The best cycling routes around Meximieux

Posafol dovecote, 16th century

It was erected in the 15th century. Originally, it was just a modest oratory (half the size of the current chapel). At that time, Philip of Savoy fell from his horse near the site where the chapel was later built. His wife, Margaret of Bourbon, fearing for his life, vowed to build an oratory and a church in Brou if he survived. He recovered, but sadly, his wife died in 1483. It was therefore his second wife, Claudine de Brosse, also known as Claudine de Bretagne Penthièvre, who had the chapel built on the spot where her husband had his accident. Initially, it was a small oratory: a ribbed vault without any openings. It was Margaret of Austria, daughter-in-law of Margaret of Savoy, who fulfilled the second vow. In 1867, the chapel was enlarged and looted. A statue of the mother and child, which had been placed in a niche on the facade, was replaced by a painting. https://www.saintejulie.fr/chapelle-notre-dame-de-lorette/

Located below the Château du Mollard, the Areymont spring was developed in 1838 with several basins and a large covered wash house, separated by the road. The nearby wayside cross dates from the 18th century. The Château du Molard, near the Place de la Halle, was built in the 16th century by the de la Forest and Paquelot families. The low arch of the entrance gate bears the date 1574 alongside the coats of arms of the two families. The Crozet family added a tower topped with a tall, pointed roof and two wings in 1878. https://patrimoines.ain.fr/n/saint-sorlin-en-bugey/n:393#:~:text=Le%20ch%C3%A2teau%20du%20Molard%2C%20pr%C3%A8s,et%20deux%20ailes%20en%201878.

The site features the remains of fortifications dating from the 11th to the 19th centuries. The former castle of the Lords of Loyes (ruins of the Château de la Pie), the modern castle, the formal garden, and the kitchen garden are all visible. In the 18th century, major work was carried out on the Château de Loyes, but a fire destroyed the tops of the towers and the roof. In 1840, renovations were undertaken, including the construction of outbuildings, a woodshed/cellar, and stables. At the end of the 19th century, a church was built, dividing the castle mound in two. The castle entrance was modified at the end of the 19th century, along with the neo-Gothic wall. The garden, originally laid out in the early 18th century, was modernized by Luizet and Barret at the end of the 19th century; a landscaped garden was added to the formal garden. The castle mound is accessible via a footpath. Inside, a 17th-century staircase with ramps is adorned with the coats of arms of its various owners, painted in the 19th century. https://pop.culture.gouv.fr/notice/merimee/PA01000030

A beautiful 19th-century Cistercian abbey built in a remarkable brick style. Don't hesitate to make a short detour to see it. The church and atrium are free to visit. It is closed on Tuesdays. A local produce shop is located at the entrance to the abbey, featuring cheeses and apple products made on the abbey farm—a great way to recharge your batteries!

Lovely place with direct cheese sales! The surrounding roads are pleasant.

beautiful town with everything a touring biker needs

Very beautiful medieval city. The village of my childhood. Absolutely taste the pancakes! 😉🍰