Bourg-en-Bresse in the Jura Mountains? That's right, the town stands on the outermost foothills of the massif. Just 2 hours from Paris by TGV high-speed train and 1 1/2 hours from Geneva, Bourg-en-Bresse is worth visiting for its heritage features, culinary delights and wide open spaces. Spend a weekend exploring between the Revermont mountains, the Ain gorges and the town of Bourg-en-Bresse. On the programme: visit to the royal monastery of Brou, treetop adventure trail, zipwire, paddleboarding and paragliding! In short, an action-packed weekend!
View the video of this town-and-mountains weekend in Bourg-en-Bresse
Day 1 - Heritage and the great outdoors
The royal monastery of Brou, the French Taj Mahal
The royal monastery of Brou, a must-see in Bourg-en-Bresse, was elected France's favourite monument in 2014. A masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic style whose construction began in 1506 by order of the Princess Margaret of Austria. You'll be impressed at first glance by the Burgundy-style glazed roof tiles, and the interior is a joy to behold.
Unique in France, this monument was built in commemoration of just one man, Prince Philibert the Handsome.
Every summer, at dusk, the theatre, the town hall and the royal monastery of Brou light up with the "Couleurs d'Amour" (colours of love) in a show of sound and light. Be sure to include in your trip this intoxicating and moving experience between the three key sights of Bourg-en-Bresse.
Tip: To fully appreciate the projection of lights on the wall of the royal monastery of Brou, we recommend you book a table at the Auberge Bressane, the perfect way to combine local gastronomy and culture.
It's now time for a pleasant break, a bite to eat and a view over the Ain gorges. So head for Le Carbet, a restaurant in Hautecourt-Romanèche, on Chambod Island.
Just 25 minutes from Bourg-en-Bresse, you'll find yourself in a totally different setting. Unspoilt nature, clear water, mountains and watersports. Opt for paddleboarding to fully appreciate the surroundings. But beware, you may get addicted!
If the gorges of the River Ain have given you an appetite for outdoor activities, then today's programme should appeal to you. In the morning, head for the Grange du Pin site in Val-Revermont, just 20 minutes away from Bourg-en-Bresse. There, you'll find a lake, mountain biking facilities and, more importantly, a treetop adventure trail with a giant zipwire above the lake.
Trails for all levels, a tranquil, unspoilt environment, and a view of the Revermont mountains. What can beat that?
Treetop adventures at the Grange du Pin outdoor activities centre
La_Belle_Rencontre_Accrobranche_, OT Bourg-en-Bresse
Giant zipwire across the lake at the Grange du Pin
Mizenboite - BFC Tourisme
Treetop adventure trail at the Grange du Pin outdoor activities centre
Day 2 - The Revermont mountains unveiled
Paragliding: take to the air from Mont Myon
Just 3km away from the Grange du Pin, stop to eat at the restaurant Voyages des Sens, a real gem. You won't be disappointed! Round off your weekend in style by taking to the air. The ideal location and 663-metre elevation of Mont Myon, an almost legendary name here, make it THE paragliding spot of the Revermont region. You'll enjoy a 360° panoramic view which includes the Bresse plain.
This charming town, once somewhat ignored by passing tourists, has become a stopover destination whose worth is now fully appreciated. Quiet yet lively, it has an old and well-preserved town centre which makes a pleasant place to walk […] If you love good food and life itself, take my advice and visit Bourg!
Do you have any questions about this idea for a holiday?
The Tourist Office for this destination can answer all your questions. The team of holiday advisors is on-hand to advise you on the suggestions detailed in this idea for a holiday, and to help you plan a personalised holiday that takes all your needs into account.
A propos
paddle au coeur des gorges de l’Ain sur la base de loisirs de l’île ChambodMizenboite - BFC Tourisme
