If your profile is “enthusiastic hiking” and fond of local wines, this walk is for you. With your group of friends, this trail takes you in the footsteps of an old Bugey. In the heart of the Ain mountains, where culture rhymes with viticulture!
Through the Gallo-Roman or medieval remains, the local past winks at you. And through the Gallo-Roman or medieval remains, the local past winks at you. The reward is at the end Through the Gallo-Roman or medieval remains, the local past winks at you. And the reward is at the end of the ride. After strolling through the Montagnieu vineyards, the whole tribe will be able to taste some fresh bubbles.
In Ain, in the footsteps of the Bugey of yesteryear
Between country and nature heritage, this walk has more than one charm. Of the Gallo-Roman period in the 16th century, through the Middle Age, from Briord to Montagnieu, quite a journey. A real discovery of the valley of the BriveWithin Mounts of Bugey, these unknown mountains of Ain. Our advice: invite your group of friends, take a backpack and picnics, go on the trails.
Mysterious aqueduct of Briord
After a few hundred meters from the roadside start, the adventure begins. At a place called "les Plantées", the remains of a necropolis form a ground plan for the attentive eye. On the other side of the road (be careful when crossing), in the hollow of the wood, a first curiosity awaits walkers. The Briarettes underground aqueduct. An unusual and very mysterious site. Built in the Gallo-Roman era, there remains a long tunnel of nearly 200 meters. Bold explorers will have the joy of crossing it* by torchlight. A round trip out of time, to take yourself for Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider.
The sound visit of below Briord will teach the curious more about its construction and its uses*.
*Bring waterproof and high shoes. At certain times of the year, the tunnel is flooded by runoff water. Another whole adventure!
Viewpoint over the Brive valley at the old quarry
After returning to the path, an educational panel will encourage you to make a detour via the millstone quarry. If the site has not preserved more than imprints in the limestone soil, the interest is elsewhere. Climbing up the mound, the panorama over the vineyards extends from Montagnieu to Seillonnaz. Crossed by the Brive river, the landscape of vines changes colors and vibrations according to the seasons. Always for the greatest pleasure of the eyes.
Stroll among the wines and vineyards of Montagnieu
Direction the hamlet of Vérizieu for the rest of the walk. If you feel like it, a little detour via the St. Andrew's Castle is possible. The place is private but its battlements rise between the trees and a panel tells you about its eventful history.
The Chinves cellar and the pointy chapi
The highlight of the walk is undoubtedly the passage through the vineyards. Once past the small bridge over the Brive, the climb projects you into the beautiful vineyard of Montagnieu. The cellar of Chinve sits majestically, witness to the past of the Charterhouse of Portes, very close to here. Walking a few steps away, walkers find themselves under the watchtower of a strange little house. It is a barn, nicknamed "pointed chapi". Ageless, it is the symbol of the bugger build. It served as a shelter for winegrowers during long harvest periods.
Taste the wines of Bugey, a gourmet stroll
The walk continues leaving behind the cellar of Chinves, without forgetting to turn around. The green or golden landscapes, depending on your season, stretch as far as the eye can see. Hills, mountains and vines form luminous scenes. But strolling through the vineyard makes you thirsty. It's time to taste the good products made here.
A last climb, after a short passage by the road and it is the reward. Straight ahead of you is Oncin's vault. Benoît will be happy to make you taste his Montagnieu traditional method or another Bugey wine. If no one answers when you pull the peg, Benoît is in the vineyards, just call him. The number is on the door.
Another good address, the Peillot cellar, just above the church. That's good the end of the walk takes you to the heart of the charming village of Montagnieu. Passage in front of the Oncin tower, a private 18th century residence specializing in well-being and healing. In summer, the old banal oven is adorned with colors with its flowery baskets. The charming snack coffee space accommodates tired legs or hollow stomachs.
End of the ride, return to the fold, or not...
From the square, the descent is via an unusual staircase which cuts across the road. Enough to reach the finish cool and safe (be careful between two stairs).
Or else, why not stay overnight. Couples will knock on the door of the “Pressoir”, a charming bed and breakfast close to the town hall of Montagnieu. The troupes of friends will end the day at the beach at Point Vert. Then spend a nice night in a character cottage nearby. Don't forget to taste the Flavors of Ain at one of our local addresses.
All the practical information on the walk “between ruins and vineyards”
The news route and layout of the path on Cirkwi
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Where to stay with friends in Bugey?
- The House of Grains (Serrière de Briord) with its contemporary decor and swimming pool.
- Taste life (Marchamp), the house and friendly table d'hôtes, with a campsite.
- The unusual tents of Domaine des Cedres (Villebois) will delight lovers of novelty.
The best places to eat near Montagnieu
- The Green Point restaurant (Serrière-de-Briord), feet in the water or almost.
- The counter (Sault-Brénaz), superb terrace on the Rhône.
- Restaurant Rolland (Montagnieu), the taste of local cuisine in Ain.
Taste Bugey wines, visit cellars, savor good products
- Our guide of producers and winegrowers To download.
- To learn more about AOC Bugey and Vineyards and Discoveries label.
Advice from the office: take your picnic to enjoy the rural atmosphere. And of course, we take a small garbage bag on board to leave no trace.
