Excursion: From Cerdon vineyards to the Ain Valley

Along the Rivière d'Ain, you'll discover unspoilt nature, unique landscapes, a strong industrial and memorial history, AOC vineyards as far as the eye can see and a sparkling wine that's unique in the world.

10 a.m.: A first visit to choose from

La Cuivrerie de Cerdon, Les Soieries Bonnet, Grottes du Cerdon, Gorges de l'Ain or Château de Varambon.

Lunch at "Le Panoramique" restaurant in the hills above Cerdon

Cerdon

Menu suggestion :

River salad (pike-perch cheeks roasted in Chardonnay, smoked trout)

Potence royale flambée (specialty): poultry, beef, duck breast served with sauces and vegetables

Chef's dessert

¼ de vin and coffee

3 p.m. : A second visit to choose from

La Cuivrerie de Cerdon, Les Soieries Bonnet, Grottes du Cerdon, Gorges de l'Ain or Château de Varambon.

5 p.m.: optional wine tasting.

End the day in style with a Cerdon wine tasting in one of our cellars (member of Vignobles & Découvertes). Our winemakers are waiting to reveal the secrets of the famous Bugey-Cerdon* sparkling wine, Methode Ancestrale (tasting at extra cost).

*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.

A - Les Soieries Bonnet

Visit one of Europe's largest silk weaving mills!

An unforgettable experience, featuring machine demonstrations, worker know-how, unique fabrics designed for the world's leading fashion houses (Dior, Chanel...), and the workings of a factory that once employed up to 1,200 people. (Available from mid-March to mid-November).

B - The Cerdon Copperworks

Witness to an industrial adventure spanning more than 160 years, the Cerdon Copperworks has been reborn to offer you a spectacular immersion into the secrets of the workshops and unique demonstrations of know-how. From Europe to Japan, via the Orient, the Copper Factory, told by a guide, offers even more original anecdotes and sparkling insights (from mid-February to mid-November).

C - The Cerdon caves

Nestled in a green setting, the Grottes du Cerdon prehistoric leisure park lets you discover a world from the depths of time! Walk to the entrance of the underground Grottes area (10-minute walk). You'll then follow a grandiose path through the now-defunct riverbed, the result of the slow work of the tumultuous waters of the great ice ages of the early Quaternary. Depending on your options, you can then reach the rock shelter once inhabited by our ancestors, and enjoy an unparalleled panorama of the Cerdon vineyards. A majestic porch concludes this 1h30 visit. (Open from mid-April to the end of October).

D - The Ain gorges

A remarkable natural site, the gorges de l'Ain offer 40 km of wonder and pleasure along the water's edge. With a rich variety of flora and fauna, and a route dotted with hamlets and art buildings from prehistoric times to the present day, the visitor is enchanted from start to finish. Recommended from April to October, preferably in the afternoon. (Possible from April to October).

E - Château de Varambon

Overlooking the small medieval village of Varambon, this stone, brick and slate property is nestled in a wooded park of Lebanese cedars.

Take a tour with the château's owner and discover all its secrets! (Saturday).

F - Rotin Filé in Pont d'Ain

Rotin-filé, founded in 1937, specializes in rattan in all its forms: caning, re-weaving, tools, raffia, marsh straw, and rye straw. Entering this company means meeting passionate people eager to share their unique expertise with you. The tour ends with "La Jungle," the company's best-kept secret.

5pm or 6pm: End of excursion