Ain walks

This hike takes you on a loop through the heart of the Bugey region around Hauteville-Lompnes, on the edge of the plateau overlooking the Gorges de l'Albarine, with relatively little elevation gain.

Passing over the Cols du Grand and Petit Pertuis, you'll be amazed by this route along the ridges, which offers 360° views of the Alps, Massif Central and Jura. An easy hike for regular walkers.

A panoramic walk overlooking the town of Nantua and its famous lake, in an exceptional environment that alternates between countryside and coniferous forest. The mountainous route retains a good sporting aspect.

Starting from Cerin, this mainly wooded marked trail takes you through several valleys with streams offering several waterfall passages. After rainy weather, the waterfalls are magnificent but the ground is then more slippery.

The aim of the route is to complete a beautiful loop overlooking the Cerdon: after crossing the vineyards overlooking the valley, the route continues on the plateaus of Saint-Alban and Labalme, returning to the starting point via the Combe Cugnat and a slight detour via Mont Carmier.

The route follows the course of the Oignin river on the edge of the Gorges de l'Enfer, then goes around the Lac de l'Oignin, all with some pretty nice scenery!

A summit and vistas in a site dominated by pastures.

A beautiful hike, fairly well marked in blue with directional signs (sometimes a little faded), between 630 and 900 metres above sea level, easy, mostly on good, well-shaded paths. On very clear days, there are views of the snow-capped Alps and the villages of Marchand and Cerin. For flower lovers, between May and July, there are martagon lilies, orchids, snowdrops and erythronium. And for those who like the cool air, they can go to the Grotte de la Jaquette cave near the path.

A marked trail allows you to explore several water-related areas (hillside, stream, marsh) around Glandieu and its waterfall. Some paths are not maintained, see notices.

The Crêt de la Neige, the highest point in the Jura at 1,720 metres, offers an exceptional view of Lake Geneva and the Alps, with Mont Blanc as a bonus.

An easy loop along Retord Plateau taking you past the "Gouffre de la Bauche" sinkhole and the "Crêt du Nu" viewpoint.

I had wanted to walk through this flat countryside with its multitude of ponds for a long time. I suggest this route, which starts at Notre-Dame des Dombes Abbey. It will take you past some beautiful ponds and local farms. Depending on the season, you will be accompanied by the songs of a multitude of birds. Frogs will jump out of the water as you pass by and curious cows will come to meet you.

A beautiful loop passing through a small, easy, unobstructed peak offering a wide panorama of the Bugey, the Bresse plain, the Beaujolais mountains and the Lyon region. The springs of the Reyssouze reward us at the end of the hike.

A lovely walk starting from the banks of the Rhône, leading to the Mont de Cordon viewpoint (altitude 400 m) and offering a beautiful panorama of the Rhône and the Izieu mountain. During the climb, you pass a beautiful private castle and on the way back, you can see three caves that were inhabited during prehistoric times: the Bonne Femme cave, an unnamed cave and the Liévrin cave.

This loop allows you to visit several characteristic sites in this area where the folds of the Jura meet the alluvial plain: the sharp limestone pavement of Fierloz, the Cerveyrieu waterfall, the Turignin Gorges on the Séran, the sources of the Groin and the chasms it forms. In high water, the route can be slippery but it is impressive.

A beautiful, moderately difficult hike with panoramic views overlooking Lake Nantua and the Autoroute des Titans. At the summit, weather permitting, you can see Mont Blanc.

This is a circular route from Bolozon, passing through pretty villages (Balvay, Solomiat and Napt) and overlooking the Gorges de l'Ain. This is a "classic" route (often suggested in the opposite direction) that does not present any major difficulties.

Fort l'Ecluse, a fortified military structure dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Léaz viewpoint. Panoramic view of the Rhône valley.

A gentle walk on the Retord plateau.

After an initial wooded section, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Ain river valley from the top of the Jarbonnet rocks. The river winds its way through the valley below. The summit is not very popular and is mainly known to climbers who enjoy the routes offered by the cliff.

Offers an unforgettable view of Lake Geneva, Geneva and its water jet, and Mont Blanc in the background.

A peaceful hike on the border between Ain and Savoie. From the start, there is a beautiful view of the Rhône riverbed. Further on, you will see Lac de Barterand, bordered by unexpected sculptures in the rock. A short climb towards the flag reveals a beautiful view of the lake.

Tour of the chalets of the Col du Sac and Varambon via the Crêtes du Sorgia - 360° view at the Crêt de la Goutte with orientation table to discover the Monts d'Ain, Lake Geneva and its water jet, the start of the Jura mountain range, the Swiss and French Alps including the Matterhorn in good weather and the majestic Mont Blanc.

Perfect for hot days as it is very shady under beautiful high-altitude coniferous and deciduous forests (between 625 and 920 metres above sea level), on trails and good forest paths through the beautiful landscapes of the Bugey, offering a wide panorama of the cliff. In autumn, you can pick blackberries, hazelnuts and walnuts along the way.

Je vous propose de réaliser un parcours en boucle au départ des environs du Col de la Faucille (parking du Pailly) afin d’accéder au Colomby de Gex : à l'aller le tracé évolue sous les Monts Jura et au retour sur ses crêtes avec une succession de montées et descentes. Certaines parties du parcours sont situées en zones de quiétude de la faune sauvage et il ne sera ainsi pas possible de le parcourir du 15/12 au 15/05 (à lire ci dessous)

Steep hike offering superb views of the Jargoy plateau and the village of Oncieu.

