The Dombes, with its thousand ponds once farmed by Benedictine monks, looks like a gigantic mirror from the air. An exceptional, naturally rich heritage with a particularly diverse flora and fauna.
This Ain à Vélo itinerary, dedicated to travelers by bike, is suitable for cyclists who are used to cycling. It invites you to discover the Dombes region, classified as a wetland and a favored land for migratory birds. This vast expanse of water with its fragile ecosystem makes the Dombes France's #1 freshwater fish-producing region. Carp, queen of the ponds, is just as much a part of the Dombes specialties as the traditional marbled frogs.
You'll start your tour in Thoissey, then off to Chatillon/Chalaronne to discover this charming medieval town of character, listed as one of France's "Most Beautiful Detours" and renowned for its architectural heritage and exceptional flower displays. Option to spend the night in one of the town's many accommodations.
D2: Head for Saint-Paul de Varax and Saint Nizier le Désert to reach Le Plantay. Take time to visit Notre Dame des Dombes, a 19th-century Cistercian abbey famous for its musculine production. To discover... continue your itinerary to Villars les Dombes, where you can stay overnight at the Camping du Nid du Parc, adjacent to the Parc des Oiseaux, one of Europe's finest bird parks and a flagship tourist site in the Ain department. We invite you to take a full day to discover and enjoy it to the full.
D3: Head for Joyeux towards Saint-Maurice de Beynost to reach Miribel, home to La Madone du Mas Rillier, the highest religious statue in France. ViaRhôna, the Euro Vélo 17, takes you to Lyon's Confluence district, one of the city's must-see districts, with its futuristic architecture. You'll then take the Voie Bleue, Véloroute 50 connected to ViaRhôna at Lyon Confluence, to reach Trévoux. A former principality of La Dombes with many treasures, you can also stop off at night at Camping Kanopée Village on the edge of La Voie Bleue.
D4: Departure for Saint-Bernard, a charming traditional village that will take you to Fareins to visit the 17th-century Château de Fléchères. Continue along the Voie Bleue to Montmerle/Saône, where you can visit the Chapelle des Minimes. Then return to your starting point via La Voie Bleue®.
