Neuville-sur-Ain is a town in the department of Ain, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 23 km south-east of Bourg-en-Bresse.
Its territory of nearly 20 km² is crossed by the Ain river which constitutes its south-eastern limit and its tributary, the Suran. It belongs to the natural region of Revermont of which it is the southern tip, between Bresse and the foothills of the Jura massif.
The village was formed and developed in the Middle Ages between the meanders of the Suran and the course of the Ain, which give all its character to the locality after having helped its economic development (river port). Today, agriculture remains perennial, and Neuville-sur-Ain is still covered with forests (35%), meadows (26%) and cultivated land (31%).
Its picturesque heritage between town and hamlets and its offer of sports and "nature" leisure activities will delight lovers of green tourism passing through Neuville-sur-Ain which now has nearly 1,800 inhabitants.
Regarding the heritage of the town, several castles in the state of vestiges testify to a prosperous but tormented past, in particular because of the strategic location of Neuville-sur-Ain.
Let us quote the castle of Thol, built in the 14th century on a mound, with a quadrangular plan, with two square towers and lodgings overlooking the courtyard. The domain listed in the Inventory but which seemed ruined was bought in 2019 and is the subject of restoration work. One-off visits. Information on +33 6 85 01 15 08.
The Château de la Tour de Loriol, rebuilt in the 19th century in a heterogeneous style on medieval bases (and which has retained its keep), the ruins of the Château de Saint-André and those of the Fromente tower are also worth mentioning. These private sites cannot be visited but will punctuate a walk in the form of discovery of the locality.
The parish church of Saint-Martin in the village, the Notre-Dame chapel in the hamlet of Arthurieux, statues of the Virgin, Calvaries and crosses will also be noted on this route, which can end in the district from the old port, near the 18th century bridge over the Ain, where several houses overlooking the river have preserved beautiful facades and elements of noble and picturesque architecture at the same time. Fountains, washhouses, barns in "basket handle" are also to be admired.
Note that night walks are offered in summer to understand this varied heritage: inquire at +33 6 77 28 97 11.
In a similar register, combining history and craftsmanship, the walnut oil mill located on the 'Ain still operates in winter. It produces walnut oil, of course, but also hazelnuts or almonds and walnut wine. Open every day except Wednesdays and Sundays from January to March and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from April to December. Contact on +33 6 23 19 62 21.
On the Thol estate, a rural ecomuseum, "les vieux clous", has opened its doors. Old materials are presented from the crafts and agriculture of yesteryear. Open Wednesday and the 3rd Saturday of the month. Information on +33 7 68 42 62 70.
Finally, referring to an even more distant period, the Colombière cave overlooking the banks of the Ain, listed in the Inventory, was occupied by man during Prehistory. Archaeological excavations have brought to light engraved pebbles, tools and bones from the Upper Paleolithic, as well as a primitive lime kiln which has been restored. For more information, call +33 6 77 28 97 11.
For culture, note that the "Open book" library regularly programs events such as readings or meetings (join +33 6 42 05 45 71) and recent film screenings are offered in summer at the village hall (information on +33 6 77 28 97 11).
For athletes, in a very specific register, the practice of caving is renowned at the Rappes well (contact +33 4 74 51 81 19). Note also that you can book a tennis court from the local club on +33 6 51 52 36 94.
Fishing enthusiasts for their part have at their disposal a rich potential with the Suran (first category) and the 'Ain! Find out about the regulations and the sites developed on +33 6 77 13 82 14.
Fording on rivers (Plan Corneil in Arthurieux, fords of Planche and Saint-André), banks, wooded areas and hills announcing the Jura: for hikers, Neuville-sur-Ain is finally a very pleasant little paradise in all seasons. Some loops are also accessible to mountain bikers and join the region's greenways. Maps and information on +33 4 74 22 49 40 or +33 4 74 39 05 84.
