Discover Montréal-La-Cluse: mural art, history and trails

When visiting Montréal-La-Cluse, you can choose from a range of themes: mural art and architectural history, trails along a river, or Lac de Nantua as a landscape destination. These themes differ considerably—from a precisely located mural to trails with different features and conditions.

Mural Art and Architectural History

The Fresque de la Cluse « Monet » is a permanent public mural covering an area of 190 m². It is located at Place de la Cluse, at the corner of rue du Jura and rue de Savoie. Alain Locatelli and Camille Semelet created the work, which depicts two paintings by Claude Monet: « Au bord de l’eau, Benencourt » from 1868 and « Baigneurs à la grenouillère » from 1869. Its exact location and the two works depicted give art enthusiasts a clear point of interest for a stay in Montréal-La-Cluse.

The Église Saint-Maurice brings together several historical building phases. It was built in the second half of the 13th century; its bell tower dates from the 17th century and was rebuilt in 1830. The church also includes a chapel dating from the 15th century. A coat of arms bearing the year 1643 is carved into a door lintel. The dates mentioned therefore span from the medieval church building to a specific date on the structure.

To reach the J.B. Delilia Mausoleum, walk from the church along rue de l’Egalité. Before the ascent to the cemetery, a sign points to the right; as local signs may change, follow the signposts on site. Joseph Bernard Delilia de Crose rests in the mausoleum. He is considered the first representative from Bugey elected to the National Assembly of 1789. The Habitat du Landeron is also part of the area's history: this extensive Gallo-Roman settlement complex in Montréal-La-Cluse was inhabited and altered between the 1st and 4th centuries.

Lake and Trails

Lac de Nantua is a glacial lake surrounded by high limestone cliffs. It has been classified as a protected landscape since 1936; in 2018, it was designated an « espace naturel sensible » by the Ain Department. The Pré Cadgène area in Montréal-La-Cluse, beside Lac de Nantua, has a grassy beach, parking spaces and picnic tables. These details help connect the landscape theme with a specific area and the facilities listed there.

The Voie douce du Lange connects Oyonnax and Nantua and can be accessed via parking areas in Montréal-La-Cluse. The level shared-use path is three metres wide and intended for pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders. It is also suitable for pushchairs and people with reduced mobility. The Voie douce du Lange is open daily year-round and free to access; check the latest operating information before your trip.

Les voiles du Landeyron follows a different route: the trail starts at the car park on Chemin du Mont, opposite the collège in Montréal-La-Cluse, and follows the river past a series of cascades and pools. After 1.9 km, the trail crosses a ford; there are also viewpoints and four information panels. The landscape includes several pools known as « marmites » and a series of cascades. At −15 °C, one of the cascades freezes, forming the Voile du Landeyron. After heavy rain, the ford may be impassable—take this condition into account when planning your trip.

The two trails differ primarily in the features described: the Voie douce du Lange is level and described as accessible, while Les voiles du Landeyron follows a river and features cascades and a ford. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between a shared-use path with specified user groups and a trail with natural features and a ford condition that must be taken into account.

Discover more destinations: Trévoux, Jujurieux, Blyes, Francheleins, Chanay, Thoissey, Artemare, Bourg-En-Bresse.

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