Ain (rivière) walks

Pleasure in cascades. This extraordinary walk around the Pertes de l’Ain gorges sets out from the remarkable site of the old forges and is a delight for all the senses. Along the way: The Pertes de l’Ain, gorges, cascades, the ruins of Villain castle, and the relics of an old village.

A splendid hike between the plateau and the steep-sided valley of the Ain. This circuit offers an opportunity to discover the upper Ain valley and its unique geology, with its Vaucluse spring, waterfalls (Le Moulinet, Saut des Maillys, Moulin-du-Saut) and ruined mills, evidence of how humans once harnessed the power of water. In fact, an EDF hydroelectric plant has replaced the old Moulin-du-Saut.

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.

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.

A lord had three daughters of marriageable age. Capricious, they found all suitors unworthy. Annoyed, the fairy Melusine turned them into stone statues. Erosion has destroyed two of these gossips. Time will get the better of the last one, so don't delay in paying her a visit. On the way, you will see the ruins of a castle perched on the cliffs, views of the Val de Sirod, and picturesque stony paths winding through beautiful rocks. Return via the Perte de l'Ain and its superb gorges.

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

On either side of the Pont de la Pyle, there are so many wonderful things to see, do and discover!One side takes you along a long, peaceful path through the woodland, skirting the lake, with viewing points and a picnic area.The other side, more touristy, takes you to the ruins of a castle, caves, viewing points, and a leisure area with a harbour and a beach.In short, everything you need for a great day out!A lovely route for trail running enthusiasts.

A magnificent hike with panoramic views of the Ain and the Jura plateaus, caves and waterfalls.

From Matefelon-Granges, I suggest you take a 11 km circular trail through the Ain Valley, then the Oignin Valley. Along the way, you will enjoy views of Thoire, the Château de Coiselet (private), the Saut de l'Oignin waterfall and its potholes, and finally the lake upstream.

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.

Ten minutes from Champagnole, the most powerful of the medieval fortresses still stood not so long ago... A nature and heritage walk awaits you through the Val de Sirod around the site of the Perte de l'Ain, which is at the end of this route. You will pass by the Château Villain fortress, viewpoints, the Rocher des Commères, the castle chapel, the Fontaine des Tufs, the Roche des Sarrasins, the village of Syam, and more.

A very pleasant circular route along Lake Vouglans with views of the Pont de la Pyle bridge. A long ribbon winding between wooded hills, Lake Vouglans is 35 km long. Located in the heart of the Jura, it is one of the region's aquatic gems and one of the best-preserved large lakes in France. There are no roads running alongside it, and a few beaches and ports are widely open to visitors. The paths are very well marked. Discover the ruins of the Château de la Tour de Meix.

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.

A beautiful hike with varied landscapes: the Dombes plateau, a view of the Bugey and access to the Ain river.

Je vous propose un petit parcours permettant de rejoindre Heyriat à partir de Granges situé pas très loin des bords de l'Ain.

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.

A walk with beautiful views that takes us through a few small hamlets and woodland; you can see the chapel, which is currently being renovated, and find information about it. The route is marked with yellow signposts.

Un parcours un peu difficile en raison de sa longueur, sinon les chemins et sentiers sont très praticables, pas de difficulté technique. De beaux points de vue sur l'Ain du haut des falaises dans la première partie.

This is a short, easy loop that allows you to discover the panorama at the confluence of the Rhône and Ain rivers, the picturesque village of Anthon and its surroundings, including the banks of the Rhône and the beautiful town hall of Chavanoz.

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.

Starting from the Coiselet dam, I suggest a good route around the Montagne d’Émondeau leading to Dortan. The route takes place mainly in a wooded area interspersed with some lovely scenery. The route is generally easy and the main difficulty is its length.Three alternative routes are available.

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.

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.

This easy route takes you to the small Grottes de l'Ours, before heading to its impressive viewpoint over the Ain plain, perched on the edge of a cliff 400 m above the River Ain. The route then continues through stunning forests and villages to the Pisse Vache Waterfall, which you can admire from upstream, downstream, from the front and from behind. The return to Granges follows the banks of the Ain.

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.

The Échappée Jurassienne is an invitation to discover, step by step, the striking diversity of the Jura Mountains. This 15-day itinerary links the west to the east, from the plains to the mountains, crossing the unspoilt landscapes of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, far from the borders and close to the essentials. From the peaceful canals of Dole, the trail winds its way through the most iconic sites of the Jura: the Cirque de Baume, lakes, remote valleys, viewpoints and deep forests, before ending majestically in Saint-Claude, a town nestled in the heart of the mountains. Over the course of these 311 km, this itinerary becomes much more than a hike: it is a true distillation of the most exceptional things the Jura has to offer. The richness of the landscapes, the contrasts in altitude and the authenticity of the villages you encounter allow everyone to surpass themselves, immerse themselves fully in the wild beauty and reconnect with the essentials.

Tenth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. For this stage starting from Châtillon, you will head towards the largest natural lake in the Jura: the magnificent Lac de Chalain. A true blue jewel surrounded by limestone rocks, the lake can be seen in all its splendour from the plateau, offering breathtaking panoramic views. You will then walk through stunning natural landscapes before reaching Menétrux-en-Joux, located near the famous Hérisson waterfalls. An adventure where every step will reveal enchanting and varied scenery!

Ninth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. This transitional stage marks the end of a region full of unexpected treasures, including salt mines, majestic forests, vineyards, charming villages and iconic remote areas, and takes you to the Pays des Lacs et des Cascades (Land of Lakes and Waterfalls). A winding balcony trail will take you to the first plateau with its pastures, farms and small villages. Overlooking the Ain valley, you will end this route in Châtillon, where you will catch a glimpse of the first foothills of the Jura.

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. .

Third stage of the Way of St James. A pleasant stage with some elevation gain, shaded sections and stretches on tarmac and dirt tracks.

Second stage of the Way of St James. A route offering beautiful views of Lake Coiselet and Lake Conflans, taking us through a few small hamlets and across woodland.

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.