Saint-Amour: Historic Buildings and Route 79R

Saint-Amour lies on the first slopes of the Jura Mountains and also extends into the nearby Bresse plain. The area around Saint-Amour is characterized by wooded hills, meadows and vineyards. Highlights of a stay include the historic townscape and Route 79R, which begins in Saint-Amour and leads from village to village through the Pays de Saint-Amour.

Historic Buildings and Collections

The historic townscape features tracery windows, sculpted and moulded gables, statuettes and niches dating from the 16th to the 19th century. These details give the townscape a broad historical range: it is not just about a single building, but about different architectural and decorative elements from several centuries.

The 19th-century Apothicairerie is a highlight in its own right. It is fully preserved and listed as a historic monument. Its collection comprises more than 300 vessels dating from the 16th to the 19th century. The building and its collection therefore span different historical periods. If you plan a guided tour, check the visiting arrangements in advance; conditions for guided visits may vary.

The Prisons Royales were built between 1730 and 1741. The complex includes a courtroom, the prison governor’s residence, a chapel, prison rooms and dungeons. A visit takes you through corridors and up stairways to the dungeons, and tells the story of 18th-century smugglers. Check the visiting arrangements in advance, including whether reservations are required, as the programme and reservation conditions may change.

The Tour Guillaume and the parish church also represent different aspects of the town’s history. In the 12th century, the Tour Guillaume became Guillaume de Saint-Amour’s study. The parish church has a 48-metre-high bell tower in the Comtois style and houses a reliquary containing the relics of Saint Amator, also known as Saint-Amour.

Route and Activities

The Le Pays de Saint-Amour – 79R route begins in Saint-Amour and leads from village to village through the Pays de Saint-Amour. This means the tour focuses not only on its starting point in town, but also on the wider region. As route details can change, check current trail conditions before setting out.

Other activities include the swimming pool and the City Game. The swimming pool has two pools, a volleyball court, shaded lawns and picnic tables. It is open seasonally; also check the current facilities before your visit. The City Game is an escape-room-style activity for teams of two to six people. Using clues and puzzles, participants search for a treasure in Saint-Amour. If you plan to take part, check the applicable booking conditions.

Getting There and Finding a Hotel

Saint-Amour railway station has a TER ticket machine. Station services may change, so check what is available before travelling. When looking for a hotel, consider whether the town’s architectural history, the route or a seasonal activity is most relevant to your plans. This will help you match your preferred focus for the stay with the applicable visiting and trail conditions.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Mont-Sous-Vaudrey, Le Vernois, Mérona, Menotey, Prémanon, Chambéria, Chaux-des-Crotenay, Courlans.

For the overview of the wider region: Jura.