Plateau of the Jura mountain range, overlooking the valleys of Bellegarde sur Valserine and Fort l'écluse. The highest point of the Crêt de la Goutte offers a 360° panorama of the Jura Natural Park and Lake Geneva on the Geneva side, with a horizon dominated by the Alps, including Mont Blanc.

A beautiful hike from the Château des Allymes, mostly in the forest, on little-used paths. Passes by Mont Luisandre and the ruins of its14th-century castle. Beautiful view of Allymes Castle and the Ambérieu plain. Of course, you can visit Allymes Castle at the end of the hike.

A very pleasant trail from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey leads first to the old village of Souclin and then to the Roche de l'Église, which overlooks it. This hike will appeal to lovers of old stones: old villages and paths often lined with timeless stone walls. This route has few paved roads and offers many panoramic views of the Rhône between Bouvesse and Vertrieu, the north of the Isère and, in good weather, even Lyon.

A refreshing short hike with multiple panoramic views.

A pleasant, easy circular walk, mainly through woodland. The charming church of Saint-Maurice-d'Échazeaux (or des Chasaux), which overlooks the confluence of the Valouse and Ain rivers, and the ruins of Montdidier Castle are worth exploring.

This easy circuit around the commune of Saint-Éloi in the Ain department will give you a glimpse of the Dombes region. It also offers plenty of geocaching opportunities for enthusiasts.

Ce tour propose un parcours varié, et exigeant, depuis les rives de la Valserine jusqu’aux plus hauts sommets du Jura. Un sublime panorama s’étend sur les Alpes, le Léman et les montagnes jurassiennes, s’offrant aux randonneurs dans un cadre préservé. Praticable d'avril à novembre, le chemin débute depuis le village de Lélex et part en direction du Pont de la Fruitière et du Niaizet. Il se poursuit en longeant la Valserine en fond de vallée et passe par sa tourbière. Une flore remarquable y pousse aux beaux jours. , avant d'entamer l'ascension des Monts Jura et du Reculet (1719m). Une croix de 1600 kg y fut hissée en 1892 par quatre habitants de Thoiry. Le sentier se poursuit jusqu'au Crêt de la Neige, point culminant du massif, à 1720 m. Avant de redescendre dans le village de Lélex, remarquez aux abords du sentier les vestiges d'anciennes constructions, qui témoignent de l'activité humaine dans les Monts Jura et de sa tradition alpagiste.

A pleasant walk typical of the Dombes. Mainly on tarmac but with very little traffic; you are on secondary roads. Along the route there is a high concentration of ponds, which are full of water in 2020. The view of the ponds is unobstructed and you will encounter many different birds. The walk is punctuated by a variety of landscapes: ponds, fields, copses and even a view of the Beaujolais region.

This walk takes you through typical Dombes landscapes such as ponds, fields and copses. There are many ponds to see, making this route particularly interesting. Remember to bring your binoculars.

This is a very beautiful hike, especially after a few days of rain, which feeds the many streams. The first part up to (1) is not very steep but quite long, so it is best to be in good shape.

Parves and a few other villages are nestled between the old Rhône and the canal (actually the canalised Rhône): you could say that this area forms an island. The suggested walk takes place at low altitude through woods, forests, agricultural landscapes, villages and hamlets that have preserved or enhanced the typical buildings of the Bugey region. There is also a beautiful view of the Savoyard foothills.

The aim of this hike is to take you to Lac Genin from the centre of Oyonnax. The route is mainly a loop. Once you arrive at the lake, you are free to spend as much time there as you like.

Hike from the Chalet d'Arvières with a gradual, shaded climb to the Col de Charbemènes. Then follow the marked trail, which will take you to the Grand Colombier at 1,525 m in about an hour. You will then have a magnificent view of the Alps, Mont Blanc, Lac du Bourget, the Rhône, and more.

Panoramic view of Lake Geneva, the Alps, the high Jura mountains and the Pays de Gex

From Lagnieu, climb up to the Croix de Bramafan to discover a wide panorama of the Rhône plain, the Ain plain, Île Crémieu and, on a clear day, as far as Lyon. A very pleasant hike on well-shaded forest paths and trails.

Walk in Bugey along the banks and heights of the Oiselon Valley, crossing wooded areas, meadows and a few vineyards.

Tour of the Hostiaz plateau and its viewpoints along the ridges and cliffs.

A lovely walk in the forest in the nature reserve leading to a viewpoint offering views of the Alps, Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. Hiking in a nature reserve - Dogs not allowed - The route is mainly located in a wildlife quiet zone, and it is mandatory to follow the signposts.

This loop will take you out of the medieval town to discover the varied landscape of the region, with woods, crops, a few old houses and panoramic views. The 9 km route is easy to follow and well marked in orange.

Hike around the Conzieu Lakes, visible from the heights, and Lac de Crotel, which cannot be seen. The hike takes place on good paths and a few steep trails. Spring or autumn in dry weather is preferable, as the few difficult passages can become slippery.

Walk in the Revermont between Revonnas and Ceyzériat via the Montagne Noire. Beautiful view of the plain and, to finish, a detour to the Ceyzériat waterfall.

This loop allows you to enjoy the banks of the Rhône and its history linked to Seyssel. It takes you up high, through hamlets, vineyards and fields, where you can appreciate the beauty of the Rhône valley nestled between the Gros Foug mountain and Mont Colombier.

A pleasant walk along the Valserine Gorges, from Les Pertes to Bellegarde. Very popular in hot weather as much of the route is in the woods and always close to the river. Please note that a municipal by-law dated 11 April 2024 prohibits continuing the hike beyond point 5 along the banks of the Valsorine (footbridges closed)

An easy walk leading to the Vernange Sensitive Natural Area with its observatory. Don't forget your binoculars.