Our campsites near Bourg-en-Bresse and Brou Monastery

A monastery born of a love story

It was to pay tribute to and show her love for her husband, Philibert le Beau, Duke of Savoy, who had died while hunting that Marguerite of Austria decided to build the royal monastery of Brou, where until then there had been a modest priory. Deciding to be buried alongside her husband on his death, the monastery was to house three sumptuous tombs: that of Philibert le Beau, that of his mother and that of Marguerite of Austria herself. Work began in 1505. The work went quite quickly (well, for the time!) and the monastery was completed in 1532. Marguerite of Austria sent the cream of the artists of the day, including the architect Loys Van Boghem. Unfortunately, she died in 1530 and never had the opportunity to see her work completed. When she died, she joined her husband and was buried at Brou in 1532.

A church unique in France and a setting for three tombs

The church of the Brou monastery is unique in France, as it is inspired by the architectural styles of Northern Europe. Its roof, in particular, is sumptuous. Its renovation at the dawn of the 21st century has restored it to its former glory. Built in the flamboyant Gothic style, this church is a veritable lace of stone.

This church is a magnificent setting for the three tombs it was designed to house. The tomb of Marguerite de Bourbon, mother of Philibert le Beau, is carved into the south wall. The duchess is depicted in full regalia. The tombs of Marguerite of Austria in the north and Philibert le Beau in the centre are two monumental and elegantly decorated tombs. These tombs are designed in 2 parts: the recumbent figure, at the top, represents the person as if they were alive, in their ceremonial clothes; at the bottom, we find the deceased, dressed more simply. These tombs were restored in 2018. When you visit the monastery, take the time to admire the finesse of the work and the quality of the materials used, with white Carrara marble from Pisa alongside black stone from Belgium and alabaster from the Jura.

The rood screen stands between the nave, designed for the faithful, and the choir, reserved for the religious. This stone enclosure is incredibly refined. It is one of the few remaining in France. Its original purpose was to allow Marguerite of Austria to pass from her flats to the church. You can follow this route today. From the top of the rood screen, discover the nave and choir from a new perspective. Follow the route to Marguerite’s flats, the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts and the monastery’s three cloisters.

Original coloured stained glass windows

The church’s stained glass windows have survived the ravages of time. The stained glass windows that adorn the choir and adjacent chapels were made between 1525 and 1532. They depict Marguerite of Austria and Philibert le Beau in situations inspired by the Gospels. Created by master glassmakers from Bresse and Lyon, they were inspired by engravings by Dürer and Titian. On their own, they justify a visit to the monastery during your camping holiday in the Ain near the Brou monastery.

Our campsites near Bourg en Bresse and Brou Monastery

A selection of campsites in the Ain with camping pitches for your holiday in a caravan, tent or motorhome.

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Our selection of campsites with pitches for caravans, tents and motorhomes in Beaujolais

itinerary through the 10 Beaujolais crus

All red Beaujolais wines are made from the same grape variety, Gamay. However, they do not all have the same appellation. Although it only covers 15,000 hectares, the Beaujolais vineyards have 12 AOCs. These include two regional appellations (Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages) and 10 local appellations, the 10 crus du Beaujolais. These ten crus are concentrated in the northern part of Beaujolais, in an area barely 20 kilometres long and only 5 kilometres wide. The appellations range from north to south: Juliénas, Saint-Amour, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Côte-de-Brouilly and Brouilly. To discover these 10 crus, forget the main roads and take the hillside roads. They will take you to some breathtaking viewpoints, particularly between Fleurie and Chiroubles. Above the village of Fleurie, the Chapelle de la Madone awaits you, accessible on foot from the village or by car. A magnificent panorama encompasses the north of the Beaujolais region and the Saône valley. On a clear day, you can see the Alps and Mont Blanc in the distance. A little further south, towards Chiroubles, the Chiroubles terrace offers one of the finest views in the Beaujolais region from its 760-metre altitude. There’s an orientation table and picnic tables where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal. But don’t forget to save room for dessert. The Terrasse du Beaujolais restaurant serves pastries that are as delicious as they are copious. Be sure to try them during your camping holiday in Beaujolais. The Maison du Cru de Chiroubles awaits you on the terrace of Chiroubles. From here you can follow the panoramic trail of the 10 crus. This 2 km walk is punctuated by belvederes overlooking the Beaujolais vineyards.

