Chevillard – Forest Trails and Chartreuse History

Chevillard lies amid meadows surrounded by extensive silver fir forests. The Forêt de Meyriat, hiking trails, cycling routes and the history of the Chartreuse de Meyriat offer different starting points for planning a trip. You can explore the destination through its landscapes, outdoor activities or cultural heritage.

Forest Landscapes and Nature

The 622-hectare Forêt domaniale de Meyriat lies within several municipalities, including Chevillard. It is home to protected species, including the lynx, wildcat, common buzzard, boreal owl and black woodpecker. The list therefore includes mammals and several bird species. The Sapin Président can be reached via trails in the Forêt de Meyriat. The tree is about 40 metres tall and around three centuries old; these measurements give this natural landmark a tangible scale.

The Forêt Communale de Chevillard overlaps with four protected areas. Chevillard also belongs to the Val du Borrey/Oignin (South) landscape unit, classified as «Paysages ruraux patrimoniaux». Features of this landscape unit include cattle farming and forestry, as well as pastures, wooded ridges and scattered limestone rocks. The meadows and silver fir forests describe Chevillard’s local landscape; the other features relate to the wider landscape area.

Hikes and Walks

The marked Circuit de la Correrie in the Forêt de Meyriat is suitable for families. GR, PR and local hiking trails are mapped in the Forêt Communale de Chevillard; elevation profiles and GPX downloads are also available. The elevation profiles and route data complement the trail maps with different planning aids.

Walking routes lead from Chevillard’s lanes towards Chamoise. You can choose between a loop specifically described as family-friendly, a mapped network of trails with elevation and route data, and walking options starting from the village centre.

Cycling through Chevillard

A cycling loop reaches the Col de Belleroche at an altitude of 1,056 metres. The «Plateau de Brénod, de combes en cols» loop passes through Chevillard.

Chartreuse History and Ruins

Chevillard shares the history of the Chartreuse de Meyriat with Brénod, Condamine and Vieu-d’Izenave. The village was once a hamlet of the Chartreuse. This historical connection therefore extends beyond Chevillard; the nearby ruins offer a tangible point of interest for a visit.

The ruins of the Chartreuse de Meyriat are open daily year-round and admission is free. Check the current opening hours before your visit. This lets you consider a visit to the ruins today and the broader history of the Chartreuse as two distinct aspects of the cultural heritage.

Where to Stay in Chevillard

La Haie Fleurie is a guesthouse with five rooms in a renovated former farmhouse at an altitude of 750 metres. The type of accommodation, number of rooms and elevation provide specific details to help plan your stay.

Discover more destinations: Reyrieux, Attignat, Hauteville-Lompnes, Sainte-Julie, Neuville-Sur-Ain, Lalleyriat, Mijoux, Aranc.

Return to the main travel overview: Ain.