The treasures
just beyond our door.
At the crossroads of Bresse and Dombes, facing the hills and golden stone of Beaujolais, every outing from Le Clos des Dames is a stroll through living heritage.
An address at the crossroads of three terroirs
Neuville-les-Dames sits at the meeting point of Bresse and Dombes, facing the first hills of Beaujolais. A few kilometres away, Bresse reveals its brick villages and ponds; the Dombes unfolds its thousand lakes; and Beaujolais stretches its vineyards down to the Saône.
Whether you love architecture, nature, gastronomy or wine, the surroundings offer escapes of a few hours to a full day, all starting from the quiet of Place du Chapitre.
Neuville's beauty, in every season
In winter, mist rises from the Bresse meadows and blurs the horizon. The bell tower, the château keep and the great lime tree gradually emerge from the silence — a scene best admired from the windows of Le Clos, coffee cup in hand.
Places of interest and outings
About 10 min
Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne and its market
A flower-decked village of brick and half-timbered houses on the banks of the Chalaronne. Every Saturday morning, its 12th-century covered market halls — an immense oak-timbered roof on massive pillars — host one of the region's finest markets: producers from Bresse and Dombes, cheeses, poultry, pastries and flowers.
About 10 min
Vonnas
An emblematic Bresse village crossed by the river Veyle, celebrated for its graceful landscaping. Stroll along its waterways, gardens and lovingly maintained Bressan houses.
In Vonnas — 10 min
Georges Blanc
A legendary house of French gastronomy, three Michelin stars and five toques. The Georges Blanc restaurant celebrates Bresse poultry and local produce in an exceptional historic setting. An experience worth booking ahead.
A few steps away
The Neuville-les-Dames château
Listed as a historic monument, this 15th-century château overlooks the village. From some windows of Le Clos, you can glimpse its towers and courtyard of honour.
About 30 min
Pérouges
A perched medieval village ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Cobbled lanes, the famous Pérouges galette, and sweeping views over the plain.
20 km away
Monastère royal de Brou — Bourg-en-Bresse
A masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic art, this 16th-century royal monastery is one of the most visited sites in the Ain department. Marble tombs, cloisters, an exceptional altarpiece and stained glass.
About 30 min
Parc des Oiseaux (Bird Park) — Villars-les-Dombes
One of Europe's largest bird parks, at the heart of the Dombes, land of a thousand ponds. Flamingos, penguins, birds of prey and exotic species in a preserved natural setting — ideal for families.
About 30 min
Beaujolais
Villages of golden stone, hillside vineyards and tasting cellars. Beaujeu, Oingt and the Morgon vineyards are all within easy reach.
About 45 min
Lyon
A UNESCO World Heritage city of traboules, Lyonnais bouchons and museums. An easy city escape from the Bresse countryside.
Around the village
The Bresse countryside
Hedgerow landscapes, half-timbered Bressan farmhouses and shaded country lanes. Perfect for walking or cycling.
About 30 min
Villefranche-sur-Saône
A market town on the banks of the Saône, with its old centre and covered halls. The gateway to historic Beaujolais.
25 km away
Mâcon
The capital of the Mâconnais, on the Saône. Old town, museums, quaysides and the vineyards of Mâcon-Villages and Saint-Véran. A stopover between Bresse and Burgundy.
Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne and its market
One of the most charming flower-decked villages of the Dombes, Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne lines its brick and half-timbered houses along the river. Every Saturday morning, its 12th-century covered market halls — an immense oak-timbered roof resting on massive pillars — host one of the finest markets in the region.
Market gardeners, cheesemongers, Bresse poultry farmers, bakers and pastry chefs set up their stalls from dawn. Wander, taste, then climb the cobbled lanes up to the fortified gate and the church of Saint-André.
Vonnas: the village and Georges Blanc's table
Crossed by the river Veyle, Vonnas is a flower-decked Bresse village of half-timbered houses, century-old plane trees and small bridges spanning the water. Wander on foot from one bank to the other before stepping through the door of one of France's finest culinary houses.
At Georges Blanc — three Michelin stars — Bresse poultry, frogs' legs in garlic cream and signature desserts are savoured on a terrace facing the garden. Just steps away, the house's pastry shop, recognisable by its striped rooster boxes, extends the pleasure all the way back to Le Clos.
The royal monastery of Brou
Built in the early 16th century by Margaret of Austria in memory of her husband Philibert the Handsome, Brou is a masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic art. Its church, marble tombs, lace-like rood screen and stained-glass windows rank among the finest in France.
Around it, three successive cloisters unfold: vaulted galleries, superimposed arcades, a stone well and a garden planted with an ancient tree. Wander here in perfect calm, between the rooms of the fine arts museum housed in the monks' former apartments.
Flavours of the region
From Bresse to Beaujolais, the local table is generous. Bresse poultry — the only poultry in France to hold an AOC designation — Bresse cream and butter, goat cheeses and orchard fruit set the rhythm of the markets.
Further south, Beaujolais offers its light, fruity wines: Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages, and the ten crus such as Morgon or Fleurie. Enjoy them in the cellars, or bring a bottle back to Le Clos to savour with the view of the château.
Don't miss the Pérouges galette, the caillette (savoury pork parcel), ravioles, and the fruit brandies of the local distilleries.
Your next Bressan escape
After a day of sightseeing, come back to the silence of Le Clos and the view of the château. Book your stay and let the region be your guide.
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