Valromey-sur-Séran is a town in the Ain region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 18 km north of Belley.
It was created on 1 January 2019 following the merger of Belmont-Luthézieu, its seat (600), Lompnieu (115 inhabitants), Sutrieu (210 inhabitants) and Vieu (380 inhabitants), so with nearly 1,300 inhabitants in total.
As explicitly named, the territory of the vast city of 56 square kilometers belongs to the Valromey valley that runs through the hilly course of Seran, a tributary of the Rhone, connecting Upper and Lower Bugey. The new entity is dominated to the east by the massive Grand Colombier and west by the plateau of Hauteville.
Culminating at 1241 m altitude, Valromey-sur-Séran more than 1,100 hectares of forest and agricultural vocation remains strong, being also part of the appellation area of Bugey wines.
Its rich heritage (which dates to some buildings of ancient times), its green landscapes, its spectacular natural sites (waterfalls, canyons) make a pleasant step hikers, especially, enjoy in every season.
On the old town of Belmont-Luthézieu, two villages have already merged in 1974, some buildings may be included on a heritage discovery shaped path. This is the case of the Church of Luthézieu protected as historical monuments, dating to its oldest parts of the twelfth century or the Belmont church, completed in 1495, as evidenced by an inscription overcoming door.
On the civil architecture plan, Castle Hostel, notably composed of a tower of buildings and walls, it dates from the sixteenth century and the Renaissance has been preserved despite subsequent revisions. The writer Paul Claudel lived there in the early twentieth century, having married the daughter of the owners then.
We may also mention the remains of the old feudal castle of Belmont and those of the priory of Saint-Claude.
Like other entities of the new town, Belmont-Luthézieu is marked also natural sites of interest which will mark a pleasant hike. As the plate Fierloz, characterized by its cracks dug by the water (known in karst tray geology). Or gorges Thurignin (near the eponymous village), a real canyon that has dug Seran and is marked by several "giant pots", that is to say cylindrical natural cavities... Finally, do not miss the spectacular waterfall high Cerveyrieux 60 meters from where the river rushes to!
At the old town Lompnieu, Chavillieu the remains of the castle and its chapel and St Michael's church may appear in this journey of discovery.
A Sutrieu, the stage will be more consistent. historical heritage side, we must mention the St. Lawrence church is unusual in having its classified attic... natural area of ecological interest as it now is a house enjoyed protected bats. More conventional: the chapel of Saint-Maurice Charancin which houses a Madonna and child recently restored. Wash houses, typical traditional farms Bugey (seventeenth to some), a well surmounted by a statue of the Virgin still punctuate this stage, which should finally understand scenic sites on the hamlets of Charancin and Cossonod.
However, this is the astronomical observatory of the neck of the Lèbe which made the reputation of the ancient town of Sutrieu. The observatory itself has two large telescopes (500 and 600 mm), equipped filter window to track the sun but also a planetarium. Was also arranged a thematic and educational journey of 2,300 m devoted to the solar system, weather and flora, complemented by a garden with sundials. Workshops and events are regularly scheduled, in addition to meeting dedicated to observation. Open in July and August, Monday to Saturday from 11h to 18h and the rest of the year, Monday to Friday from 14 to 17h. Prices: from 4 to 15 euros (depending on the movie). Information at +33 4 79 87 67 31.
Finally, in the ancient village of Vieu, the Roman aqueduct in long underground section 400 m, restored in the nineteenth century, leading to an ornate fountain historical monument in 1840, is a must-see. It includes a sanctuary shaped cavity unearthed in the eighteenth century.
Former stronghold, with a round tower, castle Machuraz is mentioned in the twelfth century. Its facade dominates the neighboring town of Artemare. His vineyard was long cultivated by monks. The main building has been remodeled several times but remains noble and imposing.
The village has two castles reworked over time: those Montegre and La Balme. Besides the old manor house of Brillat-Savarin (a lawyer by profession but great gastronome and author of several reference books the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries).
Finally, on the religious level, Vieu has a church built in the twelfth century on the foundations of an ancient Roman temple. His novel porch dates from 1150. The choir was redesigned in the early sixteenth century and very ornate bell tower restored in 1985, which has restored its original appearance: a square tower with Romanesque windows that overlooks a tuff arrow.
The stunning Chapel of Our Lady of Populo, rebuilt on the heights of the resort, was long on the edge of an abyss where meet the waters of rivers and Arvière Groin. At this place, a sculpted work of art recalls the primitive chapel.
In terms of its heritage "nature", the capricious course and underground part of the Groin, popular with cavers, the Devil's Bridge Site (canyon), Balthazar chasm that overlooks a gazebo, to Artemare are all natural splendor due to thousands of years of "work" of the water in the rock that are as beautiful to see as dangerous to explore (except professional guides).
To understand all this natural wealth, but also benefit from views of the Alps in the south, hikes to the sometimes rough road are available. The best known is the GR Balcony of Valromey.
For all possible routes, maps and information +33 4 79 81 29 06.
Number of routes include reference in memorials to the acts and sacrifices of many resistance fighters during the last war.
To be accompanied by certified instructors and canyoning or caving, also inquire +33 4 79 81 29 06.
As for trout fishermen, the price of their reserve Seran beautiful emotions! A special adapter is required. Contact the local association in +33 4 79 81 29 06.
