Jayat offers a range of things to explore during your stay: the history and technology of its mills, the Neo-Gothic church, a walk to the Reyssouze wetland meadow, and a gravel loop through the wetlands of CĂ©zille and Jayat. The mills and routes are especially worth comparing closely, as their features and layouts differ. You can focus on cultural history, technical installations or outdoor activities.
Mills with their own history and technology
The Moulin de Bruno was built around 1258 by Carthusian monks. The mill has four levels with working milling equipment, including millstones, rollers and a sack hoist. This brings both its architectural history and specific elements of milling technology into focus. Access to the machinery may require contacting the site in advance. If you are particularly interested in this equipment, check access beforehand.
The Moulin de Cézille, also known as Moulin Gaud, has been converted into a small museum. Its equipment includes a large waterwheel, a working horizontal sawmill, a grain mill and a power station. It also has a Ruston & Hornsby engine from 1931, which is still operated. The machinery’s operation may vary depending on the conditions of your visit. The mills therefore differ in focus: Bruno combines an early construction history with milling equipment on four levels, while Cézille features a wide range of named machines.
Priory and Neo-Gothic church
The priory of Jayat was founded in the 11th century by members of a religious order from Saint-Pierre de Mâcon. Jayat’s church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the Assumption. Its present-day Neo-Gothic design replaced an earlier Romanesque church that extended along the road to Béréziat. The foundation stone of the present church was laid on 22 October 1877; it was completed in 1880. The priory’s foundation and the construction of the present church thus belong to two clearly distinct historical periods.
Gravel loop or walk
There are two different ways to explore the area. The Circuit Gravel 11 bleu is a 26.8-kilometre loop, with Jayat as an alternative starting point. It runs through the wetlands of Cézille and Jayat in the Reyssouze valley. The La prairie de Jayat walk starts in Jayat, follows the “La Traverse” voie verte and rural paths, and leads to the Reyssouze wetland meadow. The comparison can help with planning: the loop format and distance are key details for the gravel route, while the starting point, path types and destination define the walk.
Cuisine and saffron
The local culinary offerings include L’Atelier du moulin Riottier, which serves traditional, hearty cuisine made with regional products and saffron. Visitors can meet the operator and learn about saffron cultivation. Saffron is therefore a focus both in the cuisine and as a subject of cultivation. If you want to combine culture and food on your trip, this offers a distinct experience alongside the mills and walking routes.
Discover more destinations: PĂ©rouges, Ardon, Le Grand-Abergement, Mogneneins, Arbigny, Chazey-sur-Ain, Villieu-Loyes-Mollon, Artemare
Return to the regional travel guide: Ain.
