Water garden - Saint-Didier-sur-Chalaronne - Ain
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Our places to discover

Let yourself be surprised

Go back in time

Discover the rich heritage and must-see sites of the Val de Saône. From châteaux to landscaped parks, mills, chapels and more, there’s something for everyone!

 

Sites open to visitors

 

Abside Fresques Illiat - droits OT VDSC
Illiat

Church of Illiat and its wall frescoes

Church of the XIIth century with a bell tower of Romanesque-Byzantine style, rebuilt in 1870 on extension of the nave. Main wealth: arcature of its Romanesque apse forming 7 arcades, 4 of which are adorned with wall frescoes of the 12th century discovered and restored.
Church of Illiat and its wall frescoes
Chapelle d'Amareins (7)
Francheleins

Chapel of Amareins

Listed in the supplementary inventory of historical monuments since 1969, this 11th century stone chapel belonged to the Chaise-Dieu abbey in the early 12th century. The frame has kept its original aspect.
Chapel of Amareins
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Montmerle-sur-Saône

Site of Minimes (chapel and tower)

Site major and rich in history, discover the Chapel "des Minimes", dating XI century, and appreciate the outside of the Tower, 20 meters high and surrounded with 634 vine stocks.
Site of Minimes (chapel and tower)
Château de la Batie (28)
Montceaux

Castle "La Batie"

The owner will open their doors to let you discover the typical, late 13th century architecture in carrons savoyards (a special kind of brick). Group visits available April 1 to October 30 by reservation only.
Castle "La Batie"
Moulin Crozet (16)
Montceaux

Moulin Crozet

This water mill, dates back to the 10th century and was in operation until 1969. Restored by the owners, it features a pair of grindstones driven by a bucket wheel.
Moulin Crozet
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Montmerle-sur-Saône

Tower of the Minimes

Les Minimes Tower : this not-to-be-missed site, with its rich and historical past, offers a spendid panorama on the Saône valley and the Beaujolais hills. Panoramic table on the top of the tower.
Tower of the Minimes
Cellier 1
Thoissey

Cellar of the Ursulines - Showroom

After several decades of lethargy, the sleeping beauty that is the Cellar of the Ursulines of Thoissey, founded in 1666, finally awakens to become an exhibition room of the Thoisseyan artistic collections.
Cellar of the Ursulines - Showroom
Eglise et calvaire Mogneneins retouchée
Mogneneins

Gothic calvary

External Monument located on the square of the church. Among rarest listed in the department. Decoration of an exceptional smoothness (calvary engraved on its 4 faces)
Gothic calvary
Eglise Sainte Marie-Madeleine
Thoissey

Church "Sainte-Marie Madeleine"

Completed in 1872, the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene presents a beautiful architectural unity. It houses a set of 7 paintings by the painter Daniel Sarrabat, dedicated to Mary Magdalene, patron saint of the town.
Visits for groups by appointment.
Church "Sainte-Marie Madeleine"
Eglise de Genouilleux - CC Montmerle 3 Rivières
Genouilleux

Church "Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul"

This church of the IXth century, reshaped in 1845 and containing two chapels, possesses an opening in the East. Admire magnificent paintings decorating its chorus and its apse and also appreciate the ceiling in wooden panelling in the former, in network.
Church "Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul"
Montceaux

Ruins of the oil mill

Located in the Verne wood near the Crozet mill, this oil mill stopped working after the 1st world war.
Communal property, you can discover the ruins of this mill during a walk or a bike ride on the paths of Montceaux.
Ruins of the oil mill

Sites open occasionally throughout the year

You can discover them during our summer visits or during the European Heritage Days.

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Thoissey

Apothecary

Apothecary's decorated with superb walnut woodwork with a patina of age, perfectly highlighting the blue colbat of the Nivernais earthenware decorating the Renaissance-style sideboards.
Apothecary
Moulin neuf (8)
Messimy-sur-Saône

Moulin Neuf

Restored by the owner between 1995 and 2000 and installed on the river Mâtre, this water mill stopped turning. It was transformed into living house. Discover (only during European Heritage Days) the Moulin neuf located in Messimy-sur-Saône.
Moulin Neuf

Get some height

2 orientation tables to admire the view over the Val de Saône and the Beaujolais mountains !

table d'orientation (20)
Guéreins

Panoramic table

Come enjoy the view, with panoramic table available for admiring the landscapes of the Val de Saône and the magnificent panorama on the Beaujolais hills.
Panoramic table
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Montmerle-sur-Saône

Panoramic table

Come enjoy the view, with panoramic table available for admiring the landscapes of the Val de Saône and the magnificent panorama on the Beaujolais hills.
Panoramic table