Malafretaz: Water, Routes and Local Heritage

Malafretaz with water and trails

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Malafretaz, the activities you have planned can offer an initial guide when choosing your destination. In Malafretaz, swimming and water-based activities are just as much a focus as the various trails for outings. There are also nature-related points of interest and local history. When planning, first consider whether you would prefer to spend your days by the water, on a route, or exploring the town’s heritage. The options below differ in length, intended use and focus.

La Traverse on a former railway line

The 14 km Voie verte La Traverse runs between Attignat and Jayat through Malafretaz. It follows the route of a former railway line and is reserved for pedestrians and non-motorised vehicles. The connection between two named places gives the route a clear geographical framework. If you want to include a route with set endpoints in your plans, you can distinguish it from the circular trails around Malafretaz. Its former use as a railway line is also part of the history of this route.

Circular trails through the Bresse countryside

Around Malafretaz, there is a 200 km network of trails comprising 21 interconnected circular routes. The individual loops are between 7 and 21 km long and explore the Bresse countryside and local heritage. These figures help distinguish the entire network from an individual loop: 200 km refers to the extent of the network, while 7 to 21 km indicates the length range of the circular routes. Check maps and trail markings locally.

Water sports and swimming at La Plaine Tonique

La Plaine Tonique in Malafretaz combines swimming in the lake with the Carré Tonique aquatic centre. It has three swimming pools, two paddling pools, two slides and a water play platform. Other activities include parasailing, electric surfing, towable tube and banana boat rides, canoeing and kayaking, water skiing, and electric boats, pedal boats and catamarans. This offers a range of different water activities. Some activities may be seasonal; check seasonal opening times and supervision arrangements before travelling.

La Plaine Tonique is accessible to wheelchair users both with assistance and independently. Facilities listed include an accessible entrance, adapted reception facilities, accessible toilets and a passenger drop-off point. If specific accessibility details are important for your visit, you can confirm them in advance.

Nature-related points of interest

Malafretaz is one of the municipalities listed in the ZNIEFF Type 2 area “Basse Vallée de la Reyssouze.” In addition, the ZNIEFF Type 1 area “Île de Malafretaz” covers 37 ha. These designations offer nature enthusiasts specific points of reference alongside the water-based leisure activities and trails. They are different ZNIEFF classifications, each with its own name and type designation. You can consider the two details separately when factoring the area into your travel plans.

History and equestrian route

The historic Moulin de la Bévière stood in Malafretaz on the Reyssouze. The mill was destroyed by the Germans in 1944 during the Battle of Montrevel-en-Bresse. Local heritage also includes a confessional dating from 1800 and two stone holy water stoups, one of which contains the baptismal font. These details add a historical perspective on Malafretaz to your outing plans.

The 25 km “St Etienne sur Reyssouze – Malafretaz” route is designed for horse riders and carriage drivers and is open year-round. Its length can be compared with the 14 km Voie verte and the 7 to 21 km circular routes. However, the routes also differ in their intended use. When planning, you can therefore take both distance and activity type into account.

Discover more destinations: Ramasse, Artemare, Chaneins, Lhuis, Saint-Nizier-Le-Bouchoux, Bellegarde-Sur-Valserine, Montmerle-Sur-Saône, Villieu-Loyes-Mollon.

For the broader travel overview: Ain.