Aurélien Billois - BFC TourismeAbbatiale et lac de Nantua de nuit
Nantua is a fantastic combination of history, gastronomy and the great outdoors! Life in this big, peaceful town is centred around the surrounding mountains and the lake it was built alongside. In the town centre, the religious sites take centre stage and there are countless restaurants where you can come and taste the local specialities: 'quenelles' dumplings with Nantua sauce, served with a glass of Cerdon. This is most definitely a destination where the people know how to live well!
Nantua has some pretty impressive surroundings. There are some spectacular walks to do around the staggering limestone cliffs of the highlands. In the centre, there is a legendary glacial lake, and a historic town centre with so much to see in terms of history, culture and gastonomy.
Come and wander around this little town in the French department of Ain or follow the marked trails to explore the area. To make sure you don't miss anything important, go on a guided tour or follow the Circuit Découverte du Patrimoine (heritage sightseeing trail). Not-to-be-missed:
- The abbey-church of Saint-Michel, which houses a superb painting byEugène Delacroix - The Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation, showcasing the lives and battles undertaken by the men and women of Ain - La Pierre neighbourhood and the medieval houses - The Source de la Doye, right in the town centre - The Tour de la Lâte, the last remaining section of the town's fortifications
Nantua's abbey-church of Saint-Michel, known as 'Cluny's older sister and daughter', is the biggest Romanesque monument in the department of Ain and it is thanks to this monument that Nantua is so well-known.
This superb abbey-church is made up of a church, a cloister and outbuildings, forming a religious architectural compound that is characteristic of the Cluniac abbeys.
According to legend, Saint Amand passed through the region and became captivated by Nantua and the surrounding area. He wanted to commit himself to a life of solitude and this place seemed to be the ideal location to build a monastery.
The magnificent sculpted marble angels in the Romanesque and Gothic-style choir are also worth a visit, but above-all, we recommend coming to admire the two treasures inside this monument:
- a one-of-a-kind painting by Eugène Delacroix (the world-renowned painting 'Liberty Leading the People')
This recipe may feature in the top 10 of Lyon's regional specialities, but it was actually on the shores of Nantua Lake that it was first created.
Of course, the locals borrowed the recipe for the famous 'quenelle' dumplings of Lyon, from their neighbour. But they then added their own special, local touch, they used pike and European crayfish as their waters were brimming with these delicacies at the time.
Every year in autumn, Nantua pays tribute to this local speciality at the Fête de la Quenelle.
Watersports
The magical Nantua Lake
The history of Nantua is largely intertwined with water.
Are you more of a water person?
The central point and the very nerve centre of the town is Nantua Lake, and there is a wide range of activities available here, so you'll always feel like you're on holiday: swimming in the turquoise-blue water, canoeing, fishing, sailing, paddleboarding and so much more.
Surrounded by staggering limestone rocks, and with waters of multiple shades, this unspoilt, classified site is always a hit with those looking to admire the superb natural environment.
... or a hiking person?
If you are more interested in hiking than splashing around in the water, you'll have some great views of the lake, Nantua and La Cluse from the Tour des Fècles up around the plateau overlooking the lake. This 9-km loop trail is recommended for those who are exploring the area for the first time because in just one glance, you'll see a big part of the entire Haut-Bugey, and if you're really lucky, you might even see some chamois.
All you have to do is start the climb up to the top!
Cerdon is a winegrowing village surrounded by steep hillsides, and is a bubbly, intimate place, just like its wines.
We recommend going for a stroll around the quiet, winding streets, where you will run into plenty of surprises, including a collection of fountains, little bridges, winegrower's houses, architectural curiosities from the Middle Ages, a church, former copper-smelting plant, and so much more.
Up in the heights of the village, the Tour de Carmier and its saint seem to watch over and protect the village.
A little further away, come to the entrance of the Grottes du Cerdon along a footpath through the undergrowth. You'll then be walking underground for about an hour, following an ancient river up to where it emerges in the middle of a cliff. From here you can admire a panoramic view of the vineyard!
Take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful little streets of Cerdon
Stéphane Godin / Les grottes du Cerdon
The Grottes du Cerdon
Nicolas GASCARD / BFC Tourisme
Cheers!
The Bugey-Cerdon vineyard
When we hear the name Cerdon, we automatically think of the sparkling rosé bearing the same name. Bugey-Cerdon is a one-of-a-kind wine with the finest bubbles and froth and it is produced in the Bugey region in ten towns around Cerdon, in the French department of Ain. This sparkling wine has a low alcohol content and is made according to traditional methods, with no added sugar or yeast.
Come and meet the local winegrowers who are always delighted to open the doors to their wine-tasting cellars to curious visitors looking to find out more and taste the production!
