Whether in the countryside or in the mountains, the scenery comes alive with the passing seasons in the heart of a proud and innovative region. The Ain surprises, delights and enthrals.
Day 1: Arrival in Ain Check-in at the Mercure 4* hotel in Bourg-en-Bresse Welcome aperitif - Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Discovery of La Bresse A guide will accompany you all day to discover La Bresse.
Morning: Guided tour of the old quarters of Bourg-en-Bresse to discover the rich past of the Bresse capital: half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, elegant stone facades from the 18th century, Notre-Dame Co-Cathedral with its black Madonna, Jacobins Gate...
You'll then return to your coach for a guided tour of Haute-Bresse. Your guide will tell you all about the special features of this region: history, architecture, the Bresse bocage, agriculture and livestock farming.
Lunch at a farm inn in Vernoux, where you can sample the famous "poulet de Bresse à la crème".
Afternoon: A gourmet tour of the Domaine des Saveurs-Les Planons. Accompanied by an interpreter, you'll discover through the museum's magnificent collections and exhibits the gastronomic and cultural riches of Bresse through the ages, and why the Ain is a region where the art of "eating well" is cultivated. You'll also visit the admirably preserved dwelling house with its Saracen fireplace. The day ends with a convivial tasting of local products.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Discovering the Dombes thousand ponds
Morning: Meet your guide in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne and depart on a guided tour of the Dombes ponds, by coach. Stop off at the ponds to learn about their history, cycles, traditional fishing and discover the local flora and fauna. (approx. 30 km with your own coach).
Lunch in a restaurant to sample Dombes specialties.
Afternoon: Meet your guide for a guided walking tour of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne. Let yourself be guided along the flower-filled streets of this charming 4-flower medieval town. Discover the Gothic church of Saint-André, the 15th-century Halles, the former home of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul and typical half-timbered houses.
At the end of the tour, return to the Pavillon du Tourisme for a presentation of Dombes carp leather by a leather worker. Demonstration of how to make a carp leather object.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Brou Monastery and the Cerdon region
Morning: Guided tour of the Royal Monastery of Brou. This flamboyant Gothic gem, built in the 16th century on the orders of Marguerite of Austria, will fascinate you with the exuberance and finesse of its architecture and its magnificent stained glass windows, princely tombs and three cloisters.
Lunch in a restaurant high above Cerdon to sample the Potence Royale.
Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Soieries Bonnet in Jujurieux. Discover the exciting history of its boarding factory and 200 years of textile creation. Take a tour of the old workshops and admire the birth of a fabric from cocoon to cloth. You'll be tempted by the silk items on offer in the boutique.
We invite you to finish the day in style at the Cellier Lingot-Martin * in Poncin, where you can taste the fine, light mousse of the famous Bugey-Cerdon sparkling wine. Tasting in moderation!
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Ain's cultural and natural heritage
Morning: Guided tour of Pérouges. Listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", this ancient 13th-century merchant town has a maze of cobbled streets behind its ramparts and a unique heritage. Take us back to the Middle Ages on an informative and picturesque guided tour (bring flat shoes).
Lunch in one of the restaurants of the Parc des Oiseaux * in Villars-les-Dombes
Afternoon: The Parc des Oiseaux invites you to enjoy exceptional and unique experiences, for an ornithological and botanical world tour without borders. You'll be immersed in an exceptional collection of birds in their natural environment. With 2,500 birds of 300 different species spread over 35 hectares, the Park boasts one of the largest collections in Europe. Stroll freely and watch the birds evolve in total freedom in 24 living spaces reflecting the landscapes of the world, for a journey to every continent in a harmonious ecosystem.
The highlight of your afternoon at the Park! Watch the birds in flight from the bleachers, in a magical ballet of grace and color (weather permitting).
Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 6: Departure after breakfast and return to your region.
