La Boisse: Nature, Hiking Trail and History

La Boisse offers several different attractions for a stay: a wetland area, the Sereine, a named hiking trail and historic religious buildings. If you are looking for a hotel in La Boisse, you can first consider whether nature, a hike or local history will be the focus of your trip. These themes offer different ways to explore the area, from a walk in the park to a 13-kilometre route and buildings with a history of their own.

Wetland, River and Nature

The Boisement humide de la Boisse wetland is a ZNIEFF Type I site. This classification comes from the second edition of the ZNIEFF inventory, published in 2007. The area has numerous streams, springs and seepage points. They create damp conditions for species that prefer shade and moisture. For nature enthusiasts, the focus is a habitat shaped by water sources and shady, damp conditions.

The Sereine is a Category 2 river that runs through La Boisse before flowing into the Miribel Canal. Together, the river running through the town and the wetland shaped by water sources represent different connections with nature in La Boisse: one follows a river to its outlet, while the other focuses on a damp habitat.

Walks and Hiking Trail

Parc du Prieuré is suitable for walks and is also the starting point for the “Du plateau de La Boisse aux hauteurs de Montluel” hiking trail. The route is 13 km long and intended for daily use throughout the year. Check trail conditions before setting out. This distinguishes two different ways to plan your outing: walks in the park and a hiking route with a specified distance.

If you would like to plan a specific hike during your stay, you can use the trail’s 13 km distance as a guide. Its starting point at Parc du Prieuré places the beginning of the route in La Boisse; its intended year-round use should be distinguished from the conditions on the day of your visit. A walk in the park and a hike therefore call for different schedules and distance plans, and should not be combined into a single circuit.

Historic Routes and Religious Buildings

A former Roman road from Lyon to Geneva ran through La Boisse along the hillside, following what is now Chemin Henri IV. This historic transport route adds another link to the town’s past alongside its buildings: the former road is among the named historic features, as are its churches and chapels.

In 984, the Église Notre-Dame de l’Assomption belonged to the Church of Lyon and is located near the former priory of La Boisse. Guided tours are offered during Heritage Days; visits can be arranged by request outside those days. Check visiting conditions before you arrive if you are planning a visit.

The Chapelle Saint-Alban was built near a spring associated with a pilgrimage that has existed since ancient times. It is a Romanesque barn-type chapel: its double-pitched roof is covered with Roman tiles, and its architecture includes a basket-handle-arched porch. The chapel is notable for its architectural form and its connection to pilgrimage, while the Église Notre-Dame de l’Assomption can be understood through its dated ownership history and proximity to the former priory.

Local Produce

Les Casiers d’Amandine is a vending machine selling local agricultural products. Its operation and product selection may change; check availability if you are planning a specific visit. This makes it a separate stop for local products to include in your stay, apart from walks, the hiking trail and historic sites.

Discover more destinations: Priay, Prévessin-Moëns, Jayat, Bourg-Saint-Christophe, Segny, Reyrieux, Jassans-Riottier, Saint-André-de-Corcy

For the regional travel overview: Ain.