Bresse Vallons is a new commune in the Ain department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 16 km north of Bourg-en-Bresse.
Its territory of nearly 26 km² results from the merger in 2019 of the municipalities of Cras-sur-Reyssouze (around 1,500 inhabitants), to the south, and Étrez (around 800 inhabitants), to the north.
The locality is located in the heart of Bresse, a natural region bordered by the courses of the Saône to the west and the Doubs to the north, the Jura massif to the east and the Dombes to the south.
Mainly rural, even if Etrez has had a large dairy cooperative producing butter, cheese and yogurt since 1938 and a gas storage unit in old salt cavities for around thirty years, Bresse Vallons also welcomes new residents of the The agglomeration of Bourg-en-Bresse in search of a preserved living environment.
Now, there are nearly 2,400 inhabitants and its offer of cultural and "natural" leisure activities should be taken into account during a stay in the region.
In terms of heritage, the two villages still have their church. That of Cras was rebuilt in the 19th century in a neo-Romanesque style, dedicated to Pierre Chanel (1803-1841), a native of the region and then a missionary in Oceania where he died as a martyr, and who was canonized in 1954 by Pope Pius XII.
The stained glass windows have recently been restored.
On Etrez, more modest, the Saint-Martin church also benefited from renovation work (it suffered from humidity problems).
During walks in the two small towns and the surrounding countryside, we also notice farms and residences of traditional architecture or small heritage elements (fountains, wayside crosses, etc.).
The merger of the municipalities also made it possible to acquire leading cultural facilities.
In Etrez, this is the case of L'Ecrin, a "third place" open to entrepreneurs and the general public who can work there, meet there, but also benefit from activities, exhibitions and exchanges for services or tools. Information on +33 7 88 89 20 79.
In Cras-sur-Reyssouze, the L'Etincelle space was also recently inaugurated. It includes a meeting room and a modular performance hall. Several hundred spectators can be accommodated there. Contact on +33 4 74 30 90 33.
Finally, in Etrez, the festive space programs shows and community events or hosts private receptions. Inquire at the town hall on +33 4 74 25 42 08.
For this concern "nature" sports and leisure activities, in addition to a city stadium, are available on Etrez a fitness trail in a green setting which neighbors an arboretum conducive to walking in a shaded environment, ideal in summer, in particular.
A family outing can also include a communal educational apiary and, in the east of the territory, the remarkable natural area of the Bizadan Pond Marsh. Protected for biodiversity, the site announces the nearby Dombes, the marshy environments bordering the banks adjoining wooded plots. We observe a unique landscape whose appearance, fauna and flora evolve with the seasons.
On the hiking side, the Traverse greenway, a route dedicated to the discovery of Bresse built on an old railway line which linked Bourg-en-Bresse to Chalon-sur-Saône crosses the new town. This secure path is obviously reserved for pedestrians and… non-motorized vehicles.
Other loops are dedicated to mountain bikers and walkers, in addition to La Traverse, are available on Bressian bocages.
Maps and information from the town's tourist office on +33 4 74 22 49 40.
February 14 (or the following weekend), Valentine's Day race in Etrez.
The last weekend of May, vogue (patronal festival) of Cras-sur-Reyssouze.
On July 13, in the evening, giant meal in Cras-sur-Reyssouze.
The third weekend of July, village festival in Etrez.
The second Sunday in October, regional products market in Cras-sur-Reyssouze.
