Appartments and Gîtes
Les Arcades
LOUHANS
Countryside
Weekend in Louhans and Bresse Bourguignonne
Bresse Bourguignonne is home to the PDO Bresse chicken and is a favourite destination for fans of great food and nature. Come and explore the authentic side of the area every Monday in Louhans. Whether it is on the markets or directly on your plate, you won't find better Bresse poultry than right here! Take a leisurely drive through the countryside to appreciate the surprising heritage sites. Enjoy your holiday at a slow pace and choose from the wide range of activities in the great outdoors. You're guaranteed a relaxing experience on an electric boat or canoe along the Seille. Or you can opt for a getaway by bicycle into the countryside along the Voie Bressane cycle path, all the way to the neighbouring Jura.
Day 1
Louhans
Morning at the market
This is THE place to be on Monday mornings, to fill your baskets in a friendly atmosphere. The highlight of the market parades its red crest, blue feet and white feathers at the Bresse poultry market at the Place du Champ de Foire. Market stalls filled with local produce surround the church of Saint-Pierre and the Burgundian bell tower. The famous "rue aux 157 arcades" (street with 157 archways) is brought to life with clothes stalls, added to the usual shops under these impressive archways.
Our recommendations:
- Sweet treat of the morning: the "corniotte", local sweet speciality
- When the church bells ring at midday, it's the perfect time to go and taste some Bresse chicken, either roasted or served in a creamy sauce! Unless you'd prefer to try the traditional "tête de veau" (calf's head)! Some great places to try this local speciality are at Chez Alex, at La Mère Jouvenceau, or the Brasserie de l’Europe.
The Hôtel-Dieu (hospital formerly run by the Catholic church)
The Hôtel-Dieu and apothecary are must-sees of the town and are definitely worth the detour. There is a remarkable collection of Hispano-Moresque ware and pieces from Nevers, a one-of-a-kind collection of faience in Europe. The guided tour of this historic venue is fascinating!
Louhans Archways
Glazed tiles on Louhans church roof
Apothecary at Louhans Hôtel-Dieu
Boat trip along the Seille
Bresse Poultry
Ideas of places to visit
Capitain Zen
This is a little slice of heaven in the French countryside, for a complete change of scenery on a relaxing boat trip. Set off from La Truchère, where the rivers Saône and Seille meet, and hop aboard for a day on an electric boat. A relaxing experience on the Seille, a picnic on the riverbanks in a Natura 2000 area, classified thanks to its wonderful biodiversity. Or you could opt for a standard boat trip or enjoy the traditional festive atmosphere aboard the "Embarcadère" boat-restaurant and enjoy lunch in an atmosphere that echoes the French countryside.
"Embarcadère" restaurant and watersports centre
Surprising Bresse houses
You'll instantly recognise these beautiful Bresse houses made from brick and timber frames. Come and admire some of our favourite ones! Don't miss the Saracen chimney at the Ferme du Champ Bressan and Musée du Terroir in Romenay. In the centre of the village, the workshop-gallery inside the mysterious leaning house is also a unique place to see! La Grange Rouge in La Chapelle-Naude is worth the detour, as is the Domaine Plissonnier in Saint-André-en-Bresse.
Find out more about Bresse houses
Day 2
Château life
This Château-Ecomuseum is a beautiful, elegant place with impressive railings, moats, brick architecture, lantern turrets, grounds and deer. In the Ecomuseum, visitors can learn about the natural environment, archaeology, the history of Bresse Bourguignonne and there are also temporary exhibitions held here.
Find out more about this Château-Ecomuseum
Ideas of places to visit
Book Town
Are you looking for some books at bargain prices? In Cuisery, the "book town", the main road is a succession of book shops, book professionals, artisans and even record dealers. Paperbacks, old books, comic books, art books... book lovers will be spoilt for choice and are guaranteed to find what they're looking for!
Find out more about Cuisery
Day 2
Cycling along the Voie Bressane cycle path
This is a great, easy-going itinerary across Bresse Bourguignonne! From Chalon-sur-Saône, ride along the peaceful Greenway through the countryside, that winds around corn fields, and past some traditional brick and rammed earth houses with timber frames. From Louhans, for the last 16 kilometres to Jura, you'll be cycling along a shaded path, through the woodland, past ponds and grain fields.
Favourites
Some great places for a delicious meal and good night's sleep!
Ideas for outings
Canoeing down the Seille
Hop aboard a canoe on the Seille. A timeless experience along this rural river, surrounded by woodland. The biodiversity of this wild, rural river is protected. From April to October, book your canoeing trip with Pagaies de la Bresse, departing from Ratenelle.
Ideas for stays
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