The Monolithe de Villebois was erected in 1890 as a single piece to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Clearly visible styloliths show that it was extracted horizontally from a layer of rock without vertical cracks over at least 10 metres.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Villebois plans their stay around this site.
Culture and history
The Maison forte de Bouis is part of the town’s history. It was built from the 12th century onwards and repeatedly modified by its owners over five centuries. Another highlight is the Carrière des Meules: at regional level, it is the only quarry with all documented manual and mechanical extraction techniques, as well as a forge, a powder magazine and a marinière.
Nature
The nature reserve of Villebois’s old quarries comprises three areas: the old quarries of l’Orange and Les Meules, as well as the Plateau de l’Octave connecting them. The Villebois quarry site is home to sub-Mediterranean pioneer vegetation, mosses and dry grassland. The Conservatoire des espaces naturels offers events there throughout the year in the nature reserve of Villebois’s old quarries.
Getting around
The Village de Villebois circular route is 4.2 kilometres long and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. A heritage trail through Villebois follows in the footsteps of the quarry workers and the history of the town; explanatory panels introduce important sites in the village. For cyclists, the local ViaRhôna loop from Villebois to Briord was opened in 2022.
Connections
Bus route A49 connects Lhuis with Ambérieu-en-Bugey. Covoit’ici lines operate in the Plaine de l’Ain area.
Other destinations: Messimy-Sur-Saône, Châtillon-Sur-Chalaronne, Saint-Bois, Cleyzieu, Chevillard, Montrevel-En-Bresse, Aranc, Vongnes
