Artemare is a small town in the Valromey, a valley in the Bugey, at the foot of the Grand Colombier, the highest summit at the southern end of the Jura. The town sits where the Séran river emerges from its valley, and the landscape around it is a mix of meadows, forests, limestone cliffs and small villages. Just to the north, the Cascade de Cerveyrieu drops in a spectacular fall over a limestone ledge, especially impressive after rain.
The Bugey is a region of deep valleys, limestone ridges and lakes, and it has a long tradition of good food and wine. Brillat-Savarin, the famous gastronome and author of The Physiology of Taste, was born in Belley, just to the south, and the region takes its culinary heritage seriously. The local wines, under the Bugey name, include sparkling Cerdon, a light, fruity pink wine, and reds and whites from local grape varieties. Cheeses, charcuterie and freshwater fish from the lakes are all excellent.
For riders, Artemare is the gateway to one of the great climbs of the Jura: the Grand Colombier, which can be reached from several sides, with steep gradients, hairpins and spectacular views over the Rhône valley, the Lac du Bourget and the Alps. The Col de la Biche and the Col du Grand Colombier are often used in the Tour de France. The roads are narrow and can be rough, and they are usually closed in winter.
Artemare has a few restaurants and cafés, and food options in the valley are good. Fuel is available in Artemare or in Belley and Culoz. Fill up before heading into the mountains.