Villards-d'Héria walks

Do you want to commune with nature, admire its beauty at the slow pace of walking, walk to get to know yourself better, get back to basics, push yourself: set off on an adventure along the Camino de Santiago. That’s what I’m offering you with this route. I set off from my village in the Jura (the first six stages are not part of the signposted routes of the Camino de Santiago) to reach Santiago de Compostela in Spain, but there’s nothing stopping you from setting off from your own home to join the route at any stage, starting from Le Puy-en-Velay or any other town along the way. .

First stage of the Way of St James. This first stage, starting from Villards-d'Héria, takes you up to higher ground with a superb view of Lake Coiselet and, ultimately, a peak and a castle that are well worth the detour. Indeed, the Pic d’Oliferne towers over the Ain Valley by almost 500 metres and offers a beautiful view, particularly of the Haute-Chaîne du Jura.

How beautiful France is if you take the time to look...On this route around the northern part of Lake Vouglans, with short, fairly steep climbs and descents as well as long, gentle climbs through the forest, you’ll have the chance to appreciate just how beautiful France is, thanks to the stunning Jura landscapes surrounding Lake Vouglans.This route is quite demanding physically but not overly technical. If you can, do this route on an e-MTB.

A route through the hills, with stunning views of the surroundings of Moirans-en-Montagne. Sections across the Jura mountains, with clear views, interspersed with sections through the undergrowth and amongst boulders. A very varied, fairly challenging hike.

It’s a strange sight: this empty harbour, almost dry, with its stranded jetties and exposed tree roots. The low water level of Lake Vouglans means you can walk with dry feet or cycle along the banks through a somewhat lunar landscape, where the water usually lies.This mountain bike route, best enjoyed in October, will reveal a different side to Lake Vouglans, its harbour and its surroundings, adorned in their most beautiful autumn colours.

An easy hike around Villards-d'Héria with superb views of Lake Antre, the town of Moirans-en-Montagne and Lake Vouglans.Please note that access is currently prohibited: following a landslide, access to the Lac d'Antre viewpoint is prohibited until further notice. From point (2), go directly to point (4). Please note: there has been a forest fire between points (4) and (7) since 17/08/2025 at 7 p.m. Do not attempt this route

Set against a dreamlike backdrop, between Lakes Vouglans and Coiselet, lies the climb to the Chancia viewpoint.This challenging route, exceptional for its elevation gain and technical trails, will take you along Lake Vouglans and above Lake Coiselet.Feel free to catch your breath at the viewpoint, which offers a magnificent view over the Ain Valley, before tackling the climbs.

Around Lac d'Antre, its sinkhole and the resurgence of the Héria, one of the most important sanctuaries in Gaul was established between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. It is through the cult of water that I invite you to discover the ancient city of Antre, its Gallo-Roman remains, its resurgences and its cliff perched 962 m above the lake, Please note: due to bad weather and tree-felling work around Lake Antre, access around the lake and to the Belvédère is prohibited. When facing Lake Antre, you must head for points (3) and (6) and avoid points (1), (2), (4) and (5).

Walk in the forest with a view of Lake Antre and the Jura Mountains

The view from the lookout point is always impressive. Along this trail, you will overlook the beautiful landscapes of Lake Vouglans, observe its colourful surroundings and contemplate its wooded shores, remarkably preserved from unsightly urban development. This route is also suitable for trail runners.

A circular route starting from Martigna and passing by four viewpoints overlooking the lakes of Chanon and Vouglans.From the top of their cliffs, the viewpoints invite us to contemplate the lush greenery and the reflections or sunsets on these lakes.

In the Jura, the forest covers most of the region. This forest-themed walk is a great opportunity to soak up the atmosphere. Along the route, there are several lovely views, such as the path to the Fyète well—a geological feature typical of karst landscapes—as well as fountains, wash houses and a bread oven.

The Sentier des savoir-faire is a walk where you use your hands! Stroll along with your nose in the air and your mind alert on this unusual trail. You’ll uncover the mysteries of the Jura artisans’ skills and gain a deeper appreciation of the values associated with them.

A circular walk, mainly through forest, overlooking the southern part of Lake Vouglans with beautiful views of the lake, a horseshoe bend in the River Ain and the dam.

This long route, starting from Le Lison and best undertaken in good weather, will take you all the way to Avignon-les-Saint-Claude, walking over the "Tête du Gaulois" which overlooks the Plan d'Acier industrial estate.On the way back, you can admire the Lison hillsides from the Ponthoux viewpoint and cool off in the Lison Gorges.

Hike to the Belvédère du Regardoir, passing through the forest along paths and trails, then return via the Belvédère de la Roche aux Corneilles on theGR®9. Beautiful views of Lake Vouglans, as well as lovely sections through the forest with moss-covered trees.

