Charming little village typical of Bugey, Ordonnaz offers comfort
and natural beauties to enjoy winter 1 hour from Lyon!
A winter in Bugey: discovering Ordonnaz
What will I do, in the middle of winter, in a village of barely 150 inhabitants in the middle of Bugey ? Trust me. Because, who says winter, sometimes says sadness. And who says sadness, says need for comfort. And what could be more comforting than leaving the grayness of the big cities to take a breath of fresh air and revel in the best the region has to offer? Cheese, heritage and beautiful landscapes! What more ? The address of course! I give it to you: Ordonnaz, a small village in Bugey, a charming massif one hour from Lyon, which I invite you to discover.
A typical Bugey village marked by its terroir
A cheese story
For the foodies among us, the main attraction of Ordonnaz lies in its Comté fruit historical. The latter was created in 1881 and constituted the economic engine of the village with up to sixty local producers. The activity continued until the 60s.
A museum for cheese lovers
But the particularity of this fruitière is to have kept within a minor museum, the know-how of yesteryear. The most nostalgic will be delighted to discover the tools once used at all stages of cheese making. You will discover everything you always wanted to know about the count. From the raw material to the maturing techniques, nothing is forgotten. Those who entered by the smell of cheese will have their taste buds in for a treat. The adjoining shop offers different Comtés and local cheeses but also Bugey wine, a delicatessen and other local fruits and vegetables. Something to add to the warmth of the place.
A unique heritage
Who says typical French village, says église. And that of Saint-Antoine, as small as it is, nevertheless shelters a few artistic treasures. Its altar was made by the sculptor and Prix de Rome Alifieri Gardone and its stained glass windows are the work of the Hungarian non-figurative painter Paul Kallos. Added to this are pretty polychrome wooden statues. The whole contrasts with Romanesque architecture of this XNUMXth century church.
But the main work is that of nature and is at the entrance of the church: a Sully lime tree. Saint-Louis gave justice under its oak, Sully, Minister of Henri IV preferred the lime trees to which he offered his name.
This tree planted in 1601 is all the more remarkable because it symbolizes the annexation of Bugey to France to this date. It was then the gathering place of the villagers of that time. If this subject interests you, take a look around of the audio story dedicated to Sully d'Innimond; village not far from Ordonnaz.
Bugey in winter: spectacular nature 1 hour from Lyon
The heart of Bugey: an area conducive to winter activities
To discover the surrounding nature, there's nothing like a bit of a walk. The wisest will be able to embark on the ridge hike, short version. Lasting 3 hours, it is easy to do, as long as you are used to it. It offers a beautiful panorama over the mountainous massifs of Bugey but also, in good weather, over the Alps and the Montblanc. For the bravest, Full hike to Mollard de Don, the highest point of Bugey, can be considered. Not far, and during the summer season, the canyon of Trefond Pernaz also welcomes canyoning enthusiasts.
During the winter period, the activities centered around the snow are numerous. The region is particularly conducive to snowshoe walks on the different plateaus of Bugey. Skiing or Nordic skiing enthusiasts can go to the resort of Maps of Hotonnes, 50 minutes by car from Ordonnaz.
The beautiful mountain panoramas
If sport is not really your thing, the surroundings of Ordonnaz also present beautiful heritage treasures. The religious heritage in particular is not left out. quote the Charterhouse of Portes (not visitable) located at 1000 meters above sea level. Also called “Chartreuse des Saints” because of the beatification of some of its monks, it is one of the oldest in France. Otherwise, take a look at panorama of the Calvary of Portes should please you.
Seeing Mont Blanc tempts you, but not the hike for all that? So by car, head for the Petit Perthuis pass (Innimond) to enjoy the beautiful view, without getting tired.
A site at the heart of many natural attractions in Ain
Do you want more ? The surroundings of Ordonnaz are full of remarkable natural sites. Let us quote in turn for example:
- The circuit of the Luizet waterfall and the tour du Tréfond
- Point of view on the bog, called the eye of Cerin
- Sensitive natural areas: trail meanders of the Rhône / Cerin's career / the path strong men in Villebois.
- The ancient theater from Colombier to Sault-Brenaz
In the surroundings, in South Bugey or in North-Isère:
- Nature Reserve of the Marais de Lavours
- Glandieu waterfall
- The Balme caves
Ordonnaz is therefore the ideal starting point for exploring southern Bugey. Between mid-mountain and plain, between flavors of yesteryear and eternal nature. All this one hour from Lyon!
I promised you comfort, here you are served and ready to return.
And after?
Put your luggage at Old Town Relay ! This nature and cozy cottage is the ideal place to prepare your hikes and other sporting activities with family or groups. Small bonus: the Balneo bath for a little comfort after the effort.
You can count on rustic charm of the old farm Lands above. This bed and breakfast will be able to serve you as a comforting cocoon thanks to its local and organic cuisine authentic. Hikers, cyclists and even horse riders (a meadow is available) will be won over.
