Ramasse: Landscapes, Trails and Heritage

Ramasse lies on the western slopes of the Revermont range, in a valley parallel to the Suran Valley, also known as the Drom-Ramasse dry valley. When planning your trip, you can explore several distinct themes: karst landscapes and panoramas, trails for a range of activities, and chapels and historical traces of water management. The route descriptions identify different user groups and starting points; the cultural sites highlight their architectural history and specific dates in the calendar.

Landscapes between Revermont and the Suran

Part of the Revermont where Ramasse is located is known for its karst features. During heavy rainfall, columns of water can form there, locally called “tromphiaoux.” This phenomenon is associated with heavy rainfall. Another aspect of the water landscape is a drainage tunnel built in Ramasse in 1869: it diverts excess water towards the Suran Valley. Karst and the tunnel offer two distinct perspectives on water in this area: natural phenomena on the one hand and historical water management on the other.

Chapels and historical traces

The Chapelle des Conches dates from the 16th century; its roof and interior have been restored. In 1839, it was rebuilt at its original location. From its site, panoramic views extend across the Bresse and the Drom-Ramasse dry valley. Pilgrimage masses are held in the chapel on Easter Monday and Whit Monday. If these holidays are relevant to your plans, check the current arrangements before travelling. This lets you distinguish an interest in its architectural history and views from a visit on either of the two mass dates.

The Church of Saint-Julien-sur-Roche dates from the 13th century and was destroyed by fire in 1536. Its ruins have been listed as historic monuments since 1945. This makes it possible to distinguish the church’s origins, its destruction and its later protected status chronologically. Ramasse’s architectural heritage also includes the 19th-century Church of Sainte Maxime.

Trails, views and activities

The GR59 long-distance hiking trail passes through Ramasse and is used by hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders. Check the current trail conditions before setting out. The red Circuit VTT 19 is described as a mountain biking loop that circles the Drom-Ramasse dry valley. The Vallée sèche du Revermont route can start in Ramasse. These options have different stated features: the GR59 names three user groups, the Circuit VTT 19 is a cycling loop, and the Vallée sèche du Revermont route has a possible starting point.

The Plateau des Conches is a natural viewpoint with a 360-degree panorama and several hiking trails. If you want to combine views and hiking, you can find both at this named location. An astronomical observatory on the Route des Crêtes takes part in the Nuit des étoiles every summer; check the current dates in advance. Roche Cuiron, a climbing area, is also on the Route des Crêtes. Check access and climbing conditions before planning a visit.

Visitor information at the Chapelle des Conches

Information boards are available at the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Conches. The site is accessible to wheelchair users with assistance. If you plan to visit, take the need for assistance into account.

Discover more destinations: Lhuis, Villebois, Loyettes, Hautecourt-Romanèche, Pont-De-Vaux, Le Grand-Abergement, Champfromier, Lagnieu.

For the broader travel overview: Ain.