Under the pine trees, immerse yourself in a Mediterranean atmosphere and marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Vouglans stretching as far as the eye can see. Let the grains of sand covering the beaches caress your skin. The only thing missing from this picture is the taste of salt on your lips to make you believe in this unlikely little sea in the mountains. This easy walk from the port of La Mercantine will take you to Maisod Castle and along Lake Vouglans

The view from the viewpoint is always impressive. On this route, you will overlook the beautiful landscapes of Lake Vouglans, observe its changing colours and contemplate its wooded shores, remarkably preserved from any unsightly urban development.

Set off on an adventure along the paths in the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, the Jura Sud region, the Land of Children.Perfect for families (even with small children without a pushchair).Some walks are games, others are treasure hunts, and some are tales to be lived out like adventures.The walk immerses children in an original story with clues to find and surprises.

Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the Jura offers the chance to explore vast, pristine white landscapes. These activities provide unforgettable experiences in the heart of nature. So don’t wait any longer – if there’s snow, get your gear and gloves ready and set off to explore the snow-covered expanses of the Jura mountains.A short circular hike, easy to do on skis or snowshoes, through varied landscapes and in a wild setting.

Welcome to the imaginary land of South Jura. On this 7 Tales on a Walk trail, take a short storytelling walk with your family and immerse yourself in the story of the lost mermaid. The starting point is marked by an entrance gate (in the form of a giant book), on which is written the type of object you will have to look for and follow throughout the walk. Step through this door to enter a world full of mystery.

This hike, to the west of Lake Vouglans, offers a varied route that is not difficult, save for its length. It follows good paths, alternating between woodland and open spaces. The view from the Belvédère des Bourlaches overlooks the left bank of Lake Vouglans.

An easy hike for the whole family, where the vegetation changes from deciduous trees to pines, firs, Scots pines and boxwood. You can also walk along a stream, enter a cave and enjoy three waterfalls.

From Chancia, I suggest you return to Montcusel via a pretty loop trail: first, you follow the Bienne River at a distance, then you climb a few hills with beautiful views, especially towards Lac de Coiselet.

I suggest a short hike (about 1 hour) from Chancia to the small summit of Molard de Netru (491 m). There are some beautiful views to discover.

The aim is to complete a good, almost circular route across the plateaus around Montcusel and Chanon.The starting point is in Chancia: the main difficulty is the distance covered (at most, there is a short steep climb towards Lake Chanon). Along the way, there are some lovely views.

The village of Chancia, dating back to Roman times, stretches lazily along the lake formed by the junction of the Bienne and Ain rivers and the Coiselet reservoir. Here, everything encourages relaxation. On this route through the hills above Chancia, you will be enchanted by this little corner of paradise.

This beautiful, mostly shaded route offers views of several waterfalls, each as pretty as the next, as well as a cave open on the side of a cliff with a spring flowing from it. The vegetation is very diverse and you can see the tireless work of water on the rock.

A pleasant, quiet route with a few technical sections, suitable for mountain bikers in good physical condition!It is definitely preferable to complete this route in the suggested direction, as some slopes are more difficult when ridden in the opposite direction.

Arthur was a dreamy little fox who was always getting lost. One day, seeing him wander off from their den, his very worried parents gave him this advice:- Arthur, if you go for a walk, take a good look at the path you take on the way there. Look at the trees, the shape of the stones and the landscape. That way, you won’t get lost and you’ll always find your way back.Let the children look for the clues and, above all, don’t get lost yourselves.

The aim of the hike is to complete a circular route overlooking the village of Dortan and Lake Coiselet. There are many beautiful viewpoints along the way.

Located in the heart of the forest in a most peaceful setting, the three lakes, the "Petit", the "Grand" and the "Lac de la Fauge", are home to flora and fauna characteristic of wetlands. A nearby trail offers a panoramic view of the lakes and the village of Étival from the lookout point.

Two pretty lakes hidden at the bottom of a very pleasant valley – that’s the setting for this walk! A forest track takes you round the large lake, bordered by woods and meadows. Suitable for pushchairs.

I suggest a route that is almost a loop, with some beautiful views, to reach the Pic d'Oliferne from Lac de Coiselet (Condes). There are no major difficulties to encounter. At most, there are a few passages that require caution if the ground is slippery (see below).

A beautiful, challenging hike starting from Dortan, with numerous viewpoints and waterfalls.

Starting from the workers' village of Dortan, this walk takes you through the Bois de Chatelard forest to the Pierre-qui-Vire and its rocky promontory overlooking Lac de Coiselet. Then, in the intimacy of a rocky cirque at the end of a shady valley, you will discover the waterfall of the Ruisseau de Maissiat, which has been building a pyramid of tufa for thousands of years.

The marked trail takes you on snowshoes through the forest, towards Les Piards, to reach the Brire viewpoint at an altitude of 950 m. You’ll be able to make out the Jura Mountains, with the rounded peak of La Dôle right in front of you marking the horizon, and you might even catch a glimpse of the summit of Mont Blanc if the tall spruce trees weren’t blocking the view. What a shame.

Depending on the season, this walk takes you through flower-filled meadows in summer, snow-covered fields in winter where you can see the tracks of wild animals, and the heart of light spruce forests and the taiga landscape of the peat bog.