What to Do in Châtillon

English Translation
What to Do in Châtillon with Children

You already know the Halles, the cobbled streets, the old hospital, and the flowered bridges, but you wonder what to do in Châtillon with children?

For a morning, an afternoon, or a full day, Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne offers numerous possibilities for discovery and activities to do with the family.

Play with Physalis

In this adventure game, you must help Physalis, a 16-year-old girl passionate about botany, escape the medieval city and travel around the world.

“Physalis’ Escape” is about 2.5 hours of gameplay to enjoy with the family in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne with children from 8 years old, independently and throughout the year.

Your mission is simple: by exploring the city in search of clues, you will find the code that opens the city gates.

Thus, the young Physalis can, thanks to you, fulfill her dream and travel with her idol Philibert Commerson, living her own adventure.
To accomplish this mission, you just need to purchase the game available at the Tourist Office.

Only one kit per family is necessary. Be playful, agile, observant, and ingenious to fully enjoy this adventure!

Once the kit is purchased (10€), this game can be played all year round, at any time, and on any day, in one or several sessions.

The ideal: plan a picnic or snack break during your adventure.

Visit France… in Miniature!

An unmissable visit to Châtillon with children!

From the Alps to Provence via Lyon, a huge model created by an enthusiast comes to life in real or imaginary settings. One of the most beautiful miniature shows in Europe! Railway, road, and life scene animations. The miniature train museum is unique in France for its realism, animations, and rich details. This museum is a must-see during a visit to Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne and the Dombes.

Come and discover the museum every weekend of the year and from Tuesday to Sunday during school holidays.

Picnic and Relax at Clos Janin

This park was, until the late 19th century, a water feature that served as a reservoir for the city’s mill. To the east, its end was a vacant lot where tanners spread their skins.

Becoming the property of Mr. Janin, only the part near his house was maintained.

Upon Mrs. Janin’s death (1946), the house and nearby land were sold to a private individual, and the surplus went to the municipality, which developed it into: tennis courts, children’s games, lawns, and flower beds.
The park extends along the right bank of the Chalaronne. A beautiful stone bridge connects the two parts.

Clos Janin is a green space equipped with tables and benches, ideal for picnicking with children in Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne.

Walk or Fish at Etangs des Prés Gaudet

Want to get some fresh air? Here is a bucolic walk spot with a pond near the swimming pool and the campsite.
A 1.2 km trail runs along the Chalaronne and winds through a small shaded alder grove. You can walk from the city center to the Etangs des Prés Gaudet (formerly known as Plan d’eau de Grobon) by taking the road towards the Aquadombes pool.

The water body is entirely reserved for fishing (daily fishing permit available at the Maison de la Presse and Gamm Vert or online), and it’s possible, while chatting with the fishermen, to learn the art of angling…

Picnic tables invite you to take a break by the water while admiring the ducks swimming around.

A relaxing moment that will delight children during their visit to Châtillon.

Stroll in the Arboretum

An arboretum is a site housing a botanical collection of trees and shrubs from around the world. The first arboretums were created in Great Britain, then in France starting in the 19th century. At that time, explorers and other colonists brought back seeds or young plants from all regions of the world.

An arboretum is an open space for walkers wishing to find themselves in a natural environment away from the nuisances of civilization and surrounded by the mythical spirit of trees and the forest.

The creation of the arboretum of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne
This site of 12ha was created at the initiative of a passionate arborist, Henri NAVEL. He produced his fruits on the site and sold them to local restaurateurs and at surrounding markets.

The Arboretum of the commune of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne is a remarkable site, divided into several zones with diversified tree species. Picnic tables have been installed to enjoy the shade of the large trees.