Fareins: Frescoes, Park and Saône Landscape

Fareins lies on the edge of the Dombes Plateau and the Saône river plain. To the west, the municipality borders the river for 3.8 kilometres. Art history, a château park, seasonal cultural events, and walking and cycling routes offer a range of ways to enjoy a stay. When planning, the time of year and the visitor arrangements for Parc du Château Bouchet are also important.

Frescoes at Château de Fléchères

At Château de Fléchères, the painter Pietro Ricchi created a series of frescoes in several rooms in 1632. These include the hall depicting the Labours of Hercules, the Parade Room and the Château Room, the Perspectives Room, the Chamber of Virtues and the Antechamber of the Hunts. The series has no comparable counterpart in France. The term “series” is particularly apt here: the paintings are not confined to a single hall but span a number of named rooms in the château.

For practical directions: Château de Fléchères is two minutes from the Fareins - Grelonges stop on shuttle bus route 113. The route connects Belleville-sur-Saône with Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or. As routes and stop arrangements may change, check the connection before travelling.

Parc du Château Bouchet and visitor arrangements

Parc du Château Bouchet covers 5 hectares. It is home to 13 tree species notable for their rarity and size. The park also features a windmill, an ice house, bridges and a dovecote. These remarkable trees and several architectural features come together to shape the character of the park.

Parc du Château Bouchet is open to the public at weekends. Groups can visit during the week by appointment; admission is free. Before your visit, check the latest opening hours and group-visit arrangements, as these practical details may change.

Dovecotes and historic architectural forms

The Pigeonnier des Mouilles is the region’s only freestanding dovecote and has been converted into a dwelling. In the past, it was equipped with a revolving ladder and clay pots set into the walls as nesting places. The building thus reflects two distinct periods: its former use as a dovecote and its conversion into a dwelling.

Cultural events in summer and winter

In summer, the ArtFareins Biennale, dedicated to contemporary sculpture, takes place in Parc du Château Bouchet. In winter, Fareins hosts the Jazz à Fareins Festival. The two events offer different seasonal cultural highlights: sculpture in the park in summer and jazz in winter. If you are planning your trip around one of the festivals, check the specific event dates.

On foot or by bike

The circular walking route “Fléchères via the towpath from Beauregard” passes the Pigeonnier du Gourlas and then continues to the centre of Fareins. The L'Ain à Vélo – Le Val de Saône cycling route runs from Saint-Bernard to Fareins, with a visit to the 17th-century Château de Fléchères. The routes therefore have different focuses: the circular walking route continues to the town centre, while the cycling route is linked to a visit to the château. Check the cycling route before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Segny, Prévessin-Moëns, Montrevel-En-Bresse, Montluel, Béligneux, Confort, Chanoz-Châtenay, Bourg-En-Bresse.

For the broader travel guide: Ain.