Stay: Ain, pleasures to share (6 days / 5 nights)

The Ain surprises at first, then captivates... and makes you want to return.

Day 1: Arrival in Ain

Check-in at the 4* Mercure Hotel in Bourg-en-Bresse

Welcome aperitif - Dinner (2-course menu) and overnight stay.

Day 2: Discovering Bresse

A guide will accompany you throughout the day.

Morning: guided tour of the Apothecary in Bourg-en-Bresse

The Apothecary of the Hôtel-Dieu is unique for still having its laboratory intact, which is very rare. Here, all the instruments needed for medicine preparation are preserved (press, alembic, swan neck...). Two other rooms, with 18th-century woodwork, display an impressive collection of pots and boxes for plant preservation.

Lunch at a farm inn in Vernoux.

Savor the "Bresse chicken with cream."

Afternoon: Guided tour of the Forest Farm in Courtes

Classified as a Historical Monument in 1930, the Forest Farm is a beautiful example of a Bresse farm from the late 16th century. The main building showcases traditional architecture with its gallery motifs and Saracen chimney. The tour will touch on food, construction techniques, and agricultural activities. Finally, a break outdoors allows for a pleasant stroll around the vegetable garden.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3: Discovering the Thousand Ponds of Dombes

Morning: Guided tour of the Dombes ponds

Meet your guide in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne for a guided tour by coach of the ponds of Dombes. Stops by the ponds will allow you to understand their history, cycles, traditional fishing methods, and local flora and fauna (approximately 42 km tour).

Lunch in a local restaurant

Enjoy the specialties of Dombes.

Afternoon: guided tour of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne

Join your guide for a guided walking tour of this charming medieval city. Discover the "4 flowers" flowered streets, the Saint-André church, the 15th century market halls, the former residence of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul and the typical half-timbered houses.

Presentation of Dombes carp leather

At the end of the tour, discover the making of an object from carp leather by a leatherworker.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Day 4: History and Ornithology

Morning: Guided tour of the Royal Monastery of Brou

This jewel of flamboyant Gothic style, built in the 16th century by order of Margaret of Austria, will fascinate you with its exuberance, delicate architecture, magnificent stained glass windows, princely tombs, and cloisters.

Lunch in a restaurant in the Bird Park

Afternoon: Free visit of the Bird Park in Villars-les-Dombes

A unique experience, an ornithological and botanical world tour without borders. With 2,500 birds of 250 species over 35 hectares, the Park has one of Europe’s largest collections. Wander freely and observe birds moving freely across 24 habitats mirroring world landscapes.

Bird flight show

A highlight of your afternoon at the Park! Enjoy a magical ballet of grace and color from the stands (weather permitting).

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5: From silk to stone

Morning: Guided tour of the Bonnet Silk Museum

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Bonnet Silkworks in Jujurieux. Discover the thrilling history of its boarding factory and 200 years of textile creation. As you wander through the old workshops, admire the journey from cocoon to fabric.

Lunch in a restaurant in the heart of Pérouges

Afternoon: Guided tour of Pérouges

Meet your guide for the visit of Pérouges, an old 13th-century weavers' village, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France: cobbled streets, ramparts, fortified church, linden tree square... you will be seduced by this city which has survived the centuries (please bring flat shoes).

Tasting of the "Pérougian galette"

To conclude this day convivially, enjoy the famous "Pérougian galette" with a glass of Bugey wine* in a typical village restaurant.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6: Return Journey

Departure after breakfast.

* Excessive drinking is dangerous for health, please consume in moderation.