Attractions and Places To See around Outriaz - Top 20

The region around Outriaz boasts several stunning natural features. You can visit Lake Nantua, a glacial lake known for its sapphire and emerald colors, perfect for a scenic walk. Other notable natural sites include the dramatic Gorges du Fier, the picturesque Cascade de la Queue de Cheval, and the scenic Col de la Faucille, offering rewarding views.

Yes, the area is rich in history and culture. Explore the Cerdon Caves, an archaeological site with insights into the Magdalenian period, or the beautifully restored medieval St Alban Church, which offers a lovely view over Cerdon. Further afield, you can discover the Brou Royal Monastery in Bourg-en-Bresse, the medieval walled town of Pérouges, or the Voltaire Chateau in Ferney-Voltaire.

For families, the Cerdon Caves offer an engaging experience with their prehistoric amusement park aspect. Lake Nantua is also a great spot for a family walk or picnic. The region also features various waterfalls like Les cascades du Haut-Bugey, which can be fun for children to explore.

The region around Outriaz is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, cycling, and gravel biking. For example, there are challenging cycling routes over Rochette Pass and Belleroche Pass. You can explore various trails, including the 'Marais en Jarine loop' for MTB or the 'Lake Nantua – View of Lake Nantua loop' for gravel biking. Find more details on specific routes in the MTB Trails around Outriaz, Cycling around Outriaz, and Gravel biking around Outriaz guides.

Absolutely. The region is known for its mountain passes that offer challenging climbs. The Belleroche Pass, for instance, involves a 12-kilometer climb with a maximum gradient of 9% to reach 1,056 meters above sea level. The Rochette Pass also provides a scenic and uncrowded climb with good asphalt. These routes offer rewarding views for dedicated cyclists.

Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The stunning colors of Lake Nantua and its pleasant walking opportunities are frequently mentioned. Cyclists enjoy the uncrowded and scenic climbs of passes like Rochette Pass. The historical significance and restoration efforts of sites like St Alban Church also receive positive feedback.

Yes, you can visit Les glacières de Sylans, which are historic ice houses offering a glimpse into past technologies. Additionally, the Ruins of the Chartreuse de Meyriat in Vieu-d'Izenave provide a historical point of interest from a Carthusian monastery built in 1116. For those interested in local crafts, La Cuivrerie de Cerdon is a museum dedicated to copper work.

The region is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through autumn. For cycling and wheel-skiing on passes like Belleroche Pass, May until the end of October is often recommended. Winter offers opportunities for snow sports at the Station des Plans d'Hotonnes on the Plateau de Retord.

Beyond historical sites, you can explore museums such as La Cuivrerie de Cerdon, dedicated to copper work, or the Museum Silks Bonnet in Jujurieux, which showcases the history of silk. These offer a deeper dive into the region's industrial and craft heritage.

Absolutely. The medieval walled town of Pérouges, designated as one of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages,' is a must-visit for its charm. Bourg-en-Bresse, with its cathedral and town center, and Belley, with its historic center, are also worth exploring. Crémieu is notable for having some of the most extensive medieval ramparts in France.

While a small village, Outriaz features a charming central square with a fountain and a large covered area (préau) where local activities and festivals are held. It also has its own chapel, contributing to the village's quiet, traditional atmosphere. It serves as a peaceful base for exploring the wider region.

For breathtaking vistas, the mountain passes like Rochette Pass and Belleroche Pass offer rewarding scenery after a climb. The St Alban Church also provides a lovely view over Cerdon. Additionally, the Col de la Faucille is known for its panoramic views.