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1,900 inhabitants (Villiatons)

On the western slopes of the Saône in the heart of the Beaujolais Crus, 50 km north of Lyon and 20 km south of Mâcon, Villié-Morgon farms over 1,000 hectares of Morgon Cru. The outstanding Morgon Cru variety is, of course, the Beaujolais: The white-juiced gamay noir from which wine growers produce a fruity, ruby red wine: cherry, raspberry, redcurrant and, later, kirsch, which ripens over the years. To describe this process, wine produces tend to say "it’s morgonning". As well as its excellent wine, Villié-Morgon, a flower-decked tourist town, also attracts visitors because of its landscapes, its restaurants, animal park and outdoor activities - such as cycling or walking tours. It’s also very tempting to visit the 17th century Fontcrenne chateau, and the Saint-Vincent church dedicated to the patron saint of wine growers. Villié-Morgon is twinned with the German wine growing town of Sasbachwalden.

• www.commune-villie-morgon.com
• www.cc-regionbeaujeu.fr
• www.rhone.fr

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42,360 inhabitants (Burgiens)

Ideally situated between Lyon and Geneva, 1 hour 50 minutes from Paris by TGV, Bourg-en-Bresse is the county town of Ain. In spite of its dynamic economic performance and lively population, the town boasts a remarkably gentle life-style. Its rich historical heritage has been well-preserved, with half-timbered houses, art deco and renaissance facades... Its most famous attractions are without doubt the Royal Monastery of Brou; a flamboyant Gothic jewel, born of the enchanted love story of Marguerite of Austria and Philibert le Beau and the town’s celebrated gourmet cuisine (with pride of place going to Bresse chicken!) In close proximity to the town, a number of delightful nature trails provide a wonderful tourist attraction, as do the many parks, gardens, the forest, footpaths, lake and golf course. There is something for everyone in this bustling town; with its rich and vibrant close-knit community that loves its sporting and festive events all year round. But there’s more! The Chemins de la Culture programme also promotes access for everyone to art and culture.

• www.bourgenbresse.fr
• www.agglo-bourgenbresse.fr

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