Collonges: Between the Rhône, the Jura and Heritage

Collonges stretches between the Rhône and the Jura: the commune’s territory runs from the riverbanks to the peaks of the Jura. When looking for a hotel in Collonges, you’ll find several distinct points of interest to consider: a historic bridge, traces of former fortifications, a protected natural area and local activities. As you plan your trip, you can decide whether you’re most interested in architectural history, wildlife watching or a group puzzle-solving experience.

Pont Carnot: bridge and historic Rhône crossing

Pont Carnot is an approximately 100-metre-long arched bridge with three spans between Collonges and Chevrier. It opened in 1873; its name commemorates its designer, Marie François Sadi Carnot. At the ends of the parapet are sheltered recesses that also serve as viewpoints. The bridge’s design and dimensions give it a distinctive profile, while its history is linked to the crossing of the Rhône.

Opposite Pont Carnot stood the ruins of Château d’Ecorans. The castle once defended the Rhône crossing, which was then made by ferry. This brings two different aspects of crossing the river together: the castle’s historic defensive role and the bridge, which opened in 1873. The references to the ferry and the defence relate to past use, not present-day transport conditions.

Church and castle ruins in Collonges

The church in Collonges incorporates the walls of a former fortified house. Its outer walls are more than 1.50 metres thick, and an arrow slit remains intact. These architectural details tell the story of an earlier fortification within the village, without requiring you to rely solely on a name or a date.

The protected painting “Saint Athanase?” is housed in Saint-Théodule Church. Another historical landmark is the ruins of Château de Livron, located above Ecorans on Mont-Livron. They were historically associated with the De Livron family. Together, these places reveal different aspects of Collonges’ heritage: surviving parts of a fortified house, a protected painting and castle ruins with a family history passed down through the years.

Marais de l’Etournel and wildlife watching

The Marais de l’Etournel is a natural area designated as an ENS, on the banks of the Rhône. It lies within the territory of Collonges and Pougny, at Pont Carnot. An accessible path is provided for watching migratory birds. The nature reserve, its riverside setting and birdwatching offer a distinct reason to visit alongside the area’s architectural and local history. If wildlife watching is a priority when choosing a hotel, the Marais is a specific point of reference for your plans.

Activities and visits by appointment

Loisirs G’events offers escape games in Collonges, which can be played independently or with a host. Murder mystery parties are also available, with or without actors. The two formats therefore differ both in the type of game and in whether actors are involved. You can use this information to decide which experience you’d like to look into further, without assuming a particular group size or suitability.

There is one clear practical requirement for visiting the “LA GESSIENNE” distillery: visitors are received by appointment. The distillery is located at 250 Rue de l’Etournelle in Collonges. Plan your visit in advance and make an appointment.

Another option is the Escape Game Apéro “Chapitre 1: RECRUTEMENT”. It combines a take-away food and puzzle experience with a collection option in Collonges. As details of the offer may change, check the collection arrangements in advance. This helps distinguish permanent features and activities in the area from an offer whose details may change.

Discover more destinations: Massignieu-De-Rives, Journans, Vonnas, Lalleyriat, Lhuis, Blyes, Grilly, Miribel

For the regional travel overview: Ain.