Hauteville-Lompnes between winter sports and nature

Hauteville-Lompnes lies on the slope of a limestone plateau at an altitude of 800 to 1,200 metres. Its visitor attractions offer a range of experiences: Terre Ronde has alpine winter sports, while the Marais de Vaux has an educational trail through a wetland. There is also contemporary art, historic buildings and a local stone tradition. If you are looking for a hotel in Hauteville-Lompnes, you can first decide which of these aspects you want to shape your stay.

Landscape and location

The dry, sunny mountain climate has been recognised with the “climatic resort” designation since the 1920s. Geology also shapes the landscape: the limestone, karst-like ground allows water to drain quickly, reducing persistent damp and fog. Forests cover almost half of the municipality; around 80 percent of the woodland consists of fir trees. The Albarine crosses the municipality from north to south.

The Marais de Vaux is another place to observe nature. This 132-hectare wetland lies partly in Hauteville-Lompnes and partly in Cormaranche-en-Bugey. Almost 160 plant species have been recorded there, including carnivorous plants and orchids.

Winter sports and time outdoors

The Terre Ronde alpine ski area has ten runs for alpine skiing and snowboarding, four drag lifts and a snowpark. Facilities at the site also include a 52-metre tubing run with two banked turns, designated children’s sledging areas and a snowshoe trail with views of the Plateau d’Hauteville. The different facilities cater to different activities; the tubing run and snowshoe trail are separate options alongside the ski runs.

Another outdoor option is the Plan d’eau des Lésines fishing pond, where fishing is possible from a boat or with a float tube.

Experience nature

At the Marais de Vaux, a 900-metre-long raised boardwalk forms an educational trail through the wetland. It is open to the public year-round. Its elevated construction and educational purpose set it apart from an ordinary walking path: it leads through the wetland and connects the landscape with information about this natural environment.

The view of the Marais complements the expansive forest landscape with a clearly defined habitat. The almost 160 recorded plant species illustrate its diversity, which includes orchids and carnivorous plants. Those planning a trip around nature will find specific points of interest here: the boardwalk, the wetland and the plant species described.

Art and history

The Centre d’Art Contemporain de Lacoux has presented solo and group exhibitions of contemporary art since 1971. A solo exhibition focuses on a single artistic practice, while a group exhibition brings together several. The centre therefore offers access both to individual artists and to a range of artistic perspectives.

The architectural history also spans different periods. The Church of Notre-Dame in Hauteville is believed to date from 1137; the date 1642 on the portal suggests it was partly rebuilt. The Chapel of Saint-Pierre in Lompnes appears to have been a subsidiary chapel of the church in Hauteville and was restored in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Chapel of Notre-Dame de Mazières was restored between 1878 and 1896 and houses a pilgrimage spring.

Another historic site is the Château d’Angeville in Lompnès, which was converted in 1920 into a sanatorium with 156 beds for women without means. The town was established on 23 August 1900 with the creation of the first healthcare facility, Félix Mangini. These dates mark different developments in local history, from the buildings to the establishment of healthcare services.

Local stone and regional products

Pierre d’Hauteville is a white limestone with a slight amber hue and a fine texture. It is suitable for carving, sculpture and sawing. Since 2002, Pierre d’Hauteville has been officially designated as a local stone brand by the French National Institute of Industrial Property. The material, its craft uses and its designation each tell a different part of the local stone story.

Regional produce also includes the Chèvrerie La Ramaz goat farm in the hamlet of La Bertinière on the Plateau d’Hauteville. It offers a selection of goat cheeses made on the farm. If you are planning a visit, check visiting arrangements in advance.

Getting there and planning your trip

A regular bus service on route 140 connects Tenay station with Hauteville-Lompnes. As transport services and routes can change, check the current timetable before travelling. This lets you take the connection into account when planning your journey without relying on a particular departure time.

When choosing a hotel in Hauteville-Lompnes, it helps to consider the focus of your trip: Terre Ronde is associated with winter sports, the Marais de Vaux with a natural environment and educational trail, while art and architectural history offer further themes for your stay. These places and activities help make your choice of travel focus more specific, without requiring a particular type of hotel.

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Go to the main travel overview: Ain.