"Ain by Bike" Touring – A Journey into Medieval Lands (3 days / 3 nights)

This "Ain à Vélo" route is designed for cyclists and is best suited to experienced riders. You will travel between the Dombes plateau and the Rhône River, discovering exceptional, must-see locations. Rich in remarkable cultural heritage, this region bears witness to a thousand years of history, with castles, character-filled villages, and iconic sites dotting your path. Day 1: Depart from the Domaine de Sainte Croix—an *Accueil Vélo* (Cyclists Welcome) certified establishment where you will have settled in the night before, ensuring a stress-free start the next morning. You will head towards Pizay, Faramans, and Bourg-Saint-Christophe before reaching Pérouges, a beautiful medieval gem! Classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," this fortified medieval town charms visitors with its cobblestone streets and picturesque houses, while its intact medieval atmosphere captivates the imagination. Pérouges is truly worth lingering in... After this delightful interlude, you will get back on the road to Villieu-Loyes-Mollon, where you can settle in for the night at the "Claire Rivière" campsite. Day 2: You set off for Saint-Maurice-de-Rémens, home to the Château du Petit Prince—the former family estate of writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, which is slated to become a dedicated museum in the coming years. You continue towards Leyment, renowned for its year-round antique market—a veritable paradise for treasure hunters. Then, you will head towards Vaux-en-Bugey, Souclin, and Sault-Brénaz (facing the Isle de la Serre), where you will leave the "Ain à Vélo" route to join the ViaRhôna cycle path as far as Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey. Nicknamed the "Village of Roses," this village is well worth the detour; it boasts several castles and a medieval painting—classified as a Historic Monument—adorning the façade of the 16th-century Maison Saint-Christophe. You continue towards La Balme—famous for its caves—then Hières-sur-Amby, Chavanoz, and Anthon, where you can leave the ViaRhôna to head to the "Les Plages de l’Ain" campsite in Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans—which holds the *Accueil Vélo* (Cyclists Welcome) label—to spend the night. Day 3: Head back to Anthon to rejoin the ViaRhôna as far as Jons, where you will pick up the "Ain à Vélo" route to cross the Rhône and reach Balan. You will ride through the Lône de la Chaume and past the "Les Cèdres Bleus" business park before arriving in Montluel. Here, a first stop is a must to explore the medieval-style historic center, the castle ruins, and the incredible apothecary—a hidden gem now listed as a Historic Monument. This former pharmacy will amaze you with its exceptional state of preservation and 350-year-old woodwork. To learn more, visit the "Le Costellan" Tourist Office—which holds the "Accueil Vélo" (Cyclists Welcome) label—located right at the train station. Your journey concludes as you head toward Sainte-Croix, your starting point. You are now an expert on the medieval heritage of the Ain region! "L'Ain à Vélo" signs mark routes selected for their low traffic volume. Stay alert—you are sharing the road with motorists! We recommend following the designated route direction, which has been planned with your safety in mind. Safety guidelines: - Do not overestimate your abilities. - Helmets are mandatory for children under 12; wearing cycling gloves and sunglasses is recommended. - Reflective safety vests are mandatory outside built-up areas and when riding at night or in poor weather. - Make yourself visible at all times to reduce the risk of accidents. - Wearing any device capable of emitting sound (headphones, earbuds, phones, etc.) in or on the ear is prohibited. - Cyclists must observe traffic laws to ensure their own safety and that of other road users. Mutual respect between cyclists and motorists is essential.