Servignat: Mills, Routes and Nature

If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in Servignat, the town’s mill history, two different routes and an ecological inventory area offer concrete ways to get to know the area. These include both a historic building and routes along the Reyssouze, as well as the natural environment of the Basse vallée de la Reyssouze.

Moulin de Servignat: history and visiting

The Moulin de Servignat stands on the Reyssouze and has been mentioned since 1274. Its architecture and machinery date from the 19th century. The medieval mill was devastated by a fire on the night of October 30–31, 1886. These dates point to different periods in its history: its early mention, its 19th-century architecture and machinery, and the fire in 1886.

An important access restriction to keep in mind when planning a visit: the mill can only be viewed from outside, as it is a privately owned home that is still inhabited. You can therefore plan to see it from the outside, not to visit the interior. Those interested in historic buildings will find a specific landmark in Servignat, though access to the building itself is not included.

Two routes with different details

The Route des Trois Moulins is 20 kilometres long and is suitable for bicycles, mountain bikes or cars. It starts at Camping du Coq in Mantenay, passes through Saint-Jean-sur-Reyssouze and ends in Servignat. In total, it includes four mills, three of which are crossed by the Reyssouze. The route takes in architectural and ecological features of this part of the Bresse. Its course and the stated modes of transport give you a concrete framework if you want to include a route with several possible ways to get around in your plans.

The Circuit VTT-VTC 20 connects Servignat and Mantenay-Montlin along the Reyssouze. It is described as a 23.1-kilometre circular route with a stated duration of one hour and 50 minutes. The route offers views of the Reyssouze, the Mâconnais, the famous giant cockerel and the Haute Bresse countryside. The details given for the two routes therefore differ: for the Route des Trois Moulins, they include the possible modes of transport; for the Circuit VTT-VTC 20, they include a circular route and its duration. Check the latest route details before basing your plans on them, as route information can change.

The Basse vallée de la Reyssouze natural area

The Basse vallée de la Reyssouze Type II ecological inventory area includes Servignat. Its described habitats include wet meadows and damp woodlands, with flora and fauna characteristic of the Val de Saône. The area also forms an ecological corridor for wildlife. For some notable bird species, it serves as a passage, migratory stopover and resting area; in some cases, it is also a breeding ground. This natural area complements the mill history and routes with a distinct focus on habitats and birdlife.

Transport and travel planning

The Rubis'Plus on-demand transport service serves Servignat. Reservations can be made from designated stops in Servignat to the hubs in the relevant sector or to the urban areas of Bourg-en-Bresse, Péronnas, Saint-Denis-lès-Bourg and Viriat. These connections may be useful when planning a stay if one of these destinations is relevant to your trip. Transport service details can change; check the latest service information before planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Peyrieu, Niévroz, Pirajoux, Châtillon-Sur-Chalaronne, Pont-De-Vaux, Valeins, Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans, Corbonod.

For the regional travel overview: Ain.