Anse: Heritage and Nature at Plan d'eau du Colombier

Anse offers a range of reasons to stay in a hotel: cultural history at the Château des Tours and the Saint-Cyprien Chapel, as well as nature and leisure activities at Plan d'eau du Colombier. A Gallo-Roman settlement site and a tourist narrow-gauge railway add to these attractions. If you are looking for a hotel in Anse, you can choose your focus based on whether you are mainly interested in historic sites or the seasonal leisure area.

Cultural History in the Château, Chapel, and Village

The Château des Tours was built between 1213 and 1218 by Archbishop Renaud de Forez. The château houses a Gallo-Roman museum featuring finds from numerous excavations within the commune of Anse. The château’s medieval history and the archaeological finds from the commune therefore offer different historical perspectives.

The Saint-Cyprien Chapel was probably built in the 5th or 6th century. Medieval frescoes are visible on its east wall. Today, the chapel serves as an exhibition space; the exhibition program may change. Two details are important when dating it: the construction date is considered probable, while the chapel is dated to the 5th century along the walking route.

The Habitat gallo-romain de la Grange du Bief is a Gallo-Roman archaeological settlement site in Anse. The “Anse à travers les âges” walking route passes through the old village and by the Saint-Cyprien Chapel. Another option is the guided “À la découverte du Vieil Anse” tour, a walk during which you can discover Anse’s origins. This means you can choose between a walking route with a historical itinerary and a guided walk focused on the origins of the town. Dates and registration requirements for the guided tour may change; check both in advance.

A guided tour of the Château des Tours visits all areas of the château. As dates may change, check in advance when a tour is scheduled.

Plan d'eau du Colombier and the Tourist Railway

Plan d'eau du Colombier is located in a 70-hectare natural area. The former gravel pit was transformed for swimming and leisure activities; a footpath also runs alongside the lake. This transformation marks the shift from its former use to today’s leisure area. Visitor amenities are seasonal, which you should take into account when planning a stay involving swimming or other leisure activities.

The Chemin de Fer Touristique d'Anse offers a 2.5-kilometre journey through nature from Pont d'Anse to Plan d'eau du Colombier. The narrow-gauge track has a gauge of 38 centimetres. The route and its endpoints provide a clear outline of the train journey; its length should be distinguished from the gauge as a separate feature. As operating days may vary, check the current timetable before travelling.

This gives you a clear distinction between themes when planning your trip: the historic sites range from the château and museum to the old village and chapel, while the natural area, footpath, and seasonal leisure activities are the main attractions at Plan d'eau. The railway adds a dedicated journey through nature to your stay. Which of these themes you choose depends on the places and activities you want to include in your trip to Anse.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Bonnet-Le-Troncy, Saint-Didier-Sur-Beaujeu, Dareizé, Lancié, Sainte-Foy-Lès-Lyon, Vénissieux, Saint-Germain-Nuelles, Saint-Fons

For the broader travel overview: Rhône.