Coligny: Local History and Hiking Trails

Coligny offers historical sights in the town and a variety of hiking routes. When looking for a hotel in Coligny, you can first consider whether local history or hiking will be the main focus of your stay. You can plan your journey using two named motorway exits; hikers can choose from a circular route starting in Coligny, the GR®59 long-distance trail and a network of marked paths.

Getting to Coligny

You can reach Coligny by car via the A39, taking the Saint-Amour exit, or via the A40, taking the Saint-Étienne-du-Bois exit. The right exit for you depends on your route. These two options provide clear guidance when planning your journey.

Historical Traces in the Town

A replica of the Gallo-Roman Coligny calendar is on display in the entrance area of the town hall. The Église Saint-Martin is listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. These are two distinct historical points of interest: the calendar replica on display at the town hall and the church's listing in the monuments inventory.

The Aiguayoir is located on the edge of the Grand-Rue. Its construction was approved on 18 July 1803 and completed in 1811; it was associated with Coligny's large fairs. The structure was rediscovered intact in spring 2003, during the relocation of the monument. The municipality subsequently enhanced and secured it. These dates therefore tell the story of several phases, from the decision and completion to its rediscovery and preservation.

Another discovery story concerns the God of Coligny: the 1.74-metre-tall bronze statue was excavated in several fragments at En Verpois, in the north of the municipality. The calendar replica, church, Aiguayoir and statue offer different points of interest for travellers curious about Coligny's history.

Hiking: Circular Routes and Long-Distance Trails

The “Coligny and the Étang de Fougemagne” hike is an 11.9-kilometre circular route starting in Coligny. Its distance, circular format and starting point are useful details for planning your hike. Coligny and the surrounding area also have a network of marked trails for hiking, horse riding and cycling. These trails therefore offer more than one type of activity.

The GR®59 long-distance trail crosses the Plateau de Vergongeat into Ain and runs along the heights of Coligny. A hike across the plateau leads to Moleron, at an elevation of 550 metres, and offers panoramic views over the Bresse and the Jura. In addition to the measured circular route, you can choose from high-altitude trails and a long-distance trail.

Pond and Woodland Landscape

The Étang de Fougemagne is a three-hectare pond now owned by the municipality of Coligny. The woodlands of the Plateau de Vergongeat are rich in yellow daffodils, known locally as “jonquilles.” When planning your visit, you can choose between different landscape features: the pond, the plateau's wooded areas and panoramic views over the Bresse and the Jura. Combined with the hiking opportunities, these create a focus on nature and scenery alongside the town's historical points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Villieu-Loyes-Mollon, Treffort-Cuisiat, Hotonnes, Champagne-En-Valromey, Segny, Villebois, Mogneneins, Vongnes

For the regional travel overview: Ain.