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Bénonces walks
The Three Rivers Trail starting from Bénonces
Visorando Member
5.65 mi
+922 ft
-912 ft
3h 25
Easy
Departure from Bénonces (Ain)
This trail allows you to discover the three rivers: the Tréfond, the Arodin and the Perna(z), the biodiversity of the site, and its geological and heritage riches, explained by six information panels.
Circular via Chateland, Rochers de la Cra and Croix de Cuny
6.91 mi
+1,558 ft
-1,542 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Bénonces (Ain)
This circular at the edge of the Bugey is accessible in all seasons, including in the snow, given its low altitude. It offers several viewpoints over the Rhône Valley and the "Vallée Bleue", the peaks of the Bugey, Chartreuse, Vercors, Belledonne and Bauges further away...
Plateau des Charmilles, Grotte de la Jaquette
5.98 mi
+1,115 ft
-1,125 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Lompnas (Ain)
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.
Le Mollard de Don from Ordonnaz
6.86 mi
+1,181 ft
-1,178 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Ordonnaz (Ain)
A short, easy hike starting from a pleasant little village in the lower Bugey region. Le Molard de Don is the highest point in this region of Bugey, at an altitude of 1,218 metres. This walk offers beautiful views of the Burbanche valley, the Rhône valley and the Ain plain. The return journey takes you through a picturesque little valley where the Brune stream meanders.
Caves, streams, waterfalls and chasms starting from Ordonnaz.
14.64 mi
+2,582 ft
-2,562 ft
9h 00
Difficult
Departure from Ordonnaz (Ain)
This hike, starting from Ordonnaz, will take you on a journey of discovery through beautiful natural surroundings and caves. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of the villages of Marchamp and Cerin. You will pass through the village of Lompnas, then the Gros Pertuis stream. You will enjoy the potholes and the magnificent Brive waterfall. Finally, you will pass by the remains of the past, old mills, and end up at the Morgne chasm.
Luizet waterfalls and Gouffre de la Morgne cave starting from Ordonnaz
11.93 mi
+2,001 ft
-1,982 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Ordonnaz (Ain)
This hike requires a good level of stamina and starts from a pleasant little village in the lower Bugey region. After walking along the Ruisseau de la Gouille stream, you can admire the Luizet No. 1 waterfall and then, through the Bois d'Arella forest, you will reach a plateau dotted with daffodils in spring. These heights offer beautiful views of the villages of Onglas, Bénonces and Serrières de Briord. The main waterfall of Luizet and the Gouffre de la Morgne will enhance the rest of your hike.
The Crêt tour in Ordonnaz
5.47 mi
+738 ft
-764 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Ordonnaz (Ain)
This is a short, easy hike, suitable for families, starting from a pleasant little village in the lower Bugey region. On a clear day, the heights of Crêt offer beautiful views of Mont Blanc and the Burbanche valley. At the end of the walk, you can enhance your hike by visiting the small village church (12th century) and admiring its Sully lime tree (planted in 1601).
Circular Calvaire de Portes starting from Charvieux
11.67 mi
+2,333 ft
-2,300 ft
7h 25
Difficult
Departure from Conand (Ain)
A lovely circular path that climbs up to Calvaire de Portes and its orientation table, which offers one of the most extensive panoramic views in the region, from Mont Blanc to the Cévennes.
Crêt Saint-Martin and Crêt de Pont
11.99 mi
+2,835 ft
-2,825 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Souclin (Ain)
A circular route around the small village of Soudon, best done on a sunny day as the route is almost entirely through woodland. A pleasant hike in warm weather but best avoided in the rain as some steep sections will be difficult to negotiate.
Remarkable sites, villages and natural areas starting from Sault-Brenaz
11.25 mi
+2,329 ft
-2,323 ft
7h 10
Moderate
Departure from Sault-Brénaz (Ain)
This hike allows you to visit the archaeological site of Colombier, enjoy pretty little villages and remarkable views (Croix du Grassonnet), discover the Grange Mignaval in the undergrowth and then, in a wild setting, an unusual old tuff quarry, observe magnificent little waterfalls, natural jacuzzis on the Crot au Gay and Rhéby streams, and get up close to the Demoiselles de Villebois, pretty rock formations.
