Biziat is a commune in the Ain department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 17 km southwest of Mâcon.
Its territory of 11 km² is located between the Bressan bocage to the north and the Dombes plain to the south. It is notably crossed by the course of the Veyle, a tributary of the Saône, which constitutes part of its limit to the north-east. As for the Petite Veyle, one of the arms of the Veyle, it allowed the establishment of mills which contributed to the prosperity of the locality.
This presents bucolic landscapes, covered with meadows dedicated to livestock (46% of its surface area), arable land and other agricultural areas.
Made up of a town and several hamlets, Biziat is mentioned as early as the 7th century. And in 875, the abbey of Tournus established a Benedictine priory there which would later be placed under the protection of the Dukes of Savoy.
It was necessary to wait for the Treaty of Lyon and the end of the conflicts between France and Savoy, in 1601, for Biziat to join the kingdom.
Integrated into the production areas (AOC) of Beurre de Bresse and Poulailles de Bresse, the town now has around 900 inhabitants.
Its heritage and its offer of "natural" leisure activities, its preserved environment on the borders of the Mâconnais and its vineyards, Bresse and Dombes, make it a popular stopover for lovers of "green tourism".
Although the Benedictine priory has disappeared, the town nevertheless retains elements of heritage of interest. This is the case of its parish church of Saint-Clair, mentioned as early as the 9th century in a charter of Charles the Bald. The building, now listed in the Inventory, has however undergone a number of alterations. To mention only the most recent works, note that in 1774, the old bell tower was destroyed (to be rebuilt in 1802) and the nave remodeled. It was further enlarged in 1855, thanks in particular to the removal of the porch, which gives it a vast size: some 360 m² including the chapels serving as a transept, and a nave 22 m long. The bell tower, raised above the choir, is perforated on each side via a twin opening.
We also notice that the double ribbed vault rests on sculpted bases with decorated keys, and that it is lit by a Gothic window with mulliones and tympanum.
In addition to fragments of a medieval stained glass window, the church retains a number of objects and works classified as objects: funerary slabs, stained glass window representing the Resurrection and other noble stained glass windows from the 19th and 20th centuries, altarpiece with statues…
In terms of heritage, again, if the gate of the old Château de la Moussière, listed in the Inventory, was transferred to a park in Bourg-en-Bresse, a discovery trail can include the Moulin du Péroux, on the Veyle, and that of Geai, on the Petite Veyle. Finally, in addition to the war memorial, a number of wayside crosses have been preserved throughout the town and the paths leading to the hamlets.
On the leisure side, a number of marked trails are available to hikers, following the banks of rivers or along bocage meadows. They are connected to an entire network developed by the community of municipalities.
Mountain bikers are not forgotten: secure circuits of 10 and 13 km are dedicated to them in the region.
On foot or by bike, we will of course note that larger loops can lead towards Mâcon or Dombes... Maps and information from the town hall on +33 4 74 50 03 08 or at the Vonnas intercommunal tourist office on +33 3 85 23 92 20.
There is also a running club (leisure or competition) in the locality, Bizet Endurance, which offers joint outings on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening. Contact +33 6 07 68 51 41.
This bucolic countryside around the town is also ideal for those who would like to enjoy a pleasant horseback ride: contact the Ranch de Mimi on +33 6 76 10 49 44 or the Pony' equestrian center Veyle on +33 6 72 90 15 64.
On the way or returning from a walk, why not take the opportunity for a "gourmet" break with producers selling direct sales of Bresse poultry and organic beef (EARL du Laundry, contact 04 74 50 1426) or other organic farm products (EARL Biodélices, info on 09 53 48 60).
To enjoy the green surroundings and catch perch, carp or pike, the Gravière fishing site maintained by the municipality is ideal. Picnic tables are set up. Inquire at the town hall on +33 4 74 50 03 08.
