Ceyzériat is a commune in the Ain department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 8 km south-east of Bourg-en-Bresse.
Its territory of 9 km² ranges from 240 to 585 m in altitude, its "eastern" half being located on the first foothills of Revermont, that is to say the "edge" of the Jura massif.
Its environment has remained predominantly rural and verdant, made up of forests (33% of its area) and meadows (29%). The locality is also crossed by the course of the Vallière which has its source there.
The village is mentioned as early as the 11th century, and it developed at the foot of a fortified castle (now gone) belonging to the lords of Coligny. Long possession of Savoy, Ceyzériat was attached to the kingdom of France in 1601.
Nowadays, benefiting from the development of the agglomeration of Bourg-en-Bresse, the town has about 3200 inhabitants. Only a few plots still bear witness to its ancient wine-growing tradition. On the other hand, its heritage, its unspoiled mid-mountain nature and its cultural leisure offer make it a stopover of interest in the heart of Bresse, halfway between the Lyon metropolitan area and Switzerland.
The locality has a heritage of character which justifies a discovery tour. This can begin with the church of Saint-Laurent, whose construction began in 1417. The building is remarkable for its twisted bell tower, that is to say twisted or twisted at the level of the spire. Covered with tiles, it was built in the 19th century. It should also be noted that the church retains several stained glass windows from the 15th century.
As far as civil heritage is concerned, the former Maison Jacob, acquired in 1821 by the municipality, should be highlighted, and which later housed the town hall, but also a courtroom, a prison and… the school! The whole was enlarged with the "absorption" in 1877 of the Maison Blatrix.
Since 2006, modernization work has also made it possible to accommodate a house of music. On the other hand, the premises of the town hall have integrated new buildings, opposite the old town hall...
The Chartreux cellar and its vaulted rooms with imposing pillars date from 1730. Part of the upper levels serving as a hall have been preserved. In the 1990s, restoration work made it possible to make the site a house dedicated to associations.
Next, the Passerelle des Vendangeurs, built in 1874 in limestone so that winegrowers can continue to access their plots, crossed by the new railway linking Bourg-en-Bresse to La Cluse. In 2008, this unique work was moved (this time because of the TGV route) and it can be seen at the bottom of Chemin de la Peyrouse which now overlooks the last vineyard…
In the same estate, note that on the village or the hamlets, to the east, there are still a number of old typical winegrowers' houses...
The Château des Soudanières (in the hamlet of the same name), remodeled in the 19th century, the fountain with swans (19th century) and a number of wells, washhouses and fountains are also to be seen, and finally in the hamlet of Tréconnas the astonishing Pierre des Morts which served under the Old Regime as an altar to say mass to the sick (in particular the Plague) grouped together in a "sick box". This stone was later used when a coffin was transported to the cemetery...
Sheets on heritage sites are available at the town hall: information on +33 4 74 25 09 09.
On the cultural side, the festive and congress center, with its modular spaces, hosts shows and association events throughout the year. Inquire on +33 4 74 25 09 09. The media library of "L'île ô livres" program for its part readings, meetings, exhibitions, aperitifs-concerts as well as screenings of short films. Contact on +33 4 74 42 79 60.
In another area, in the northeast of the territory, at an altitude of more than 500 m, an observatory has been set up, managed by the Ain astronomy association. Observation and initiation sessions are regularly offered. Join +33 6 81 28 98 82.
On the sport side, tennis courts are available (to be reserved with the club on +33 6 66 81 44 97) and it is possible to join the outings of the mountain bike club: information on +33 4 74 30 10 65.
The bucolic landscapes of the town can be the object of pleasant equestrian rides: inquire at the Club du Cheval du Bugey on +33 4 74 25 01 93.
That said, the first slopes of the Revermont and in general the rural areas of the locality are dotted with many natural sites, which make them beautiful goals for hiking: the Faulx valley, the Compagnons de Jéhu cave, the Vallière waterfall, the forest of Tréconnas and finally the famous Roche du Cuiron which culminates at 593 m altitude. Weather permitting, in addition to the village, there are lovely views from its summit over the plain of Bresse, the Mâconnais mountains and those of Beaujolais. To the east, you can sometimes make out Mont-Blanc. Near the Conches chapel, two orientation tables help you find your way…
For hiking trails and secure circuits dedicated to mountain biking, maps and information on +33 4 74 22 49 40.
