The Coq sculpté en inox stands in the centre of Mantenay-Montlin, beside the D975: it is six metres high and weighs two tonnes. Its dimensions make the sculpture a striking local landmark. There are also mills, named routes, horse-riding activities, fishing and Bresse cuisine, each offering a different focus. When planning your trip, it helps to keep these themes distinct: the mills link the village scenery with a circular route, while horse riding, fishing and regional cuisine offer other points of interest. If stopping by the roadside, take account of the conditions on site.
Mills: exterior views and a circular route
The Moulin de Mantenay-Montlin, also known as the Moulin de la Reyssouze, can only be viewed from the outside. Its original appearance has been preserved, including a section built partly with timber framing. If you are interested in historic architectural styles, you can consider the mill as an exterior architectural feature.
There are two distinct mill-related options to consider when planning: the Moulin de Mantenay-Montlin, which can be viewed from the outside, and the separate Route des Trois Moulins. This 20-kilometre circular route starts in Mantenay-Montlin and passes four mills. The Reyssouze flows through three of them. This distinguishes the individual building from a circular tour centred on several mills and their connection to the river. The circular route provides a clear framework for the outing.
Routes and horse-riding activities
The Voie verte La Traverse passes through Mantenay-Montlin, one of the 14 municipalities along the route. The L3 mountain-bike/hybrid-bike connection links the village with the Ferme de la ForĂŞt. These routes have different local connections: La Traverse passes through several municipalities, while the L3 links the village and the farm. The La Traverse route may change, so check its current course before setting out. Check the route conditions before riding the L3.
The Poney de Bresse equestrian centre offers introductory sessions, recreational riding and further training in dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding. It also offers hacks and pony introductions. The programme may change, so check the current activities in advance. If you would like to include horse riding in your travel plans, both recreational options and specific training disciplines are listed.
Bresse cuisine and fishing
Le Relais des Trois Moulins restaurant serves Bresse and regional specialities, including Poulet à la crème, Brechets and frog legs. The menu may change, so check the current selection before making a special trip. Ferme Josserand sells Bresse poultry and goat’s cheese directly from the farm. The focus here is on farm sales, not a restaurant meal. As sales arrangements may change, ask about the current selection before planning a purchase.
Fishing in the Reyssouze is possible at Camping du Coq in Mantenay-Montlin; the river is classified as second category. If you plan to fish, check the applicable fishing regulations and seasons, as they may change. This makes fishing a distinct river-based activity alongside the mills, routes and horse-riding activities.
Discover more destinations: Poncin, Aranc, Tossiat, Dompierre-sur-Chalaronne, Beynost, Samognat, Montréal-La-Cluse, Miribel.
For the broader travel overview: Ain.
