Two distinctive themes for your stay in Lhuis are the town’s religious history and Lac de Millieu. Around the glacial lake, wetlands, walking trails and nature watching come together; in and around the town, historic buildings tell stories of different eras. You can choose between landscapes, cultural heritage and local experiences.

Glacial lake, wetlands and nature watching

Lac de Millieu is a 19.6-hectare glacial lake in Lhuis and is part of the Bas-Bugey Natura 2000 site. The Marais du Vernay, a wetland with damp meadows, lies beside the lake. A walking trail crosses the area between the lake and the marsh. Trail conditions may vary depending on the season, so keep your plans flexible.

Above Lac de Millieu, a viewpoint has an information panel and an audio game. Both explain the glacial lake and its fishing channels. They offer a closer look at the landscape features you can see in the area. The trail, wetland and explanations each offer a different perspective: you can explore the natural environment or learn about its formation and use at the viewpoint.

Wildlife is also part of the lake’s character. Thirty-three dragonfly species have been recorded there, including three protected species; future surveys may change the species list. Protected bird species that can be observed at Lac de Millieu include the purple heron, reed warbler and common snipe. Sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. If you are especially interested in birds, bear this in mind when planning: the site offers opportunities for birdwatching, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Religious history and medieval buildings

The Eglise Beata Maria de Lhuis stands on the site of a Gallo-Roman sanctuary and bears witness to more than 2,000 years of religious worship. Its attic is protected as a roost for two bat species. This building therefore brings together religious history and a specific refuge for wildlife. La Pavia adds to the historic picture as a fortified house dating from the 15th century.

For a self-guided tour of visible traces of the medieval past, try the free Visite contée sonore de Lhuis. The tour is app-guided and can be taken independently. Before your visit, check whether the Izi.Travel app is available. The tour offers a different way to explore local history than viewing individual buildings: you follow a story through visible traces of the past.

Crafts and local produce

Poterie de Lhuis offers hands-on clay workshops for adults and children. With guidance, you can shape, carve and create your own pieces. This is an active contrast to walks and historic visits: here, the focus is on working with clay yourself. Workshop dates and booking conditions may change, so check the current offering in advance.

Domaine Trichon is a family-run winery in its third generation, with 13 hectares of organically farmed vineyards. For groups, the winery can arrange a walk through the vineyards, a visit to the cellar and a tasting by reservation. This reservation requirement applies to the group experience described here. Chèvrerie du Naray makes artisanal cheeses, including goat’s-milk tommes and flavoured varieties; the selection may vary by season.

Au Millieu des fruits du Bugey sells farm-processed fruit, bee products and seasonal fresh fruit directly. If you’re interested in the agricultural side of the area, these products add a culinary perspective to its cultural and natural themes. Fresh fruit is available seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Chanay, Samognat, Buellas, Jassans-Riottier, Saint-Étienne-sur-Reyssouze, Tossiat, Brégnier-Cordon, Servas.

See the regional travel overview: Ain.