Serrières-de-Briord is a town in Ain, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 22 km south-east of Ambérieu-en-Bugey.
Its territory of 8 km² is located in the natural and historical region of Bas-Bugey, on the right bank of the Rhône, the course of which constitutes the limit with the department of Isère.
On the south of the locality, the Pernaz stream flows into the river, descending from the heights of the Graz rocks which dominate the village, at 621 m above sea level, and which constitute the southern borders of the massif of Swear.
The village developed in fact set back from the banks of the Rhône, once marshy and still dotted with ponds today.
In the 14th century, a fortified house was erected by the lord of the area, subservient to the Dauphin de Viennois, but over time, Serrières was only slightly affected by the unrest. It remains a parish then a rural commune with a preserved landscape, still today with 38% of agricultural land and 32% of land covered with forests (south of the Jura massif)!
In fact, the charm of the village (1300 inhabitants), its green environment conducive to hiking and the establishment of a campsite and a leisure center on the banks of the Rhône, with swimming area and lake dedicated to the practice of sailing, make Serrières-de-Briord a pleasant tourist stopover.
As regards the heritage, if only vestiges of the medieval stronghold of the local lord remain, some buildings and sites are nevertheless worth mentioning.
This is the case with the Saint-Pierre church, mentioned in the 12th century and which was recognized as a parish church in the 14th century. Enlarged and altered several times due to population growth, it was extensively restored in 1963 but its Romanesque-style choir was preserved and enhanced.
In the north of the territory, the Saint-Léger chapel, with a medieval base, is being restored. In addition, we can observe a washhouse dating from 1902 which is fed by a small canal derived from the stream of Pernaz, a common oven from the end of the 18th century at the place called Petit Serrières and finally, at the entrance of the village., a second wash house which has been transformed into a fountain.
Then it's time for leisure activities. They are not limited to the banks of the Rhône alone. Thus, in the picturesque valley where the Pernaz flows, a path has been laid out which allows you to go up the stream to the Chalasson waterfall, surrounded by a backdrop of limestone rocks and mosses. As for the river itself, it lends itself to the practice of canyoning. Information on +33 9 67 12 70 84 or +33 4 74 36 70 04.
On the edge of the Rhône, which offers a vast 200-hectare body of water, the Point Vert leisure center, adjacent to a campsite, includes a beach and picnic area. In season, the "Nauticlub" offers to indulge in a number of nautical disciplines (rental or initiation course): sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, canoeing or even jet-skiing. Contact on +33 4 74 36 79 75.
Fishermen or walkers can also enjoy Lake Buffières, nearby, in whose waters the cliffs are reflected...
The village itself, the lush green landforms in the east of the town and of course the banks of the Rhône are also excellent exercise grounds for hikers on foot or on two wheels. Many routes are available in the town and its surroundings, not to mention the famous ViaRhôna, dedicated particularly to cyclists, which connects Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean by following the river, i.e. a potential of hundreds of secure kilometers through sumptuous and varied landscapes… Maps and information on +33 9 67 12 70 84 or +33 4 74 36 70 04.
Finally, note that for tennis fans, it is possible to book a court with the local club on +33 4 74 88 46 79.
