbles of sparkling white wine from Montagnieu or a glass of Mondeuse, a typical red wine from Bugey.

The return descent is via an amazing flight of stairs across the hill. Unusual to the end...

Your itinerary

Departure Montagnieu

Getting to the starting point

The start

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At a place called "les Granges", commune of Montagnieu, park in one of the parking spaces near the washhouse. Take the Flévieu road (D19) towards Belley. Be careful, delicate passage along the road for about 500 m (walk well on the grassy verges, away from the road).

Direction the aqueduct

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At the level of the brown panel "Gallo-Roman and early Christian cemetery" (point of interest n°1) cross the road (be careful!) to embark on the gravel path indicated by a brown panel "ancient underground aqueduct". After 200 m, a sign indicates "aqueduct". Point of interest n°2 (round trip): The tunnel (about 200 m) is crossed with a flashlight and closed waterproof shoes (presence of water at certain times).

Towards the career and its point of view

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Return to the path and continue straight. After an abandoned shepherd's hut, the La Meule quarry site is on your left through the hedge, (educational panel on the side of the path). Presence of traces of millstones on the ground. To enjoy the view of the Brive valley and the vineyards, climb the embankment behind the traces on the ground.

To Verizieu

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Return to the path, continue straight until you cross the paved road (road to the mason coast). Turn left towards Vérizieu, continue straight on the D79a (300m).*Option (round trip): at the first right, turn right to go to the foot of the Château de St-André (private, not cannot be visited) and see its crenellated towers.

Climb to the vineyards

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In the hamlet of Vérizieu, take the first left (rue du tram) to the crossing over the river. Take the road that goes up opposite (signs Montagnieu / cellar of Chinves). Go straight up until a large hairpin bend on the right, at the level of a barn. *Option (round trip) continue to the right in the bend, climb to the foot of the vines to see the barn called "chapi pointu".

In the cellar of Chinves

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At the level of the barn, go straight towards the large house called "cellier de Chinves" (explanatory panel on its history). Continue straight between the vines, chemin de la Serraz (please respect the area without touching or picking anything). At the large hairpin bend to the left, turn left and go down (do not continue straight on the path indicated as private) until you cross the D79 road.

Towards Montagnieu

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Turn right and walk 200 m along the road (be careful). Take the first right and go up the road to Oncin (D87a). Passage (or stop for gourmets) to the left of the Oncin cellar, continue to climb straight (valances or Véroncin path). At the corner of the cemetery, continue on the left. Passage in front of the Tour d'Oncin, a 16th century residence (private, cannot be visited).

Back

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Continue straight on to the village square - pass in front of the old communal oven, often flowered in summer - pass the town hall and take the road down to the left. Take the stairs that go down several flights until you find the place called "les granges" (be careful on short road crossings).

Learn more

Advice from the Office

Take some time to taste Bugey wines at the Montagnieu winegrowers. The Archirel coffee bar on the village square of Montagnieu for a cold drink under the trellis of the terrace.