See: Practical information
Brénaz – Fay – La Roche de l’Église
9.36 mi
+2,247 ft
-2,234 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Sault-Brénaz (Ain)
A very beautiful walk. A section, mostly shaded, along the cliff overlooking the Rhône, offers clearings with views of the river, the castles of Vertrieu and the Lyon conurbation. The two highest points of the hike (760 m), at the Rochettes antennas or the paragliding launch site and at the Roche de l’Église promontory, offer stunning views of the Rhône, the Vallée Bleue and the Alps. You’ll also enjoy some lovely sections through the woodland.
Circular route between Conand and Arandas, Mortier cross and Cra viewpoint
6.40 mi
+1,463 ft
-1,444 ft
4h 15
Difficult
Departure from Conand (Ain)
This circular walk takes you deep into the mountainous Bugey region, which is often easy going but can be very rugged in places. The final descent of this walk is very difficult and is only suitable for experienced walkers who are not afraid of heights. It is recommended that you use GPS for the end of the walk, from Arandas.
Cerin lake, fossil quarry, Chosas and Brive waterfalls
9.84 mi
+2,480 ft
-2,507 ft
6h 40
Moderate
Departure from Marchamp (Ain)
Circuit of the Chosas and Brive waterfalls, starting from Marchamp via the Lac de Cérin, the fossil quarry, the Palaeoecological Museum via the "sur les traces des carriers" (in the footsteps of the quarry workers) trail and the old mills.
The Arandas mountain
3.61 mi
+240 ft
-213 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Arandas (Ain)
A short, easy hike in this little paradise in the Bugey.
Circular in the Étangs de Mepieu Regional Nature Reserve
6.97 mi
+135 ft
-131 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Creys-Mépieu (Isère)
A beautiful, relatively easy walk along roads and paths, allowing you to discover the flora, fauna and habitat of this regional nature reserve. No major difficulties apart from a steady climb in the middle of the route.
A review dated 17/04/23 indicates that a section is now private (6), but it is possible that the marked trail has been diverted or that the hiker was unable to find the path due to construction work. We would appreciate it if anyone passing through the area could confirm or deny this.
Brive circuit from Cerin
5.68 mi
+1,545 ft
-1,539 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Marchamp (Ain)
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.
Brive Waterfall - Lake Ambléon - Le Tantanet circular from Millieu
16.83 mi
+3,586 ft
-3,566 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Lhuis (Ain)
A very varied and hilly route with many beautiful trails through the woods. The climb up the Brive valley is absolutely beautiful. The visit to the lithographic limestone quarries is very well signposted on site.
The ridge section of theGR®59will satisfy those who still have energy in their legs.
Mostly shaded or covered, making it ideal in hot weather.
The Golet d'Ars
6.20 mi
+1,201 ft
-1,171 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Cleyzieu (Ain)
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.
Route around Armix in the Bugey
7.40 mi
+1,201 ft
-1,188 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Armix (Ain)
Here is a short route in the Bugey with a ridge route, which can be done out of season (autumn-winter, for example), if necessary in half a day.
The Tour of the Innimond Plateau
3.05 mi
+125 ft
-125 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Innimond (Ain)
Family hike on the Innimond plateau to discover a magnificent panorama of the Alps and Mont Blanc.
From Innimond to Ordonnaz in a circular
12.13 mi
+1,739 ft
-1,736 ft
7h 05
Moderate
Departure from Innimond (Ain)
I suggest a lovely walk between Innimond and Ordonnaz along the ridges (Mont Pela, Le Grand Pertuis and Le Mollard de Don), then across plateaus between forests and meadows. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Alps.
The ridge loop at Innimond
5.12 mi
+912 ft
-912 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Innimond (Ain)
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.
Tour of the Hostiaz plateau
8.42 mi
+1,857 ft
-1,857 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Hostiaz (Ain)
Tour of the Hostiaz plateau and its viewpoints along the ridges and cliffs.
Around Poleyrieu
5.40 mi
+223 ft
-223 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Creys-Mépieu (Isère)
Walk around the hamlet of Poleyrieu. The route starts at a quarry and climbs gently through woods and meadows to the hamlet of Poleyrieu, with views of the mountains from Bugey to Chartreuse. In the distance, you can see the Belledonne mountain range. On the way back, it passes through woods, without any clearly visible trail (GPS or Visorando app useful) to reach a wild pond, the Étang Flocarde. It returns via the Devin plain.
Tour of Cleyzieu via the Falconnière balcony
4.61 mi
+925 ft
-902 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Cleyzieu (Ain)
Cleyzieu is a charming village in the Bugey region. This easy hike offers several viewpoints. It passes through both woodland and open areas.
