Saint-Vulbas: Heritage and Rhône Routes

Saint-Vulbas combines a significant archaeological heritage with Rhône landscapes and routes for walks and cycle rides. When choosing a destination, you can choose between historic buildings, archaeological sites and outdoor activities. The town’s history stretches from Neolithic burial sites and Gallo-Roman traces to medieval buildings; the routes and natural areas offer a distinct focus alongside these.

Heritage in Saint-Vulbas

The Romanesque Chapelle de Marcilleux stands on the banks of the Rhône. It dates from the 12th century; large stone blocks from a Gallo-Roman structure are set into the lower part of its façade. Archaeologists have also identified an earlier building phase from the 10th century. The chapel therefore brings together several layers of history: the earlier building phase, the Romanesque chapel and the Gallo-Roman origins of the large blocks. It was designated a historic monument by decree on 11 March 1944.

Saint-Vulbas church also has an early history: it was first mentioned in 813–814. The Musée du Patrimoine has three exhibition rooms. The chapel, church and museum offer different points of interest when planning the cultural focus of your stay.

Archaeological sites and traces of the past

Saint-Vulbas is a significant ancient archaeological site. At En Pierre Blanche, on the right bank of the Rhône, lies part of an ancient necropolis. A second necropolis on the same site, dated to the 4th century, contains around a hundred graves. The approximate number indicates the scale of this burial site without presenting it as an exact count.

Another period of prehistory came to light in 2016 within the commune: a significant Middle Neolithic necropolis dating to around 4500 BC. The Neolithic necropolis features ritual enclosures with palisades up to 100 metres long. The sites thus span the distant Neolithic past through to the ancient necropolises, highlighting the different historical periods of Saint-Vulbas.

Rhône landscapes and routes

The Rhône riverbanks at Saint-Vulbas form a wooded area that is to be preserved. In the dry zone, paths run between patches of woodland and meadows; there are benches and picnic tables. The wetland beside the Rhône is crossed by natural streams and has facilities designed for walks.

For walks, Saint-Vulbas offers two signposted routes of 3 and 10 km, respectively, as well as a fitness trail. The distances give you a choice between a shorter and a longer route. A 5 km circular walk leads from the river stop to the Chapelle de Marcilleux. The walking route to the chapel is rated very easy, follows the banks of the Rhône and has no significant elevation change. Check locally for any temporary route changes.

The Chapelle de Marcilleux is also a useful reference point when choosing a cycling route: from there, cyclists can follow the towpath on the Rhône side to Saint-Sorlin, then join the Via Rhôna towards Geneva. As conditions on cycle paths can change temporarily, check the current route before setting off.

More leisure activities

The Centre Aquatique de Loisirs on Route de Lagnieu welcomes visitors all year round. Check the opening arrangements before travelling. This lets you add another leisure option to information about Saint-Vulbas’s natural and cultural attractions without conflating the different focuses of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Mijoux, Sainte-Julie, Oyonnax, Dompierre-sur-Chalaronne, Simandre-sur-Suran, Jassans-Riottier, Cerdon, Échallon.

See the regional travel overview: Ain.