A tree around three centuries old, forest trails and a cycling loop to the 1,056-metre-high Col de Belleroche give you specific points of interest for a stay in Chevillard. The history of the Chartreuse de Meyriat adds another dimension. Nature, cycling and culture are distinct themes to explore; you can choose their order according to your interests.
The forests around Chevillard
Chevillard lies among meadows surrounded by extensive silver fir forests. Chevillard is one of the municipalities across which the 622-hectare Forêt domaniale de Meyriat extends. Protected species found in this forest include lynx, wildcat, common buzzard, boreal owl and black woodpecker. A specific nature destination is the Sapin Président: accessible via the trails of the Forêt de Meyriat, this tree is about 40 metres tall and around three centuries old.
The Forêt Communale de Chevillard offers another way to explore the forest. It overlaps with four protected areas. GR, PR and local walking trails are mapped here; elevation profiles and GPX downloads are also available. You can use these navigation aids when choosing a route. The Sapin Président and protected species are associated with the Forêt de Meyriat; the mapped walking trails and profiles relate to the Forêt Communale de Chevillard.
On foot and by bike
One marked trail is the Circuit de la Correrie in the Forêt de Meyriat, which is suitable for families. Walking routes also lead from Chevillard’s lanes towards Chamoise. For a walk, you can choose between the marked forest circuit and starting in the village and heading towards Chamoise.
For cycling, there are two specific points of reference: the «Plateau de Brénod, de combes en cols» loop passes through Chevillard. Col de Belleroche is at an elevation of 1,056 metres and can be reached by a cycling loop. This gives you a named route through the village and the precise elevation of a mountain pass as distinct reference points for planning.
The Chartreuse and the surrounding landscape
The Chartreuse de Meyriat connects Chevillard with Brénod, Condamine and Vieu-d'Izenave: these places share a history. The nearby ruins are open every day throughout the year, with free access. As opening information may change, check it before your visit. The Chartreuse can thus be a cultural focus in its own right, alongside forest walks and cycling.
At the regional scale, Chevillard belongs to the Val du Borrey/Oignin (South) landscape unit, classified as «Paysages ruraux patrimoniaux». In this landscape unit, cattle farming and forestry, along with pastures, wooded ridges and scattered limestone outcrops, shape the scenery. This named landscape setting adds the region’s other features to the picture of Chevillard’s meadows and silver fir forests.
Where to stay in Chevillard
La Haie Fleurie is a guesthouse with five rooms in a renovated former farmhouse at an elevation of 750 metres in Chevillard.
Discover more destinations: Chavannes-Sur-Suran, Trévoux, Cormaranche-En-Bugey, Saint-Jean-Le-Vieux, Tramoyes, Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans, Saint-Vulbas, Simandre-sur-Suran.
Return to the regional travel overview: Ain.
