A Saracen chimney with a square, pyramidal cap, an iron cross and triangular decorations is a striking feature of Ferme de Montalibord. In Vescours, other highlights include the church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, rural life in the Bresse region and the Etang et marais des Paccauds wetlands. When planning your trip, you can focus on cultural history and nature as separate themes.
Church and Ferme de Montalibord
The church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption was given to the chapter of Saint-Vincent de Mâcon in the 11th century. A new bell tower was built on its façade in 1884–1885. The two dates mark different phases of construction: the transfer belongs to the church’s medieval history, while the later tower adds a 19th-century alteration.
Ferme de Montalibord was built in the mid-15th century and extended in the 16th century. In the restored building, you can visit the ecomuseum to learn about rural life in the Bresse region during the 19th century and the history of a family that has lived there for three generations. The farm’s architectural history and the way of life presented there offer distinct ways of exploring the past.
The ecomuseum is open daily; paid guided tours are available on request. Check the visiting arrangements in advance.
Wetlands and nature
Etang et marais des Paccauds is a remarkable wetland area comprising a pond and marshes. Wooded areas surround the site, which contains a variety of natural habitats. Species requiring particular protection and conservation include the yellow-bellied toad, the grey heron and the purple heron. The range of species and habitats gives Vescours’ nature offering a specific focus.
The site is privately owned; visits are possible as part of supervised educational outings. Check the current programme date in advance. Traditional fish farming also continues at the site.
Hiking around Vescours
The circular “Etangs bressans de Vescours et moulin Morel” hike starts in Vescours. It is of moderate difficulty, 14 kilometres long and takes about three hours. Along the way, it passes Ferme de Montalibord and the 28-hectare Etang Morel. With its many birds and a mill, the pond brings together natural and cultural features. The route also has a picnic area, a practical option for a planned rest stop.
The two bodies of water also differ in size: the Paccauds site covers 9.2 hectares, while Etang Morel covers 28 hectares. For a hike, the circular route provides an approximate duration of three hours; visits to the Paccauds site, by contrast, are limited to supervised educational outings. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Maillat, Malafretaz, Ornex, Vonnas, Saint-Trivier-De-Courtes, Villars-Les-Dombes, Neyron, Mogneneins.
Return to the main travel overview: Ain.
