Hauteville-Lompnes is situated on the slope of a limestone plateau at an altitude of between 800 and 1,200 metres. The beneficial properties of the dry and sunny mountain climate have been recognised since the 1920s through its designation as a “climatic resort”. The calcareous, karst-like soil allows water to seep away quickly, thereby reducing persistent dampness and fog. The Albarine flows through the municipality from north to south.
Those who choose Hauteville-Lompnes as a holiday destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Nature
Forests cover almost half of the municipality’s area; around 80 per cent of the woodland consists of fir trees. The 132-hectare Marais de Vaux wetland is located partly in Hauteville-Lompnes and partly in Cormaranche-en-Bugey. Almost 160 plant species have been recorded there, including carnivorous plants and orchids. A 900-metre-long raised boardwalk leads through the Marais de Vaux as an educational trail and is open to the public all year round.
Fishing from a boat or with a float tube is possible at the Plan d’eau des Lésines fishing lake.
Culture
Since 1971, the Centre d’Art Contemporain de Lacoux has presented solo and group exhibitions of contemporary art. The Notre-Dame church in Hauteville is believed to date from 1137; the year 1642 on the portal suggests that it was partially rebuilt. The Château d’Angeville in Lompnès was converted into a 156-bed sanatorium for women without means in 1920.
The Saint-Pierre chapel in Lompnes was apparently a subsidiary chapel of the church in Hauteville and was restored in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Notre-Dame de Mazières chapel was restored between 1878 and 1896 and houses a pilgrimage spring. Pierre d’Hauteville is a white, slightly amber-coloured limestone with a fine structure, suitable for dressing, sculpture and sawing. Since 2002, the stone has been officially registered as a local stone brand with the French Institute for Industrial Property.
The town was established on 23 August 1900 with the founding of the first health facility, Félix Mangini.
Winter Sports
The Terre Ronde alpine ski area has 10 slopes for alpine skiing and snowboarding, four drag lifts and a snow park. At the same location, there is a 52-metre-long tubing track with two banked curves, secured children’s toboggan runs and a snowshoe route offering views of the Plateau d’Hauteville.
Local Information and Getting There
The Chèvrerie La Ramaz goat farm in the hamlet of La Bertinière on the Plateau d’Hauteville offers a selection of farm-produced goat cheeses. A regular bus service on route 140 connects Tenay railway station with Hauteville-Lompnes.
