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Update by the author on 28/06/2025: adjustment of the route between points (4) and (6) and between points (9) and (3), which was slightly incorrect. Following these corrections:
- the route differs slightly from that of IGN; it now matches that of OSM.
- Point (5) has been moved slightly.
The starting point is located at the Intriat dam, about 1 km from the town of Izernore (RD85 road). Please note that there are no organised parking spaces.
(S/E) The trail starts about a hundred metres from the bridge (on the left towards Izernore), almost opposite a path leading to the dam: follow the signs for the Trablettes factory and Saut du Torrey. Quite quickly, cross the river via a footbridge (this is actually a penstock). A little further on, you will come to asecond footbridge (also a penstock).
(1) From here, admire the Saut du Torrey on your right. Continue straight ahead along the path bordering the fields and overlooking the Gorges de l'Enfer (access is very limited: only two access points have been identified). After walking for a while, the path joins a small track: turn left towards the factory.
(2) You are at the water tower that supplies the power plant located below via a penstock. Less visible, it overlooks the Gouille de l'Enfer. Take the path straight ahead. A little further on, it joins a small road: turn left (almost straight ahead).
(3) At a hairpin bend, you will see a fork in the road: turn left towards the factory and the campsite.
(4) In less than 5 minutes, the road ends in a cul-de-sac at the Trablettes power station (built in 1912 and still in operation), located at the exit of the Gorges du Val d'Enfer. Cross the footbridge (known as the Trablettes) to take a good path towards the campsite. This passes close to the Oignin river (left bank).
(5) A little further on, you will come to a fork in the path with a sign on the right for the Barrage des Russes. Feel free to take a short detour to see the remains of the dam, which collapsed in 1917 as soon as it was filled with water. Continue straight ahead towards the Matafelon campsite. The path continues to follow the Oignin along its lake section. After walking for a while, the trail suddenly turns left (to go around the campsite). At the fork, turn right as indicated by the signs (follow the campsite). At the next fork, turn left onto a small road that climbs slightly.
(6) At the fork, turn right onto the small road leading down to the campsite entrance: turn left (the campsite entrance is on the right) and follow the signs for the Tour de l'Oignin and the dam bridge. A little further on, go straight ahead at the fork and follow a path along the lake. Gradually, a bridge will come into view. The path suddenly veers away from the lake and crosses a meadow to join the RD18 road (be careful of traffic).
(7) Turn right and follow the road towards the bridge to cross it. Just after the bridge, turn right towards the Moulin du Pont to follow a path along the lake.
(8) You will arrive at a building that is the Moulin du Pont restaurant. At this point, visibility of the route is poor, so continue straight ahead between the lake and the restaurant. A little further on, the route becomes clearer: follow the signs for the Trablettes factory. The path approaches the road towards a roundabout: follow a small road that passes by a golf course. The road ends in a cul-de-sac at a car park.
(9) Follow the path (still towards the Trablettes power station), temporarily leaving the lake to cross a small watercourse. The path then approaches the lake, following it at a distance (with a few small ascents and descents).
(3) The path then rejoins the route taken on the way there, which you should follow in reverse: continue left uphill towards the Intriat dam and the Saut du Torrey.
(2) As on the way there, pass by the water tower.
(1) Then pass by the Saut du Torrey. A little further on, the trail returns to the starting point (S/E).
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