Ambronay: Abbey, Music and Heritage

Ambronay appeals to travelers who want to shape their stay around history, architecture or music. The abbey and its church, traces of the fortifications, a museum and the festival offer different cultural highlights. A monthly market and activities on the water are also part of what the town has to offer.

Abbey, Church and Music

The Abbey of Ambronay was founded around the year 800 by Saint Barnard. He was a former officer of Charlemagne who became a monk. The Church of Notre-Dame in the former abbey contains architectural elements from the 13th and 15th centuries. Thus, both the abbey's early history and two centuries far apart in time shape its historical character.

Music is also connected with the town. Since 1980, the Ambronay Festival has celebrated early and Baroque music. Its program includes concerts and performances featuring Baroque music, world music and improvised music, as well as music shows for families. Those interested in a particular genre will find a broad range here, rather than a festival focused exclusively on Baroque music. The musical styles listed offer a clear guide to the festival's cultural focus.

Fortifications and Local History

Fort Sarrazin consists of the remains of a fortified military structure. It was built by order of the Count of Savoy and destroyed in 1330. Another trace of the history of the fortifications is the Porte de la Gargouille: it is the only surviving one of the three historic town gates. In Ambronay, the remains of a military structure and a surviving town gate thus represent different aspects of local history. Ambronay is also recognized as a “Site Patrimonial Remarquable” (Remarkable Heritage Site).

Museum and Monthly Market

The Musée Mémoires d'Autrefois displays 3,800 objects relating to the history of former occupations and traditional craft skills. The collection thus has a different focus from the historic buildings: it centers on the history of occupations and crafts. The museum offers a direct way to explore the activities and skills that shaped working life in the past.

The monthly market is held on the first Sunday of each month. It highlights short supply chains, local producers and craftspeople. If you want to plan your visit around a market day, check the current calendar in advance.

Routes and Waters

At the Base de loisirs de Longeville, canoe trips on the Ain River are offered on five routes of 7, 14, 18, 24 or 32 kilometers. The shortest and longest routes differ by 25 kilometers; the three other distances provide options in between. This lets you compare the available options by distance. Operating details may vary seasonally, so it is worth checking before your planned trip.

The en Rebattey body of water covers 20 hectares, of which 14 hectares are water. It is a meeting place for anglers and walkers. Together with the canoe trips on the Ain, it illustrates the difference between a selection of set river routes and a body of water used for fishing and walking.

Discover more destinations: Le Grand-Abergement, Aranc, Loyettes, Jasseron, Vescours, Reyrieux, Champagne-En-Valromey, Druillat.

For the broader travel overview: Ain.