12 villages around Lac du Bourget to discover without delay!
1. Chanaz, Savoie’s little Venice
Chanaz, often nicknamed ‘Little Savoyard Venice’, is a charming village with narrow streets and stone houses. You can stroll along the banks of the Savières canal and admire the barges cruising peacefully by. Be sure to visit the 18th-century oil mill, still in operation, where you can buy delicious walnut and hazelnut oils.
You can also discover the local craftsmen and women who sell local products and original creations. For nature lovers, boat or kayak trips are a must for exploring the wild landscapes of the surrounding area.
2. Villard-sur-Doron, between mountains and rivers
Set in the heart of the mountains and crossed by the River Doron, Villard-sur-Doron is an authentic village that has managed to preserve its heritage and traditions. Here you’ll find magnificent wooden chalets and mountain pasture farms where you can sample local produce such as Beaufort cheese.
Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by the many trails that wind through the mountain pastures and forests, offering exceptional views of the surrounding peaks. In winter, the Espace Diamant ski area is just a short drive away, so you can enjoy the pleasures of the slopes.
3. Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, a village with a rich historical past
Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey is a village steeped in history, with its medieval remains and old houses. Be sure to visit the Notre-Dame chapel, a listed historic monument, and the Château de Saint-Sorlin, built in the 13th century on the ruins of an ancient Roman fort.
Hiking enthusiasts can take to the footpaths that criss-cross the Dombes plateau and the Bugey hillsides, where the vineyards produce renowned wines. And for a gourmet break, try local specialities such as quenelle de brochet or galette bugiste.
4. Le Bourget-du-Lac, a green setting on the water’s edge
Le Bourget-du-Lac is a peaceful village on the western shore of Lac du Bourget. You can stroll along the landscaped beach and take advantage of the water sports on offer, including sailing, canoeing and fishing. Be sure to visit the Château de Thomas II, now home to the engineering school of the Université Savoie Mont Blanc.
The nearby Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park is a paradise for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. Finally, for gourmets, the village has several restaurants where you can sample regional dishes based on fish from the lake and local produce.
5. Morestel, the city of painters
Morestel, nicknamed the “city of painters”, is a picturesque village that has attracted many artists with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and panoramic views of the Dauphiné mountains. You can visit the house of painter François-Auguste Ravier, now a museum, and admire the works on display.
Don’t miss the Sunday market, where you can buy local produce and stroll through the lively village streets. For hiking enthusiasts, the Painters’ Trail offers a beautiful walk through the hills and forests, with remarkable views of the surrounding countryside.
6. Belley, capital of Bugey
Belley, in the heart of the Bugey region, is a town rich in history and heritage. Here you can discover the Saint-Jean-Baptiste cathedral, the episcopal palace and the medieval ramparts that bear witness to its prestigious past. The Saturday morning market is an opportunity to sample the local flavours and meet the regional producers.
Walkers and cyclists can explore the roads and paths of the Bugey region, where the landscape alternates between vineyards, forests and mountains. Finally, for a relaxing break, head to the Vallée Bleue leisure centre, where you can take part in a wide range of water sports and enjoy the landscaped green spaces.
7. Beaufort, land of cheese and mountain pastures
Beaufort is a mountain village in the heart of the Beaufortain massif, from which the famous cheese takes its name. Here you can discover the traditions of farming and cheese-making, visiting the surrounding farms and mountain pastures, and sampling the local produce in the village restaurants.
Hikers will be delighted by the many paths through the flower-filled mountain pastures and larch forests, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. In winter, the winter sports resort of Les Saisies is nearby, where you can enjoy the pleasures of skiing and mountaineering.
8. Montagnieu, a wine-growing village
Montagnieu is a wine-growing village set on a hillside in the heart of the Bugey vineyards. Here you can discover the wine cellars and estates that produce such famous wines as Roussette de Montagnieu and Cerdon. Food lovers will also be able to sample local specialities, such as bugiste fondue or diots au vin blanc.
The village’s architectural heritage is also well worth a visit, with its Romanesque church and typical stone houses. For hikers, the Bugey footpaths offer beautiful walks through vineyards and forests, with panoramic views of the mountains and the Rhône valley.
9. Queige, a haven of peace in the mountains
Queige is a small mountain village nestling in the heart of the Beaufortain massif. Surrounded by forests and alpine pastures, it offers a peaceful and rejuvenating setting for nature lovers. Here you can discover the traditions of livestock farming and Beaufort cheese-making, by visiting the surrounding farms and mountain pastures.
Hikers will love the many trails that criss-cross the mountains, offering exceptional panoramic views of the peaks and valleys. In winter, the winter sports resort of Les Saisies is close by, where you can enjoy the pleasures of skiing and mountaineering.
10. Seillonnaz, a village with bucolic charm
Seillonnaz is a small rural village in the heart of the Bugey hills. Here you can discover the bucolic charm of its flower-filled lanes, stone houses and rolling countryside. Be sure to visit the 12th-century church, with its beautiful frescoes and ancient stained-glass windows.
Hiking and cycling enthusiasts can explore the paths and roads through the vineyards, forests and meadows, offering panoramic views of the mountains and the Rhône valley. And for a gourmet break, try the local specialities, such as quenelle de brochet or galette bugiste.
11. Lhuis, a village at the foot of the cliffs
Lhuis is a village located at the foot of the limestone cliffs of the Bugey, offering a wild and picturesque setting. Here you can discover a rich architectural heritage, with its Romanesque church and typical stone houses. Climbing enthusiasts can indulge their passion on the cliffs overlooking the village, while walkers can take to the footpaths that criss-cross the surrounding hillsides and forests.
Gourmets will be delighted to sample local specialities such as diots au vin blanc and bugiste fondue in the village’s restaurants and inns. And for wine lovers, a visit to the local cellars and wineries is a must, to discover the Bugey crus and local grape varieties.
12. Yenne, between the Rhône and the Dent du Chat
At the gateway to Savoie, between the river and the mountains, Yenne is a charming, authentic town with a rich heritage. This charming medieval town invites you to stroll through its picturesque narrow streets, discover its ancient gates, its listed Romanesque church and its historical trail dotted with explanatory panels. It’s also a gourmet destination, famous for its Tomme de Yenne cheese, Jongieux wines and its famous Gâteau de Savoie, which you can discover in a fun treasure hunt.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the panoramic paths above the Rhône, the climbing cliffs and the canoe trips. Throughout the year, Yenne comes alive with traditional festivals, markets and activities for all the family, organised by the Maison de la Dent du Chat.
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