ACTIVITIESwhat to do
Lacenas and the surrounding area
The village of Lacenas:
Lacenas is a small village located in the Rhône department, in the Rhône-Alpes region. Its residents are known as Lacéniens and Lacéniennes. The commune covers an area of 3.4 km² and had 938 inhabitants as of January 1, 2015. Surrounded by the villages of Cogny, Denicé, Jarnioux, Liergues, and Gleizé, Lacenas lies 6 km northwest of Villefranche-sur-Saône, the nearest major town. The village is also close to Lyon (35 km) and the Pilat Regional Natural Park.
What to do in Lacenas
Hiking
The walking trail “Le Tour des Pierres Dorées en Beaujolais” is marked in yellow and red.
This route has been awarded the “Grande Randonnée de Pays” label by the French Hiking Federation and follows the PDIPR network (Departmental Plan for Walking and Hiking Routes) for 92% of its length.
For more information on hiking routes, you can visit the FFRandonnée website.
History and Architecture
Saint Paul Chapel
Built around the year 1100, Saint Paul Chapel is a fine example of early Romanesque architecture.
The association “En longeant le Morgon” opens the chapel to visitors on the first Saturday of each month, from March to October, at 3:00 pm sharp.
Château du Sou
Also worth visiting is Château du Sou, dating back to the 13th century. Its gate has been listed as a Historic Monumentsince 1933.
Useful link https://www.chateaudusou.com/index.html
Château de Montmelas and the Chapel of Chevennes
Near our village, you can also discover Château de Montmelas and the Chapel of Chevennes, dating from the 12th century.
Lacenas is part of the “Pierres Dorées” area. As a suggestion, you may also want to visit the nearby village of Le Bois-d’Oingt.
For more information about the region, visit the Beaujolais des Pierres Dorées Tourist Office.
In the Region
A little further afield:
- Cluny: a medieval town. A must-see: its abbey and stud farm.
https://www.cluny-tourisme.com/
- Pérouges: medieval village that feels like a movie set. Don’t miss its famous galette!
https://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org/fr/nos-villages/perouges/
- Lyon: of course! Capital of Gaul and French capital of gastronomy. Birthplace of Paul Bocuse and the Lumière brothers, and a historic center for the silk trade.
Must-sees include Place Bellecour, Place des Terreaux, Vieux Lyon with Saint-Jean Cathedral, the Basilica of Fourvière (for a stunning view over the city), Parc de la Tête d’Or, and more.
Don’t forget to stop by a traditional bouchon lyonnais or the Halles Paul Bocuse to try local specialties: cervelle de canut, quenelles, tablier de sapeur, gâteau de foie, as well as praline tart and custard flan. In short… everything is delicious in Lyon!
The Wine Route
(on foot, by bike, or by car) : https://www.routedesvins-beaujolais.com/les-circuits-de-la-route-des-vins.html
If you’re staying several days
If you’re staying several days
- With children (or big kids!): Touroparc (zoo et attractions) https://www.touroparc.com/
Walibi :parc d’attractions : https://www.walibi.fr/fr
Annecy considered the most beautiful city in the world (according to the bride!), with its stunning lake: https://www.lac-annecy.com/
Lake Bourget and the beautiful town of Aix-les-Bains: https://www.aixlesbains-rivieradesalpes.com/
And of course Lake Geneva in Switzerland… which can also be admired from France, from the world-famous spa town of Évian, known for its mineral water.
For sports lovers
For sports lovers
The region offers both outdoor and indoor activities. Everything is possible: swimming in lakes, sailing, water skiing, hiking (after all, this is the Alps region!), cycling, and more. And of course, there’s Groupama Stadium, home of Olympique Lyonnais (apparently there are two teams in the region… but not really worth mentioning 😉).
Sandrine & Aidan
The wedding – 27th June 2026
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