Curciat-Dongalon: Mills, Festivals and Traditions

Curciat-Dongalon brings together mill history and architecture, festival traditions, and fishing-related activities. These diverse highlights can help you plan your trip around your personal interests: you can learn about historic mills, consider a visit to an exhibition, or look into festival dates. For events tied to specific dates and visits with special access requirements, it is advisable to check the latest information before your trip.

Mills, walking trail and architectural history

The Moulin de la Galope is considered the oldest mill in the village of Curciat-Dongalon and was probably built in the 18th century. It operated as a grain mill until 1940. Its construction date and the end of its use mark two distinct periods in its history. The mill is on the tourist trail “la Farandole des Moul'Ain.”

The Moulin des Vernays is also on this trail. Its elongated buildings are made of brick and timber framing; the mill can only be viewed from the outside. The Moulin de Fuseret is also on the trail. It is situated on the Sâne Vive, along the road between Saint-Trivier-de-Courtes and Saint-Nizier-le-Bouchoux. If you plan to follow the trail, it is worth checking the latest information about it.

The three mills offer quite different points of interest: Galope is notable for its architectural history and former use, Vernays for its architectural style and exterior, and Fuseret for its location by the river and road. This can help you decide which aspect interests you most, without assuming that all the mills offer the same kind of visit.

Festivals and regional specialities

The Banquet des classes et les matefaims takes place on the first weekend in March. The procession follows a route from the town hall square to the war memorial and is accompanied by the Union musicale brass band. The following Sunday afternoon, crêpes are prepared for visitors to try. As details of this recurring event may vary, check the latest information about this year's edition before your trip.

The Fête de l'andouillette traditionally takes place on the first weekend in July. At this festival, andouillettes are cooked in wood-fired ovens and served at tables under a marquee. If you would like to plan around this culinary event, check the current dates and event format.

The Fête de la pêche combines a fishing competition with carp goujonnettes. Check the dates and programme in advance before planning your visit around it. Admission for visitors to the Vide-grenier de la Varna is free; check the latest visitor arrangements before travelling.

Exhibition and fishing

At the Manoir de Malmont, you can visit a permanent exhibition about the period when it was built, its architectural features, and the noble family who commissioned its construction. Confirm the visitor arrangements before your trip so you can plan your exhibition visit accordingly.

Curciat-Dongalon has two fishing waters known as “plans d’eau fédéraux,” managed by the local fishing association. If you would like to fish there, check the applicable rules beforehand. L'étang du Pont de la Varna is a 2 ha pond; check the local access and fishing rules before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Replonges, Collonges, Corbonod, Pérouges, Saint-Bois, Arbigny, Montrevel-En-Bresse, Saint-André-de-Corcy

For the wider travel overview: Ain.