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A former livestock farm which has been transformed into a vast,
comfortable home near to Nantua in the Haut-Bugey region

Taste experiences

Bugey wine tastings available by prior arrangement.

Guided tour of the property

A 2-hour guided tour of the property is possible when the owner is available.

Les journées européennes du patrimoine

du 21-09-2024 au 22-09-2024

Our opinion

The small road that crosses the valley in the middle of wooded hills and peatland opens up to a wild landscape with very few houses. When the road branches off, it reveals a further surprise when it stops in front of the old farmhouse. Firmly planted on its foundations and topped with a very wide roof, it stands out like a fortress in an unchanging mountain setting. From its former life as a livestock farm, it has been turned into a vast residence that is perfect for comfortable stays. A few features, including a spectacular roof structure, give visitors a chance to imagine what life was like here in the 17th century and up until the 1980s. There is space everywhere here, both inside and out. A perfect location for guests wanting to reflect, create and relax while contemplating nature, which is beautiful and captivating in every season.

Property owners’ take the floor

Why did you settle in this region, in this place and not elsewhere ?

This wild and unspoilt region, which is typical of the Haut-Jura, has been my family’s home for generations. The historic farmhouse, which we have owned since the 1930s, has been completely restored and converted into a guest house. The works on the house and design of the grounds took seven years.

What specific architectural features does your building have ?

La Ferme de La Tour is a typical Jura abbey farm, designed to be self-sufficient in an isolated setting. Its vast barn, with its spectacular beams, has been carefully preserved in its original state. This magnificent space has been transformed into a loft apartment. The former stables have been converted to a large lounge and a dining room.

What is its history ?

This abbey farm, set in two hectares of parkland with a pond, was built in the early 17th century by the Abbey of Nantua. Run as a dairy farm until the 1980s, it has been in our family since 1934.

What can you offer people staying with you ?

A place to rest body and soul, the farm is located in the Haut-Bugey region, south of the Jura mountains. Nestling in a wild natural setting typical of the Haut-Jura, which is now a preserved region, it is located in the Combe de Léchaud, on the edge of the vast Retord plateau, a nature reserve which is home to rich flora characteristic of the marshy plateaux of the lower mountains. All four seasons are experienced in full here in a setting conducive to relaxation and tranquillity. Once monastic, the farmhouse offers our guests absolute peace and quiet that you would expect from such a place, in the comfort of revamped interiors, furnished with restored local furniture.

Places you would personally recommend

The vast wilderness of the Retord plateau, of Valromey in particular, and Bugey in general, offers breathtaking scenery. The Sylans ice houses, an astonishing piece of industrial heritage, are vestiges of a time when exploitation of natural ice was at its height in the 19th century, a time when fridges and freezers did not exist. Nestling between two mountains, the 141-hectare Lac de Nantua has a wide range of water-based activities on offer, including swimming, fishing, canoeing, water-skiing, paddle-boarding and pedalos. The medieval town of Pérouges is home to a host of designer and craft workshops. This historic village has preserved a wealth of skills, including pottery, ceramics, bookbinding and stained glass.