Cultural history and landscapes offer different perspectives on Beynost: on the one hand are Villa Monderoux and the history of Saint-Julien; on the other, the plain and its waterways, the wooded slopes of the Côtière and the arboretum. This distinction is useful when planning a stay: events have specific venues and dates, while a walking route to historic sites explores the connection between nature and water.
Culture and history in Beynost
Villa Monderoux is a historic building dating from the 16th century. It hosts cultural and festive events throughout the year, including exhibitions and concerts. This makes it a point of interest for travelers looking to combine their stay with culture. As the events program may change, check the dates before your trip. Théâtre de Verdure in Parc Monderoux has also hosted performances and concerts since it opened in 2019. These are organized by the municipality or by local associations. Both venues add events to Beynost’s historical attractions; specific dates are key to planning.
The history of Saint-Julien goes back a long way: the first church in Beynost was built around the 12th century near the Nantua–Lyon section of the Way of St. James and remained under the authority of Île Barbe Abbey until 1769. The former Saint-Julien church served as a place of worship for seven centuries and then as a village hall for 77 years. Another tangible testament is the Autel-cippe in Saint-Julien church. This movable cultural heritage object is protected; it was listed on November 18, 2005. The church’s long history and the protection of this individual object can thus be seen as distinct aspects of the local heritage.
The plain, slopes and arboretum
The natural and agricultural plain south of the highway is rich in fauna and flora. The Sereine and the Canal de Miribel cross it. Forests of hornbeams, beeches and black locusts grow on the slopes of the Côtière. Visitors choosing an outing based on landscape can distinguish between the plain and the wooded slopes.
The arboretum in Beynost was inaugurated in 1998. It covers several hectares and is home to hundreds of trees of different species. A walking route to historic heritage sites associated with water and nature begins at the arboretum. The route therefore takes in both landscape and history. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Parc Level, in the south of Beynost, is also one of the municipality’s green spaces. This intergenerational urban park opened in 2018. Together with the arboretum, it represents two different types of park: one is an urban park, while the other is a collection of trees of different species. Visitors looking to focus their stay on culture and nature can therefore consider these as separate attractions rather than combining them into a single outing.
Plan your trip to Beynost
Beynost is accessible by car via the A42 and A432 motorways, and by TER regional train. Beynost station is served by the Lyon–Ambérieu–Culoz–(Chambéry) TER line; the journey to Part-Dieu station takes 18 minutes. Check train services and timetables, as well as journey times, before departure. This information can help you plan your journey by car or train without locking visits to historic and natural sites into a fixed itinerary.
Beynost offers several options for choosing a focus for your stay: events at Villa Monderoux and Théâtre de Verdure, the history of Saint-Julien, or the plain, wooded slopes and parks. Those wishing to combine culture and nature can also take a walking route that begins at the arboretum and leads to historic heritage sites connected with water and nature. Check event dates and trail conditions before setting out for a walk.
Discover more destinations: Ambérieux-en-Dombes, Mijoux, Tossiat, Bény, Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans, Péron, Corbonod, Relevant.
For the broader travel overview: Ain.
