Anse offers a range of options for a stay: cultural history at the Château des Tours and Saint-Cyprien Chapel, and nature and leisure at Plan d'eau du Colombier. The château houses a Gallo-Roman museum, while a walking trail through the old village passes the chapel. A footpath and the route of a tourist railway run alongside the lake. When choosing Anse as a destination, you can first consider which of these interests you most.

Château des Tours and Saint-Cyprien Chapel

The Château des Tours was built between 1213 and 1218 by Archbishop Renaud de Forez. The château houses a Gallo-Roman museum with finds from numerous excavations in the commune of Anse. This brings together the history of the château’s construction and archaeological finds from the commune. If a guided tour is offered, it covers all areas of the château. Dates and booking requirements may change; check the latest information in advance.

The Saint-Cyprien Chapel was probably built in the 5th or 6th century. Medieval frescoes are visible on its east wall. Today, the chapel serves as an exhibition space; the exhibition program may change. Several historical periods therefore come together here: the presumed construction date in the 5th or 6th century, the medieval wall paintings and the chapel’s current use for exhibitions.

Explore the old village on foot

The “Anse à travers les âges” walking trail passes through the old village and by the Saint-Cyprien Chapel. Another way to explore is the guided tour “À la découverte du Vieil Anse”: it takes the form of a walk focused on Anse’s origins. The two options therefore have different emphases: the trail leads through the historic village center, while the tour explores the origins of the town. Dates and booking requirements for the guided tour may change. Check the latest information before your visit.

Plan d'eau du Colombier and the tourist railway

Plan d'eau du Colombier is located in a 70-hectare natural area. The lake is a former gravel pit that has been adapted for swimming and leisure activities; visitor services are seasonal. A footpath runs alongside the lake. If you plan to include this natural and recreational area in your trip, bear in mind that it operates seasonally.

The Chemin de Fer Touristique d'Anse offers a 2.5-kilometer journey through nature from Pont d'Anse to Plan d'eau du Colombier. The railway has a track gauge of 38 centimeters. The 2.5 kilometers refer to the length of the journey offered, while the 38 centimeters measure the distance between the rails. This distinguishes the route length from the unusual track gauge. Operating days may vary; check the current schedule before you travel.

Choose the focus of your stay

When looking for accommodation in Anse, it can help to first decide what you want to focus on. The château, museum, chapel and old village center offer various points of interest for those interested in cultural history. The lake offers a different emphasis, with its natural setting, swimming, leisure activities and railway ride. It is also worth distinguishing between them when planning your schedule: the château’s history, museum finds and frescoes are enduring historical features, while exhibitions, guided tours and seasonal activities at Colombier require checking current dates and operating hours.

Discover more destinations: Lyon, Pontcharra-sur-Turdine, Chénas, Ville-Sur-Jarnioux, Riverie, Montrottier, Saint-Laurent-De-Chamousset, Sainte-Foy-Lès-Lyon

For the regional travel overview: Rhône.