A watermill on the Longevent has been documented since 1357. The town’s history also includes several flour mills, the Château de Meximieux, protected choir stalls and nature-filled areas in the town centre. You can therefore plan your stay around different interests: the long history of milling, individual traces of local history or walks in green surroundings.

The history of milling across different periods

Up to five flour mills operated for almost six hundred years; the last ceased operations in 1974. Together with the watermill on the Longevent, documented since 1357, they offer two distinct perspectives on Meximieux’s milling history: an early record of a single watermill and the long operating history of several flour mills. The year 1974 marks the end of operations for the last of these flour mills. If you are interested in the town’s historical development, you will find a clear timeline here, rather than just a focus on a single building.

The Château and protected heritage

Guided tours of the Château de Meximieux are available through the Syndicat d’Initiative de Meximieux; dates may vary. In 2020, the town installed three panels on the history of the château in its park. The tour and the panels offer different ways to learn about the château’s history: if you would like a guided tour, it is advisable to check the current dates in advance; the panels were installed in 2020.

Another named piece of local heritage is in the Church of Saint-Apollinaire. The wooden choir stalls date from the 16th century and stand in the church’s choir. They have been classified as a protected object since 3 May 1904. Unlike the Château, this is a specific object with a precise date and a designated location within the church.

Walks and activities for children

In central Meximieux, there are nature-filled areas that have retained their wild character and are suitable for family walks. For a stay with younger children, the orienteering course in Parc de l’Aubépin is also worth considering: it is intended for children aged four to six. As municipal activities can change, check the latest information before your visit.

There is a playground at Coulée verte. The activities are therefore different: the course has a clearly stated age range, while the playground offers a different kind of outing. Municipal facilities can also change; a quick check in advance can help you plan around current conditions. The walking areas and the two activities for children give you specific options for tailoring your visit to the interests of your travel group.

Getting here and finding your way around

Meximieux is very easy to reach by road and by train. The best connection for you depends on your travel dates and how you are getting there, so check current services, as transport schedules can change. The Bureau touristique de Meximieux is in the town centre, at the foot of the Beffroi. If you would like to get information there, check the current opening hours in advance. The Bureau also provides a useful landmark for finding your way around the town centre.

When choosing accommodation in Meximieux, you can use these interests to guide your planning: if you would like to include a guided tour, check the dates first; if getting there is your priority, compare the train and road connections that suit you.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Alban, Oncieu, Segny, Asnières, Bourg-Saint-Christophe, Champagne-En-Valromey, Mogneneins, Cleyzieu.

For the broader travel overview: Ain.