Dagneux is a town in Ain, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 20 km north-east of Lyon.
Its territory of 6.6 km² is located in the natural region of the Côtière, bordered by a hill of about forty kilometers, in the south of the department, and it is crossed by the course of Cottey, on the shore right of the Rhône valley.
Created in 1829 (until then it was an entity of its neighbor Montluel), the locality has experienced a marked economic and demographic boom in recent decades linked to its proximity to the Lyon metropolis. Agricultural land and forests now represent only 42% and 15% respectively.
However, crossed by the A 42 motorway which connects Lyon to Geneva, Dagneux, which has around 4,600 inhabitants, shows a dynamism which also reflects on its leisure offer.
In terms of heritage, the old stronghold of Chiloup, built in the 14th century, is the oldest element of the town. Depending on the seigneury of Montluel, located on the road to Geneva, over the centuries it has become a more residential castle now in the form of a vast three-storey building with a square and framed tower in its center. by watchtowers. In addition, a round and crenellated tower is connected to the main building by a short gallery which was raised in the 20th century by one floor. The castle is now owned by the community and notably hosts cultural events. Information on +33 9 75 28 27 72.
Testimonies of a more recent history, can also be seen the military cemetery where nearly 20,000 German soldiers were buried after the Second World War and the memorial which perpetuates the memory of a twenty people, resistance fighters or Jews, detained at the Montluc prison in Lyon, and who were shot at Dagneux in 1944.
Finally, still in terms of heritage, the parish church of Saint-Nizier was built at the beginning of the 20th century to replace a 9th century building (then dedicated to Saint-Martin), threatening to collapse.
On the cultural side, the Salle des Bâtonnes hosts various shows throughout the year (theater, concerts): inquire at +33 4 72 25 11 80. In addition, the municipal library regularly schedules events for all audiences (readings, exhibitions, meetings): information on +33 4 78 06 43 49.
For athletes, a climbing wall and a "pumptrack" track (closed loop course with bumps and banked turns, especially dedicated to mountain biking or BMX practitioners) are available, as well as tennis courts (reservations on +33 4 78 06 09 74).
In addition, the "Onlykart" complex notably includes a 500 m in-door track for driving electric karts. Strong sensations guaranteed! Contact on +33 4 30 33 33 33.
Concerning "nature" leisure activities, Lake Neyton, which was once a very famous source, is now the heart of a green park (planted in particular with fir trees) of around twenty hectares suitable for walking and outdoor recreation (play areas). Fishermen are also welcome there (inquire at +33 4 78 06 15 95). Note, however, that swimming is not allowed. Information on +33 4 72 25 11 80.
As for hiking enthusiasts, they can take advantage of the signposted loops through the La Côtière region and its green hillsides. In addition, it is easy from Dagneux to join the long ribbon of the ViaRhôna: a cycle route following the river from Switzerland to the Mediterranean (more than 800 km). This is a formidable potential for walkers and cycle tourists against the backdrop of magnificent panoramas in all seasons. Maps and information on +33 4 72 25 78 54.
