The Chapelle Saint-Valérien overlooks Journans, offering views of the village rooftops, the forest and the Bresse plain. The chapel also tells of an early building history: the choir and nave may date from the 12th or 13th century. The views and cautiously dated architecture come together here, offering culture and landscape enthusiasts a practical starting point for planning their trip.
Churches and historic traces
The Église Saint-Vincent offers a different perspective on history. Built from stone from the Revermont, it is considered an example of late 18th-century architecture. The baptismal font dates from the 15th century. Near the church stands the lime tree known as “l'arbre de Sully”, thought to be around 400 years old and attributed to Sully. Its building material, church architecture, furnishings and a single tree thus represent different historical connections.
Spring and landscape
The Source de la Reyssouze rises at the foot of a wooded slope from a karst spring. The water first fills two basins, then flows through a 19th-century washhouse. Nature and built heritage follow closely one after the other here: the spring is followed by the basins and, finally, the washhouse. The Source is considered a biodiversity area for salamanders, grey wagtails and white-throated dippers. Which of these species can be observed may vary with the season.
Walking: a circular route or summit panorama
“Journans – Les 4 clochers” is a signposted walking trail for pedestrians and a 12 km circular route starting in Journans. The “Vignoble de Journans et Belvédère du Mont Rignat” route leads from Journans to the summit of Mont de Rignat and offers a 360-degree panorama of the Revermont. The routes offer different highlights: the first specifies a circular route and distance, while the second focuses on the summit and panorama.
Play area and visitor conditions
La Clairière des petits lapins is a natural climbing and activity area for children. The play area is freely accessible to all children accompanied by an adult; the climbing wall is reserved for groups with accredited supervisors. If you are travelling with children, take this distinction into account when planning your day and check the local conditions before your visit.
Art and music history
Dingues d'Art in Journans hosts changing exhibitions featuring works by around 40 artists. As the exhibitions change, it is worth checking the current programme before your trip. Journans is also connected to music history: Julien Tiersot, a librarian at the Conservatoire de Paris, regularly stayed at a family home in Journans and collected traditional songs and melodies from local residents. Changing exhibitions and a historic collection of songs thus appeal to different cultural interests.
Wine and cheese
Domaine de La Combes aux Rêves produces natural and sparkling wines. Check the product range before your trip. Chèvrerie du Mont Lovet makes goat’s cheese using traditional methods. The selection includes fresh, semi-dry and dry cheeses, as well as goat’s cheese bricks and tomme; the range may change, so it is advisable to check the current selection before your visit. Tastings of Cerdon and Bugey wines are offered at the Brendel René cellar in Journans. If you are planning a tasting, check the visiting arrangements in advance.
Discover more destinations: Coligny, Cormaranche-En-Bugey, Bény, Saint-Trivier-De-Courtes, Dompierre-sur-Chalaronne, Ambérieu-en-Bugey, Hotonnes, Trévoux.
For the broader travel overview: Ain.
