The Bugey region owes its charm to its beautiful landscapes and to its people. Mother nature has been generous in providing the area with resources as varied and as complementary as mountains and wild rivers, mellowness and character. Of this constant contrast emanates an impression of serenity that one may feel throughout the land : along the Valromey valley, in the flower covered prairies of the Retord plateau, on the banks of the Nantua or Barterand lakes or at the feet of the many cascades that flow down from the mountains. The Bugey dweller is naturally friendly and welcoming after the image of Brillat-Savarin, most renowned gastronome and child of the land. Here is a place where people know how to live and to share the more important things in life. From Belley, the historical capital of Bugey to Oyonnax through Hauteville-Lompnès hospitality is always present. A sense of sharing which is at the heart of the many "fêtes du four" (oven celebrations) festivities that take place throughout the summer and during which the village folk gather around the baker's oven to taste bread and galette and to drink to those who still know how to take the time to appreciate and enjoy. Some history The Bugey region has been called "Pays" (land) for many years now and its coherence is to be found in its historical roots. A former province of Savoie, the Bugey was founded around the Evéché de Belley created in the 6th century after various conquests. In 1501, the treaty of Lyon declares the Bugey part of the kingdom of France. In 1790, the department of the Ain is created regrouping the Bresse, the Dombes, the Pays de Gex and the Bugey. To date, the Bugey identity remains strong and is characterized by a typical architecture and a tradition of friendliness. |
