December in Lyon is called the Festival of Lights. A tradition that extends to the east of Lyon, in Ain with “old-fashioned” light festivals. The pretty villages between Pérouges and Bugey celebrate December 8 with lots of lights and candle lighting. Magic here!
Lyon and festival of Lights, a must-have Holidays in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. What if the Pérouges Bugey tourist office shared a secret with you? In Ain also, the 8 December is synonymous with festival of lights ! This is how every year,East of Lyon, villages and hamlets are adorned withcandle lights. Between Perouges and Bugey (Ain), it’s good to go out in the cold season!
Ain: festivals of lights, village version
The legend of the Lyon Festival of Lights leaves its mark on the entire Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. So much so that neighboring villages and cities also celebrate on December 8.
Like Ain and festival of lights local* and authenticity .
Every year, the end of the year sees eastern Lyon light up with'illuminations in the heart of the hamlets. A return to the roots of the tradition of the festival of lights.
If these local festivals share with Lyon their name of “festival of lights”, the comparison stops there. No spectacular projections here. The towns are reconnecting with tradition: lights and candles to the windows and in the streets.
The desire is to highlight a village, for its inhabitants and curious strollers. A way of paying homage to a centuries-old tradition, in good humor and simplicity.
St-Sorlin-en-Bugey (Ain): old-fashioned festival of lights
Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey is the little cousin of the medieval town of Pérouges, which it is 20 km away from. Every year on December 8, this pretty village of Bugey brings back to life authentic tradition of the festival of Lights.
With those candle illumination, the places go back in time, to the sources of legend.
For an evening, the old streets are adorned with thousands of tea lights.
At nightfall, the facades of the half-timbered houses sparkle with joyful flames.
And as if by magic, the old Medieval city comes to life, the stone comes alive with golden reflections, the mullioned windows light up.
A night stroll by candlelight, in a warm atmosphere to get into the Christmas spirit.
Un mini Christmas market and entertainment accompany this festive evening.
Lagnieu, Meximieux, Ambérieu… the round of festivals, lights
Every year, the towns between Pérouges and Bugey compete for good ideas to celebrate the 8 December. Let's light up, sound and light shows, fireworks, torchlight retreats... Take a look at the program, Ain is celebrating!
Lagnieu
The neighbor – and historical rival – of St-Sorlin-en-Bugey also lights up! HAS Lagnieu, on December 8 the city center shines Montferrand Castle in the 19th century washhouse.
Along the shopping streets, mulled wine stands warm passers-by. An evening at illuminations as warm as the spirit of the inhabitants of Lagnieu.
Meximieux
For a few days, the chalets of Christmas market of Meximieux take over the square. In the streets, businesses cheerfully put out their stands in front of their doors. For several days, the city is celebrating, with activities for all ages.
On December 8, the parade of lights remains a popular time for locals. And the festive evening ends with a joyful fireworks.
Unknown
The “Diamond du Bugey” lights up on the evening of 8 december. For one evening, candle lights at the windows and torchlight procession make the pretty village sparkle in circles.
An advice : the lights are surely visible from the panorama of the Evosges cross, on higher ground. Magical vision!
Ambérieu-en-Bugey get celebrating!
The Christmas spirit takes over the city center and the station with activities for young and old. The opportunity for a friendly moment around a mulled wine on the Christmas market. Neighbors and curious people gather to admire the torchlight parade or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. To welcome Christmas, a sound and light show will delight all eyes.
*Let's all keep in mind that these are local holidays. The success of these events is to be on a human scale. Which offers everyone the best experience. Please note: the villages include few facilities for high visitor numbers. Please take this into account during your visit and respect the rules and residents.
