Stay: Moments to experience in Ain (4 days / 3 nights)

Day 1: Bourg-en-Bresse

Arrival in Bourg-en-Bresse in late morning.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Guided tour of the Royal Monastery of Brou

Uncover the secrets of a jewel of flamboyant Gothic style! The Royal Monastery of Brou in Bourg-en-Bresse, built in the 16th century by order of Margaret of Austria, opens its doors to you. A guided tour of the Church, its princely tombs, its altarpiece, its stone rood screen (one of the few preserved in France), its stalls and its three cloisters is organised, while the museum is open for self-guided visits.

Late afternoon check-in at the Mercure 4-star hotel in Bourg-en-Bresse

Welcome drink, followed by a two-course dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: The Ain Valley

Morning: Guided tour of the Ain Gorges

This remarkable natural site, the Ain Gorges, offers 40 km of awe and joy along the water. Home to diverse wildlife and flora, and featuring hamlets and artistic edifices from prehistoric times to the present, the journey enchants visitors from beginning to end (tour by your coach, departing from Poncin).

Lunch at a restaurant in Jujurieux

Afternoon: Guided tour of the Rotin-Filé company

Located in Pont d'Ain, the Rotin-Filé company, established in 1937, specializes in rattan in all its forms: weaving, chair caning, tools, raffia, and more. Discover this unique material, with varied uses from furniture to decoration and beyond. Entering this company is a chance to meet passionate people eager to share their unique expertise. The tour ends with the "Jungle," the best-guarded place in the company!

Wine tasting and visit to a Cerdon winery

End this day on a convivial note with a tour of a wine cellar and a tasting of Cerdon wine, made with the Ancestral Method, accompanied by a Bugey galette.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3: The Cerdon Area

Morning: Guided tour of the Cerdon Caves

Nestled in a lush setting, the caves reveal a world from the depths of time. You’ll reach the entrance to the underground area on foot (a 10-minute walk) and continue through the dry bed of an ancient river, a grand pathway formed by the turbulent waters of the ice ages. Depending on your ability, you may then climb up to the rock shelter for a panoramic view of the vineyards (bring good shoes and a warm layer, as the temperature drops to 4°C, even in summer).

Lunch at a restaurant overlooking Cerdon.

Afternoon: Guided tour of the Cerdon Copperworks

This copperworks, with over 150 years of industrial history, offers an incredible dive into the secrets of the workshops. The semi-guided tour begins with a historical introduction by a guide. As you explore, you will witness demonstrations on fully restored historic machines.

Note: The coach will park at the Saint-Vincent parking lot at the bottom of the village; from there, it’s about a 600-meter walk uphill to the Copperworks (shuttle available).

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Medieval Town of Pérouges

Morning: Guided tour of the medieval town of Pérouges

Guided tour of Pérouges, a former 13th-century weaving village now ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Cobblestone streets, ramparts, fortress church, and the central linden square—this gem, which has stood the test of time, is sure to enchant you (wear flat shoes).

Lunch at a restaurant in Pérouges in the heart of the medieval town.

3:00 PM: End of the trip

Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous for your health; consume in moderation.