Saint-Vulbas: Holiday apartments and holiday homes

Saint-Vulbas is an important ancient archaeological site. Several historical periods meet here in a confined area, between the banks of the Rhône, religious buildings and necropolises.

Culture and history

Built of stone, the Romanesque Chapelle de Marcilleux, a church near Saint-Vulbas, dates back to the 12th century; archaeologists have also identified an earlier building phase from the 10th century. The lower part of its façade contains large stone blocks from a Gallo-Roman structure. By decree of 11 March 1944, the Chapelle de Marcilleux was listed as a historic monument. It is located on the banks of the Rhône.

The church of Saint-Vulbas also dates back a long way: it was first mentioned in 813–814. The Musée du Patrimoine has three exhibition rooms.

The En Pierre Blanche site on the right bank of the Rhône in Saint-Vulbas contains part of an ancient necropolis. A second necropolis on this site, dating from the 4th century, comprises around one hundred graves. In 2016, an important Middle Neolithic necropolis dating from around 4500 BC was also excavated within the municipality. This Neolithic necropolis features ritual enclosures with palisades up to 100 metres long.

Nature

The banks of the Rhône in Saint-Vulbas form a wooded area that is to be preserved. The paths in the dry area run between patches of woodland and meadows and are equipped with benches and picnic tables. The wetland along the Rhône is crossed by natural streams and has facilities designed for walks.

The banks of the Rhône in Saint-Vulbas also preserve the remains of a Gallo-Roman stable. The landscapes of Saint-Vulbas are open to walkers and cyclists.

Paths and activities

Saint-Vulbas offers two signposted walking routes of 3 km and 10 km, as well as a fitness trail. The circular hiking route from the river landing stage to the Chapelle de Marcilleux is 5 km long. The hiking trail to the Chapelle de Marcilleux is rated as very easy and follows the banks of the Rhône without any significant difference in elevation.

From the Chapelle de Marcilleux, cyclists can follow the towpath along the Rhône to Saint-Sorlin and then join the Via Rhôna towards Geneva.

Those who choose Saint-Vulbas as their destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment. The Centre Aquatique de Loisirs on the Route de Lagnieu in Saint-Vulbas welcomes visitors all year round.

Geographical setting

Mont Falcon, Le Soyet and Mont d’Argironne are mountains in the area around Saint-Vulbas. The wider region includes Mont d’Annoisin as a mountain, Château des Allymes as a castle, Abbaye de Chassagne as a historic site and Chartreuse Notre-Dame de Portes as a monastery.

Other places: Fareins, Lélex, Attignat, Beynost, Montmerle-Sur-Saône, Châtillon-Sur-Chalaronne, Thil, Buellas

Back to the main travel overview: Ain.