Walk around Sonthonnax-la-Montagne

The route starts just before the entrance to the village of Chougeat, close to a crossroads (a few parking spaces available).

(S/E) Join the main street, then walk through the village.

(1) Take a path on the left towards the Stèle du Maquis, then follow the yellow-marked trail for a short while.

(2) Just before a power line pylon, carry on straight ahead at a junction to reach the viewpoint: the overlook over the Ain valley is a very pretty spot (be careful of the cliff edge).

(3) Retrace your steps.

(2) Continue to the right (towards Sonthonnax-la-Montagne).

(4) You’ll soon reach a junction at a place called La Combe à l’Ours: turn right twice, then head to the Stèle du Maquis (which stands in the middle of a lovely clearing). You can also visit the nearby Grotte à l’Ours (also known as the Grotte du Maquis).

(5) Retrace your steps and follow the direct route back to the path at elevation 726: continue straight ahead, following the path as it climbs, then descends for a short while.

(6) Turn left at a junction marked by a nearby cross.

(7) You have reached the village of Sonthonnax-la-Montagne: just after the church, turn left onto Rue du Sonneur, then continue straight ahead along a path towards Chougeat. Follow the road for about 300 metres, then turn left onto a path.

(8) At a junction, continue to the left. After a short descent, carry on straight ahead at a fork in the path, and shortly afterwards you will reach the road at a place called La Tournerie.

(9) Continue almost straight ahead along the small road (taking care to watch out for traffic). Shortly after passing the Marcel Volland memorial, you will quickly return to the starting point (S/E)

The route starts not far from the entrance to the village of Chougeat (viewable on Google Maps).

The route is generally easy.

The on-site signposting is very well done:
• regular yellow markings,
• numerous signposts.

Optionally, you can take a shortcut between the path leading to the viewpoint and the Maquis memorial, which significantly reduces the distance to be covered (around 900 metres). This route includes a few challenging sections:
- A steep slope over a short section.
- Poor visibility of the path in some sections (the presence of regular informal orange markings helps you find your way).
Click here to view it.

This description is largely based on the route proposed by the municipality of Sonthonnax-la-Montagne. Click here to view it.

• Chougeat, a place of remembrance
  • Chougeat Camp: in 1943, those refusing to join the STO (Compulsory Work Service) gathered to hide in the Grotte à l’Ours, and later in a nearby clearing. Today, a memorial stone stands on this site. To find out more, click here and here. Also read the article in La Voix de L’Ain.
  • Marcel Volland Memorial: this commemorative monument stands at the entrance to the village of Chougeat. On 11 April 1944, the inhabitants of Chougeat were taken to Oyonnax and seven of them were deported to concentration camps in Germany, where Marcel Volland died on 23 February 1945.
  • Max Robez Memorial: a plaque is affixed to the bread oven situated in the heart of the village of Chougeat.
• Saint Laurent Church in Sonthonnax-la-Montagne. Its construction is thought to date back to at least the 15th century. See also the short article on Wikipedia.