Discover Blyes

Blyes brings together a natural area on the lower Ain and the history of the former Notre-Dame-des-Anges Priory. This gives you two specific perspectives to consider when choosing your destination: the landscape of the Brotteaux de la rivière d’Ain and the cultural heritage of the priory. The lake and direct access to the A42 also offer useful points of reference when planning your stay around walks, history or travel arrangements.

Landscape and Nature

Blyes is bordered by the lower Ain. The Brotteaux de la rivière d’Ain include forests, oxbow lakes and dry meadows rich in wild orchids, extending over more than 350 hectares. The combination of meadows, woodland and oxbow lakes creates a varied natural area. For travelers interested in landscapes and plants, both the extent of the orchid meadows and the different habitat types are specific reasons to consider this aspect of Blyes when choosing a destination.

The Plan d’eau de Blyes is a quiet, green space used for walks and relaxation, making a specific activity the focus here, while the Brotteaux are characterized by their different habitats. According to a tourism brochure from 2020, there are walking and cycling routes near Blyes. If you plan to use these routes, check their conditions before setting off.

Priory and History

The former Notre-Dame-des-Anges Priory in Blyes was first mentioned in 1136; the Priory of Blyes dates from the 12th century. The Benedictine priory in Blyes was one of the few convents for women in the Ain department. This context adds an aspect of the department’s religious history to the historical perspective and gives the priory a distinctive historical significance.

The priory was built from pebbles from the Ain River. The river is therefore part of both Blyes’s landscape and the priory’s construction history.

Plan Your Visit and Journey

The former Priory of Blyes is accessible year-round but cannot be visited; it opens for events. Cultural events are held in the chapel of the former priory. If an event is important to your trip, check its date in advance.

Blyes has direct access to the A42 motorway. This is a clear point of reference if you are traveling by car; take it into account when considering your destination.

If you are looking for a hotel in Blyes, you can choose your destination based on your own travel interests: are landscape and walks your priority, or would you like to plan your stay around the history of the priory or a cultural event? This lets you decide before searching which of Blyes’s different qualities will matter most for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bény, Tossiat, Brégnier-Cordon, Cessy, Massieux, Saint-Étienne-sur-Reyssouze, Cormoranche-sur-Saône, Viriat

For the broader travel overview: Ain.