Two territories, two characters: Bresse with its bocage, timber-framed farmhouses, its history, and Dombes with its ponds, birds and its biodiversity.
Soak up these two gourmet countries during your stay in the Ain.
Day 1: In the heart of Bresse
Morning:
Guided tour of the Ecomusée Maison de Pays en Bresse in Saint-Etienne-du-Bois
Discover 15th-century Bresse houses with half-timbered and wattle-and-daub walls, featuring the famous Saracen chimney. Immerse yourself in a reconstruction of the Bresse way of life from the 15th to the 20th century, exploring traditional crafts and the evolution of agriculture and architecture.
Lunch in a restaurant in or near Bourg-en-Bresse
Afternoon:
Guided tour of the Monastère royal de Brou in Bourg-en-Bresse
Discover the secrets of a flamboyant Gothic jewel... The Royal Monastery of Brou in Bourg-en-Bresse, built in the 16th century on the orders of Marguerite of Austria, opens its doors to you.
Guided tour of the Eglise de Brou, with its princely tombs, altarpiece, stone rood screen, stalls and three cloisters. Self-guided tour of the museum.
Check-in at the Best Western Hôtel de France 3* in Bourg-en-Bresse.
Dinner at the "Place Bernard" brasserie, owned by Michelin-starred chef Georges Blanc.
Day 2: The Dombes with a thousand ponds
Morning:
Discover the medieval town of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne with a guided tour along its flower-filled streets (15th-century market hall, flower-adorned bridges, half-timbered houses, etc.).
Lunch at a restaurant in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne.
Afternoon:
Self-guided visit to the Parc des Oiseaux (Bird Park) in Villars-les-Dombes.
Enjoy a unique experience: a borderless ornithological and botanical world tour. With 2,000 birds of 250 different species spread across 35 hectares, the Park boasts one of the largest collections in Europe. Stroll freely and observe the birds in their natural habitats, each representing a different landscape from around the world, all within a harmonious ecosystem.
Enjoy the bird show from the stands, witnessing a magical ballet of grace and color (weather permitting).
End of program
Day 1: In the heart of Bresse
Morning:
Guided tour of the Ecomusée Maison de Pays en Bresse in Saint-Etienne-du-Bois
Discover 15th-century Bresse houses with half-timbered and wattle-and-daub walls, featuring the famous Saracen chimney. Immerse yourself in a reconstruction of the Bresse way of life from the 15th to the 20th century, exploring traditional crafts and the evolution of agriculture and architecture.
Lunch in a restaurant in or near Bourg-en-Bresse
Afternoon:
Guided tour of the Monastère royal de Brou in Bourg-en-Bresse
Discover the secrets of a flamboyant Gothic jewel... The Royal Monastery of Brou in Bourg-en-Bresse, built in the 16th century on the orders of Marguerite of Austria, opens its doors to you.
Guided tour of the Eglise de Brou, with its princely tombs, altarpiece, stone rood screen, stalls and three cloisters. Self-guided tour of the museum.
Check-in at the Best Western Hôtel de France 3* in Bourg-en-Bresse.
Dinner at the "Place Bernard" brasserie, owned by Michelin-starred chef Georges Blanc.
Day 2: The Dombes with a thousand ponds
Morning:
Discover the medieval town of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne with a guided tour along its flower-filled streets (15th-century market hall, flower-adorned bridges, half-timbered houses, etc.).
Lunch at a restaurant in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne.
Afternoon:
Self-guided visit to the Parc des Oiseaux (Bird Park) in Villars-les-Dombes.
Enjoy a unique experience: a borderless ornithological and botanical world tour. With 2,000 birds of 250 different species spread across 35 hectares, the Park boasts one of the largest collections in Europe. Stroll freely and observe the birds in their natural habitats, each representing a different landscape from around the world, all within a harmonious ecosystem.
Enjoy the bird show from the stands, witnessing a magical ballet of grace and color (weather permitting).
End of program
