Bourg-en-Bresse, Prefecture in Eastern France
Bourg-en-Bresse is a prefecture town in the Ain department that rises at the western edge of the Jura and sits along the Reyssouze river. The center spreads around an old core with narrow lanes, surrounded by residential neighborhoods and commercial areas.
The settlement received town rights in 1250 and became the seat of the dukes of Savoy for the Bresse region in the early 15th century. The town changed hands several times until it passed to France for good in 1601.
The church of Brou displays in its cloisters and chapels life at court in the early 16th century, when Margaret of Austria founded the building. Visitors today can see the carved wooden choir stalls showing scenes from daily life of that period.
The train station connects the town with Paris, Lyon, Geneva and Strasbourg through high-speed trains and lies on the A39 and A40 motorways. The center can be explored on foot, while the church of Brou on the outskirts requires a short walk or bus ride.
The chickens of the Bresse breed carry blue feet, white plumage and a red comb, matching the French flag. This poultry breed may only be raised in a limited area around the town following strict regulations.
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