Balanod walks

A lovely loop on the first slopes of the Jura massif, above the Bresse plain (Revermont). A largely forested route, with viewpoints and panoramas, typical villages, monuments and heritage sites.

An easy walk to discover the peaceful countryside of the Bresse Bourguignonne. The route passes through farmland, a beautiful lake, meadows and woods, finally following a small river. Here and there are scattered Bresse farms, some still in operation.PR®® (yellow) signposts all along the route.

This easy hike is best enjoyed in spring and autumn if you want to make the most of the second part, which is also the most beautiful: the waterfall and stream. It's guaranteed to be cool in summer, even with just a trickle of water. Amazon rainforest atmosphere before the waterfall. Moderator update on 24/09/2020: Please note! Change of route at the end of the trail, after the waterfall. To return to the car park, follow the diversion and the yellow markings.

A route along easy paths in the Bresse region, starting from the traditional village of Romenay.

Interesting viewpoint offering views of the Ain valley (Vouglans Dam, the Haut Jura mountain range and Mont Blanc in good weather). The ruins of Oliferne Castle are now of considerable interest following restoration work carried out by volunteers.

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.

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.

Discover the splendour of France's third largest reservoir with its turquoise blue waters. In this magnificent setting, walk between forests and steep cliffs with superb views of the lake.

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

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.

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.

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!

Discover the medieval town of Bourg-en-Bresse. Tour the streets to admire the well-preserved half-timbered houses. Plaques on the remarkable façades explain their history.Departure from the car park of the Monastery of Brou, a remarkable building that is definitely worth a visit.

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.

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.

Simandre, on the banks of the Saône and close to Cuisery, is a lively village with many shops. Its Romanesque church and lava stone roof are listed in the Bâtiments de France inventory. You can observe the flora and fauna at the various ponds along the way.

Simandre, on the banks of the Saône and close to Cuisery, is a lively village with many shops. Its Romanesque church and lava stone roof are listed in the Bâtiments de France inventory. You can observe the flora and fauna at the various ponds along the route.

Short loop passing through the Hautecourt Cave Nature Reserve. Hike with no technical difficulty, alternating between woodland and open spaces. The climb up to the Mont Rosset plateau is a little steep, watch out for cows, but you'll be rewarded at the end. Please note that the cave itself is not open to visitors, even though it was France's first underground nature reserve in 1980. Don't be disappointed, though, as there are a dozen information panels on the surface explaining the cave's biodiversity and its exploration in the past. For those interested, there is a 3D tour on the LPO Aura website.

All the ingredients for a beautiful hike that make the Jura so special are here: remote valleys, viewpoints, caves, waterfalls and unspoilt nature.

Discover one of the most beautiful natural sites and one of the prettiest villages in the Franche-Comté.

Discover the Baume-les-Messieurs valley, a family hike offering beautiful views from the viewpoints along the route, culminating in a visit to the Baume caves. Also worth seeing is the Tuffes waterfall.

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.

This route will give you an overview of these great glacial valleys of the Jura.

Eighth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. This iconic stage gets off to a great start. From the bottom of the Blois-sur-Seille valley, you will climb back up to the plateau to reach the small village of Granges-sur-Baume, which overlooks the most beautiful valley in the Jura. From the Belvédère de Granges-sur-Baume, you will have a bird's eye view of the Baume-les-Messieurs valley and, after a steep descent, you will arrive in one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France".Dominated by vertiginous cliffs, Baume-les-Messieurs, home to a 9th-century Cluniac abbey, nestles in the middle of three secluded valleys typical of the Jura landscape.As you follow the Dard river upstream, you will discover one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Jura, the tufa waterfall of Baume-les-Messieurs, and, a little further on, the spectacular Baume caves.After another climb up to the plateau via the Crançot ladders and a walk through the Perrigny forest, you will end this stage not far from Lons-le-Saunier.