Le Poizat-Lalleyriat is a town in the Ain region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 10 km east of Nantua.
Le Poizat was a hamlet in Lalleyriat until December 1827 when it became a separate municipality. But recently, in 2016, the two entities have merged to form a new town with about 720 inhabitants.
Its territory of 33 square kilometers belongs to the historical and cultural region of Haut Bugey, in a valley bordering the Retord plateau south, whose height average is 1,000.
In the north, the area is bordered by the A40 motorway linking Macon to Passy, Haute-Savoie, via Geneva.
Until the nineteenth century, the activity remained predominantly agricultural and was doped by implanting an ice factory (to preserve food) on Lake Sylans, which covers 57 hectares northwest of the territory.
The industrial site is no longer but the lake remains a tourist attraction, in a green environment and also popular with hikers and others. In winter, Nordic skiing is also popular on the wooded heights of the town.
The church of Lalleyriat built in 1840 and that of Poizat dating back to 1830 are the most significant heritage features of the town. For who appreciates history, however, an interpretive trail consists of 21 panels was laid on Le Poizat to "find" the daily and the appearance of the village of formerly with old photos and anecdotes. A brochure is also available in Town Hall or the Tourist Office of Nantua (information on +33 4 74 75 30 14 or +33 4 74 12 11 57).
Northwest of the two towns, the Sylans natural lake reveals the jewel of the resort. Of glacial origin and the enlarged surface due to landslides having constituted a form of barrier, it is wide 49 hectares and it appears longer than wide (2 km 250 m). One of its peculiarities is to experience significant levels of seasonal variations (up to 5 meters!).
The high purity of its waters is the delight of fishermen today. In the nineteenth century, however, gave rise to an unusual industrial activity: from 1865, in the winter, the ice formed on the surface was cut, stored in buildings with walls insulated with sawdust and exported to Paris or the Cote d Riviera, especially once upgraded railway lines. In 1880, nearly 300 000 tonnes of pure ice (for drinking or food storage) were produced. This activity was abandoned after the First War when artificial ice manufacturing processes were developed. The remains of the industrial site, however, are still visible. For this former economic activity as its protected environment, the lake is a must visit point.
Other areas of the municipality as including wooded hills on the edge constituting the south of Retord tray, also give rise to beautiful hiking. Maps and information +33 4 74 12 11 57.
It is also possible to discover the unspoilt nature of the city through guided tours by specialists of fauna and flora. Outputs "picture hike" or "hiking with llamas" can also be programmed. Contact the +33 6 77 47 75 24.
In summer, paragliding on a dedicated website is possible and mountain biking are also available. Information +33 4 74 12 11 57.
In July and August, the water of Lalleyriat (wide from a few hectares) has a beach where swimming is monitored. A playground is available and the site is ready for the ride and enjoy beautiful views of the peaks and the Jura mountains. Free access. Information +33 4 74 75 30 04.
In winter, this small lake is popular for different activities when it is frozen, the lake becomes a skating rink. Sledding and Nordic skiing are also practiced. For the latter, of varied length loops are marked.
Note that in another register from April to October, in a step to Poizat-Lalleyriat, a visit to a brewery for understanding all stages of the production of beer. A discovery that ends with a tasting! Price: 6.50 euros. Information +33 4 74 12 11 57.
Finally, Izariat center, on the heights overlooking the town, south, 850 m above sea level, boasts function rooms, group accommodation and program including courses dedicated to agroforestry or well being (personal development). Sports activities are also available from May to August. Information at +33 4 28 30 00 75.