Attractions and Places To See around Lent - Top 18
Best attractions and places to see around Lent, a commune situated in the Ain department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in eastern France. It is located approximately 10 km south of Bourg-en-Bresse and 50 km north of Lyon. The Veyle river flows through the commune, which is also positioned at the gates of the Dombes region, known for its numerous ponds and birdlife. This area offers a mix of cultural sites and natural landscapes.
Best attractions and places to see around…
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Abbey of Notre-Dame des Dombes
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Brou Abbey in Bourg-en-Bresse
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Lake Bouvent
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Every year more than 180,000 visitors visit this oasis of water and greenery.
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Notre-Dame, Bourg-en-Bresse
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Saint-Pierre du Plantay church
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A very beautiful monastery complex from the Middle Ages
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The Royal Abbey of Brou was built at the beginning of the Renaissance at the request of Margaret of Austria (1480-1530), daughter of the Emperor, Duchess of Savoy, and Regent of the Netherlands. The church was intended to forever commemorate her love for her late husband, Philibert the Fair. Philibert II of Savoy died in 1504 at the Château de Pont-d'Ain at the young age of just 24 from the effects of a cold he caught while hunting.
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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!
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Lovely place with direct cheese sales! The surrounding roads are pleasant.
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Notre-Dame des Dombes Abbey, founded in the 1860s by the Cistercians. Worth the detour. Free visit to the church.
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The Saint-Pierre du Plantay church is Romanesque in style. In 2008, it was added to the list of historic monuments.
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The collegiate church of Notre-Dame, which dates back to a beautiful medieval legend, occupies a central place in the Burgische city and especially in the hearts of its inhabitants. Begun at the end of the Middle Ages, construction is not completed until 190 years later!
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This cultural monument was voted "Favorite Monument of the French" in 2014 and is a real gem of High Gothic. This group of buildings, unique in Europe, was built at the beginning of the 16th century at the request of Margaret of Austria and includes a church and three monasteries. There is also an art museum here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What cultural and historical sites can I visit around Lent?
The area around Lent offers several significant cultural and historical sites. You can explore the beautiful 19th-century Cistercian Abbey of Notre-Dame des Dombes, known for its remarkable brick style. Another must-see is Brou Abbey in Bourg-en-Bresse, a gem of High Gothic architecture from the early 16th century. Additionally, the collegiate church of Notre-Dame, Bourg-en-Bresse, and the Romanesque Saint-Pierre du Plantay church are also notable.
Are there family-friendly attractions near Lent?
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Lake Bouvent is a great choice, offering a beach, swimming, picnic areas, water sports, and playgrounds for children. The Abbey of Notre-Dame des Dombes is also considered family-friendly, with its free-to-visit church and atrium, and a local produce shop.
What natural features can I explore around Lent?
Lent is situated at the gates of the Dombes region, which is renowned for its numerous ponds and rich birdlife, offering excellent opportunities for nature appreciation. The Veyle river also flows through the commune, adding to the natural landscape. For recreational activities, Lake Bouvent provides an oasis of water and greenery with a beach and various water sports.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Lent?
The area around Lent is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, hiking, and general cycling. For instance, there are easy to moderate hiking trails like 'The 11 ponds from Saint-Nizier-le-Désert' or 'Roman Bridge loop from Étang des Petites Parquières'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'La Bisou Route' or 'Dombes Estate loop'. You can find more detailed information on these activities in the dedicated guides for Road Cycling Routes around Lent, Hiking around Lent, and Cycling around Lent.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels near Lent?
Yes, the hiking trails around Lent cater to various skill levels. You can find easy loops like the 'Roman Bridge loop from Étang des Petites Parquières' (5.5 km) or more moderate options such as 'The 11 ponds from Saint-Nizier-le-Désert' (12.4 km) and 'Remarkable Oaks in the Dombes' (15.4 km). These trails allow you to explore the natural beauty of the Dombes region. For more details, refer to the Hiking around Lent guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Lent for outdoor activities?
Given the region's natural features like ponds and rivers, and the availability of hiking and cycling routes, spring, summer, and early autumn are generally ideal for outdoor activities around Lent. During these seasons, the weather is typically pleasant for exploring the Dombes region, enjoying Lake Bouvent, and visiting the abbeys.
Can I find places for swimming near Lent?
Yes, Lake Bouvent is a popular spot for swimming. It features a dedicated beach area and is well-equipped for various water sports and recreational activities, making it a great place to cool off during warmer months.
What makes the Dombes region, near Lent, special?
The Dombes region, at the entrance of which Lent is situated, is particularly special for its unique landscape characterized by an abundance of ponds. This environment supports rich birdlife, making it a significant area for nature observation and a haven for various species. Historically, these ponds were also central to the region's agriculture and fishing.
Are there any religious sites to visit in the vicinity of Lent?
Yes, the area is home to several notable religious buildings. The Abbey of Notre-Dame des Dombes is a beautiful 19th-century Cistercian abbey. Additionally, the magnificent Brou Abbey in Bourg-en-Bresse is a significant religious and architectural complex. Within Lent itself, the Église Saint-Germain is a notable feature, and the Romanesque Saint-Pierre du Plantay church is also nearby.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Lent?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical and natural beauty. The architectural grandeur of sites like Abbey of Notre-Dame des Dombes and Brou Abbey in Bourg-en-Bresse is highly rated. The recreational opportunities at Lake Bouvent, with its beach and water sports, are also very popular, especially for families. The overall charm of the French countryside and the unique landscape of the Dombes region also contribute to a memorable experience.
Are there opportunities for cycling around Lent?
Absolutely. Lent and its surroundings offer a variety of cycling opportunities, from leisurely tours to more challenging road cycling routes. You can find routes like 'Abbey of Notre-Dame des Dombes – Picnic Area by La Dombes Lake loop' or 'Bike loop from Certines'. These routes allow you to explore the picturesque landscapes of the Dombes. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, check the Road Cycling Routes around Lent and Cycling around Lent guides.
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