Massignieu-De-Rives on Lac du Lit au Roi

Massignieu-De-Rives lies on Lac du Lit au Roi, an extension of the Rhône. The harbour and cycling are central to the area: the harbour has 125 moorings and is right next to the ViaRhôna. The Boucle des deux rives du Rhône cycling loop also starts at the harbour. This brings together different interests when planning your trip, without suggesting that the waterside setting, cycling route and local history offer the same experience. When choosing a stay based on these themes, it is worth considering the specific differences between the landscape, cultural and food-and-drink offerings.

By the lake, with views of the landscape

Its location on Lac du Lit au Roi gives Massignieu-De-Rives a clear connection to the water. The varied topography, with numerous viewpoints, adds to this: from there, you can see the contours of Bugey and Savoy, as well as the Rhône Valley. This means the setting offers more than just the lakeshore, with a variety of landscapes to take in. When deciding where to stay, you can consider whether you are primarily interested in the harbour and cycling route, or whether you would also like to include the viewpoints and surrounding terrain in your plans.

The figure of 125 moorings gives an idea of the size of the harbour. If its capacity is important to your plans, check the latest harbour information. The location is also specific for cyclists: the ViaRhôna runs right next to the harbour, while the Boucle des deux rives du Rhône starts there.

A cycling loop by distance and route

The Boucle des deux rives du Rhône is just under 20 kilometres long, has no elevation gain and runs almost entirely on cycle paths. These three features can be considered separately: the distance, the lack of elevation changes and the proportion of the route on cycle paths. As route details may be updated, check the current route before setting off.

The connection with the harbour is also useful for orientation: the cycling loop starts there, and the ViaRhôna runs right next to the harbour. If you include a ride in your travel plans, you can look specifically for the loop described here and take its distance, elevation profile and route into account.

Buildings and local history

The former presbytery lies along the route from the harbour towards the hamlet of Ecrivieux. It is in the Renaissance style and features stepped gables, mullioned windows and accolade openings. The surviving remains of the Château des Ecrivieux include a tower with a spiral staircase, mullioned windows and a large hall with a French-beam ceiling. These architectural features offer tangible points of connection to the history of the area.

In the 14th century, a castle was the seat of the lordship of Ecrivieux. The Church of Saint Martin was built and incorporated part of the former church in Ecrivieux. The Chapel of Saint Roch contains a small oratory dedicated to Notre Dame du Bon Secours, dating from 1930. These buildings represent different periods in local history; their dates span the medieval lordship, the 19th-century church and the 20th-century oratory.

Smaller landmarks also tell stories of past uses. The Lavoir des Ecrivieux in the hamlet of La Poissonnière was supplied by a spring that fed the trout reserve of the lord of Rochefort. The stone Fontaine Paccard served as a fountain and watering trough for livestock. Along with the former presbytery and the surviving castle remains, these places offer a different perspective on Massignieu-De-Rives than the harbour: here, the focus is on architectural features, religious history and former everyday uses.

Wine and seasonal fruit picking

Local food-and-drink offerings include wine and pick-your-own produce. EARL Caveau Dufour produces red and white Bugey wines. The vineyards of Caveau Quinard have been farmed organically since 2010, and free wine tastings are offered there. At La Planche, you can pick red fruit straight from the garden. The offerings are distinct: wine tasting and winemaking alongside a seasonal fruit-picking experience.

Pick-your-own produce is seasonal. As product offerings, tasting arrangements and picking options may change, check the latest information when planning a visit. This will help you include the wine and fruit-picking experiences in your plans without conflating them with the harbour, cycling loop or cultural heritage.

Discover more destinations: Valeins, Champfromier, Lhuis, Grilly, Chézery-Forens, Lompnieu, Hauteville-Lompnes, Oncieu.

For the main travel overview: Ain.