Another of the emblematic landscapes of the 10 Beaujolais crus is Mont Brouilly. Although it is not the highest peak in the region – that title goes to Mont St Rigaud at an altitude of 1,009 metres – Mont Brouilly, with its rounded shape and vine-covered slopes, has a highly recognisable silhouette. As you stroll through the 10 crus of the Beaujolais region, take the time to stop off at the winegrowers’ to taste their wines. The welcome is always very friendly and you’ll discover delicious, fruity wines that deserve much better than the unflattering reputation inherited from Beaujolais Nouveau. One of our favourites is Château Thivin, which produces wonderful Côte de Brouilly. In a different vein, be sure to visit Château de la Chaize. Many great names have made this their home. The château was built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the architect of Versailles, and the gardens were designed by André le Nôtre, who was also responsible for the gardens at the Château de Versailles. The winery and its historic 108-metre-long cellar date back to the 18ᵉ century. It is undoubtedly one of the finest, if not the finest, cuverie in Beaujolais.

Beaujolais Museum

Georges Dubœuf is one of the great figures of Beaujolais. In particular, it was he who introduced the Beaujolais Nouveau tradition beyond the borders of the Beaujolais region. He is also known for his Hameau en Beaujolais, a fun museum about vines, wine and the Beaujolais region. This museum in Romanèche Thorens is just as interesting for adults, who will learn a great deal about the wine trade, as it is for children. For the latter, the museum offers a range of fun activities, such as an interactive investigation to be carried out with a tablet in hand in the museum’s rooms. And don’t forget the dynamic cinema room, where you can follow two bees through the landscapes of Beaujolais and southern Burgundy. A great place to visit during your camping holiday in the Beaujolais with your tent, caravan or motorhome.

Le Beaujolais des pierres dorées

In the south of the Beaujolais region, on the outskirts of Lyon, the villages of the Pierres Dorées Beaujolais await you. The villages in this region are characterised by their stone with a golden sheen. It is the presence of iron oxide in this limestone that gives it such a distinctive hue. The rolling vine-covered hills of the Beaujolais region are the backdrop for these medieval villages. A setting reminiscent of Tuscany. So make the most of your camping holiday in the Beaujolais to visit these characterful villages: Ternand, Châtillon d’Azergues and Charnay. However, if you had to visit just one, it would be Oingt, the only village in the Rhône to be classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Perched at the top of a hill, Oingt’s role was to watch over the passageway between the Loire and Saône rivers. It has preserved many remains from this era, including the Nizy gate and the 12ᵉ century keep. From the top of the latter, admire a beautiful view of the southern Beaujolais region.

Hiking in the Beaujolais Vert

Although Beaujolais is irrevocably associated with wine, the vineyards only cover part of the region. Moving westwards away from the Saône valley, you enter the Beaujolais Vert. In this low mountainous region, the vines have given way to fir trees, creating landscapes ideal for hiking and mountain biking. In this natural setting, Lac des Sapins is a jewel with emerald reflections. This man-made lake is home to Europe’s largest biological bathing area (for a fee), as well as a beach on the lake. At the other end of the lake, you’ll find a water sports centre where you can hire paddleboats, pedalos and canoes. A natural destination that’s sure to appeal to sports enthusiasts! The ideal place to relax on hot summer days during your camping holiday in the Beaujolais region.

Campsites in Beaujolais

A selection of campsites with camping pitches for your holidays in a tent, caravan or motorhome in the Beaujolais.

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