Bellegarde-sur-Valserine:
Fourth city of Ain, on the border of Haute-Savoie, Bellegarde-sur-Valserine takes place at the confluence of the Rhone and Valserine, seventy kilometers from Bourg-en-Bresse. It is located not far from Vanzy, Collonges, and Franclens.
Recent, the town of Bellegarde-sur-Valserine was born in 1859 following the creation of a station on the line Lyon - Geneva. Very quickly, it takes importance through the installation of different plants on the Rhone. Always very dynamic, it has retained a strong economic power, and also reveals an important cultural and sports activity very popular with visitors.
Bellegarde-sur-Valserine also has a rich architectural and historical heritage that traces all the past of this city full of charm. Lovers of old stones will be seduced, as well as gourmets who will be tempted by the local specialty, the tart with gum, kind of pie-shaped flan.
Châtillon-en-Michaille:
Châtillon-en-Michaille is located 5 km north-west of Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, separated from Montanges on the north by Semine, from Confort to the north-east, and Lancrans to the east by Valserine. It is contiguous with Bellegarde in the south-east, in Villes and in Grand-Abergement in the southwest, in Lalleyriat in the north-west and in Saint-Germain-de-Joux from which it is separated by the Tacon.
Its terriotire has four hamlets, and many isolated farms, farms in ruins. The villages of Vouvray and Ochiaz have been associated with Châtillon since 1973, when it took the name of Châtillon-en-Michaille. Châtillon-en-Michaille enjoys a privileged location, 40 km from Geneva, like Annecy, (near the major ski resorts) and only an hour from Lyon (by the A40 - exit on the town).
Bellegarde-sur-Valserine:
Former castle of the thirteenth century, the castle of Arlod served as a center for the lordship of Arlos. Subject of many quarrels in the fourteenth century between the Counts of Savoy and Geneva and the lords of Gex, it protected at the time a fortified bridge of the Middle Ages. Its ruins, engulfed, are still visible today during the draining of the Génisissiat dam.
While strolling, you will also be able to admire the castle of Vanchy, the castle of Crêts with clusters of stone of the Gallo-Roman period, or even the milestone of 1858 and the border post with three fleurs-de-lis and royal crown of the end of the 17th century which marked the limit between France and Savoy.
Bellegarde-sur-Valserine also has a rich religious heritage with the Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption from the mid-nineteenth century, the Church of St. Nicholas of Arlod of the twelfth century, the Church of St. Claude de Vanchy rebuilt in the 12th century, or the Notre-Dame d'Accout chapel.
In the premises of the old station was created a cultural pole, the Gateway Arts. It includes the media library and the Conservatoire with municipal radiation of music and dance with concerts, shows and readings organized throughout the year.
Several marked trails allow to appreciate the cultural and natural heritage of the town like the walk of the Valserine Falls, a walk leading to a unique geological site where the river has dug the rock several meters deep. The youngest will also appreciate On the Martine track, an urban circuit in a comic strip.
Châtillon-en-Michaille:
The pond Nièvre, located 1 km from the center of the village of Chatillon is a haven of peace and freshness in summer; the walk continues by Crétaz (place of the church) with its bowling green fields, and by the Tower, historic district of Châtillon, to end in the heart of Châtillon, with passage in front of the trompe l'oeil which makes tribute to people who counted for the municipality. A game, named Goupilou, completes the walk (available at the Tourist Office of Bellegarde and the town hall of Châtillon).
Part of the Retord plateau is located on the town and is the playground of the inhabitants of Bellegardien Country, the 4 seasons: walking, cycling, picking flowers and mushrooms, not to mention the Nordic activities: Nordic skiing, and initiation dog sled driving.
Various marked trails and an arboretum (Lullene).
Nice walk from the heart of Chatillon, to the confluence of Semine and Valserine, commonly called Coz or melt of waters.
Fishing activities on rivers (Semine or Valserine) or pond (Nièvre).
Several sports associations too.
Bellegarde-sur-Valserine:
The market is held every Thursday morning. A flea market is organized in July. In October, the town organizes the autumn fair.
At the beginning of July, place to the shows of the festival of the summer.
From July to August, Esti'Vals is at the origin of many animations with concerts, sports meetings, outdoor screenings and others.
In September, place to the animations of the festival of the Castle of Musinens.
The BD festival in Ain is held in November with exhibitions and meetings with different authors.
In December, Lumi - Rhône is an opportunity to discover the Christmas market, a sound and light show and other festive activities.
Châtillon-en-Michaille:
February: Dog sled race at the Auberge de Cuvéry.
May: agricultural show, Vouvray.
June: Narcissus festival, inn of Cuvéry.
Feast of St. Jean, multipurpose room.
The nature, the countryside and the mountains await you to practice in complete freedom skiing, snowshoeing, introduction to the team of sled dogs in winter; fishing, swimming, hiking, riding or mountain biking, in spring and summer.
Different bathing places in summer: Lake Nantua, Annecy or Genin, aquatic center "Valséo" in Bellegarde.
Escapade to the losses of the Valserine, since Bellegarde-on-Valserine, to the pots of the giants in Saint-Germain-de-Joux for the lovers of the nature.
Possible visit of the Génissiat dam.
Initiation to Biathlon to the Plans of Hotonnes.
