From the Château des Allymes to the Abbey of Ambronay, a motorcycle circuit between nature and culture, in the heart of Albarine.
It's the return of motorcycle trips in Bugey! What better season than fall for that? Especially when the weather is nice. This time, the husband and I have concocted the perfect course to alternate walk and heritage, taking advantage of the freshness of the mountain. As a bonus: many gourmet stops along the way.
Motorcycle outing between nature and culture
121 km from Lyon
63 km in the mountains
3 hours without visits and walks. Plan the day with complete activities.
O my castle!
Helmets, gloves, sunglasses, let's go! From Ambérieu-en-Bugey, it's very simple, just follow the signs towards the Allymes castle, at the level of the cinema. past theTree Climbing park (which we recommend, by the way), the wide road ends up in pleasant undergrowth. Perfect for attacking softly. In less than 15 minutes it is the countryside, it is already cooler, and the parking lot of the castle is in sight.
To warm up, there's nothing like the short climb to the castle (10 mins on foot), followed by a self-guided tour of the premises, with a free audio guide. The panoramic view at the foot of the dungeon alone is worth the detour (and the effort). Towers, keeps and curtain walls, rather well preserved, tell the story of this defense fortress of the 13th century, in turn Savoyard then Dauphinoise. A story of rivalry, well known in the country.
Oncieu, the funny round village
The descent to the valley of St-Rambert-en-Bugey is most picturesque. The narrow and winding road is a real pleasure. Caution, potholes and gravel are in the game. It's wild! After that, direction Oncieu by the road at the exit of St-Rambert-en-Bugey.
Unknown is nicknamed the “Bugey diamond” for its unusual shape, which draws an almost perfect circle. We go from castle to diamond. this route should be called "the circuit of the treasures of Albarine" (I'm sure that the colleagues of the office validate). To fully appreciate the shape of the village, take a short detour via the Evosges cross (2km) for a panoramic view breathtaking !
The lunch break can be taken at the Auberge d'Oncieu. Pretty terrace in summer, fireside in the cold season.
Nature as far as the eye can see
The continuation of the road towards Montgriffon offers a succession of green valleys. Turns and splendid landscapes follow one another. A pleasure to push the bike a little and make bikers happy. Bonus: in a curve, it is possible to observe the Buire waterfall, falling from the cliff of Aranc. The waters of the waterfall even pass under the road bridge, a few meters further. Very nice and unexpected show (be careful on the roadside).
The hamlets of Montgriffon and Nivollet can be the subject of a pleasant break/walk. The Nivollet wash house, with its fresh drinking water, is ideal for this. Panels tell the story and anecdotes of the place, in particular why the washhouse bears the cute name of "Hello laundry".
So do, do, do...
Then comes the moment of a unusual passage, in the form of a loop, from Morgelas to Lupieu. The particularity: the first kilometer is on a road that looks like a footpath, under the cover of the forest. Don't worry, it's the right way (be careful with the least suitable motorcycles, it slips slightly). The husband and I were taken aback at first but in the end it adds an extra charm to the ride.
If you feel like it, on leaving the woods, climb up to the start of the Mount Luisandre. About a 30-minute walk leads to the superb panoramic view of Bugey and Allymes. In real life, this motorcycle ride could also be called “the panorama circuit”.
Flavor break. In Morgelas, a comparative test of the two cheese farms is essential. Which of the “Luisandre goats” or the “Bergerie de Morgelas” will win the vote?
Charming green collar*
It's time to start the second pass towards Abergement de Varey. Friendly hamlet with beautiful residences and an old oil mill, which can be visited during the European Heritage Days. Another farm sells organic cheeses directly there: the Abergement goat farm. Benjamin welcomes you to the farm every day (from 17 p.m.) to buy and taste his delicious goat cheeses with herbs. Yum. But this time, our bag is full.
Passing through Merland, a detour through the fields of Gaec On the Tower will perhaps offer the astonishing vision of Highland cows, with their bangs in their eyes! Me and my love of everything that comes from Scotland, I was necessarily in heaven. (Sale of meat and charcuterie on site).
A little anecdote: in a passage under the trees, just before Merland, keep your eyes open to spot the hilarious sign “beware, wild rabbits”. Is this a dedication to "Sacred Grail" Monthy Python or just a warning to drivers? Fans of the Kaamelott series may see it as a nod to the character of Bohort, and his comical fear of adult rabbits.
The beautiful Abbey
To end the day in style, pass by the majestic Ambronay Abbey. Unaccompanied and free visit of the church and the cloister all year round. The real highlight of this walk.
Especially since in September-October, the ancient music festival at his best ! A great way to spend the evening in the grandiose atmosphere of the abbey for a baroque music concert. Or by indulging in the simple pleasure of a lounge chair in the festival area, listening to a world music ensemble.
The Albarine wealth circuit
A motorcycle route that gives pride of place to the riches of Bugey, natural or cultural. The husband and I were thrilled with such diversity in just one short day. Entirely on the heights of the Albarine valley, it is appreciated in all seasons: for the wild flowers in spring, as a refuge from the heat in summer and for the beautiful colors of autumn...
To prolong the pleasure
Want to keep going?
Other motorcycle circuits in Bugey allow you to continue the ride even further. These itineraries are suggested to you on our page motorcycle ride.
If we stayed to sleep?
- La Ambronay house, opposite the abbey, welcomes you to its guest rooms, former classrooms tastefully redecorated.
- The big walnut tree, bed and breakfast on the heights of Ambronay, guarantees you a comfortable stay on the farm, while respecting the environment.
- The Valentine Barn, cottage in the bucolic setting of a large quiet park.
On the way back…
On the return to Lyon, a passage through the medieval town of Pérouges necessary to pursue the discovery of cultural riches. Free motorcycle parking. Self-guided tour (approximately 1 hour) or guided tours in season (prior reservation).
* thanks to people who found this joke funny