La Roche de l'Église via Souclin
8.34 mi
+2,005 ft
-1,998 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey (Ain)
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.
Circular around Lhuis, between Milieu and Ansolin
9.13 mi
+1,444 ft
-1,460 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Lhuis (Ain)
This 15 km circular route around Lhuis will take you along an old tramway, overlooking a beautiful pond, following typical streams, observing a resurgence and crossing a scree slope. Several viewpoints over the Rhône and its valley, the Creys nuclear power plant and the Tentanet mountain make this hike very attractive.
The Mountain of Suerme
5.06 mi
+837 ft
-856 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Arandas (Ain)
A short, gentle circular loop around Montagne de Suerme, with some beautiful views. A short stretch of tarmac road but no traffic.
Rhône, Lagnieu Park and old railway line in Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey
5.20 mi
+190 ft
-194 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey (Ain)
Starting from the beautiful village of Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, we reach the Rhône via the châteaux of Molard and La Durandière, follow the ViaRhôna, pass by the proud ruins of the dovecote of the former medieval leprosarium, then cross the public park of Lagnieu to return to our starting point along the old railway line, which has been converted into a footpath.
From Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey to La Roche de l’Église
11.11 mi
+2,602 ft
-2,579 ft
7h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey (Ain)
Here is a circular route in the Bugey region suitable for all seasons: starting from the pretty village of Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, it climbs to follow a series of ridges passing through Les Rochettes and then La Roche de l’Église before descending via Soudon to the Chapelle Saint-Christophe in Sault-Brenaz. The return to Saint-Sorlin over the Rochers de la Plaine and then the Rochers de la Craz offers views over the entire Rhône valley.
The Tentanet Mountain
9.08 mi
+2,657 ft
-2,638 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Lhuis (Ain)
Climb to the summit of Montagne de Tentanet from Lhuis via theGR®59on good hiking trails.
Hostiaz plateau from Tenay
7.17 mi
+2,375 ft
-2,352 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Tenay (Ain)
A double circular hike to reach the Hostiaz Plateau from Tenay. The first circular route goes around the Château Narteau cliff, taking steep paths. The second circular route runs along the top of the plateau's cliffs, offering beautiful views of the Albarine valley.
Tour du plateau d'Hostiaz à partir de Tenay
11.02 mi
+3,202 ft
-3,202 ft
7h 50
Difficult
Departure from Tenay (Ain)
Le parcours, proposé en quasi boucle, permet de réaliser un bon tour sur le plateau d'Hostiaz avec un point de départ en fond de vallée à Tenay. De très jolies prairies (surtout au printemps) et de nombreux points de vue sur la vallée de l'Albarine et de la Cluse des Hôpitaux sont les points forts de la randonnée.
Le Château Narteau depuis Tenay
Association / Club / Walk leader
2.44 mi
+1,414 ft
-1,404 ft
2h 20
Moderate
Departure from Tenay (Ain)
Sommet immanquable de la vallée de l’Albarine, Château Narteau est la belle pyramide rocheuse qui domine Tenay avec ses 746 m. L’accès au sommet rocheux peut se faire depuis le parking de la via ferrata d'Hostiaz mais une belle randonnée consiste à faire le tour de Château Narteau depuis Tenay en montant par le sentier du Cordaret et descendant par le chemin du facteur.
Tenay fresco walk
0.53 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
0h 15
Easy
Departure from Tenay (Ain)
A very short walk to discover the murals in the village of Tenay, which are very recent. At the time of our visit, some of them will only be finished in time for the village festival on 10 September 2022.
The Lemps Pond
1.49 mi
+13 ft
-13 ft
0h 40
Easy
Departure from Optevoz (Isère)
A lovely family walk around a pond classified as a nature reserve, equipped with observation points for viewing local wildlife.
Courtenay - the Lemps pond
5.09 mi
+154 ft
-148 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Courtenay (Isère)
A lovely circuit in Île Crémieu with a visit to the Lemps Pond nature reserve. This circuit is open to all and presents no difficulty.
On the Cleyzieu plateau in the Bugey region
11.28 mi
+2,087 ft
-2,087 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Torcieu (Ain)
This hike offers a good route on the Cleyzieu plateau, starting from Montferrand (Torcieu).
The main difficulty is the climb to the Grottes du Crochet, where caution is advised in wet weather (walking sticks recommended).
Given the length of the route, the hike has been classified as difficult.
Torcieu - Mont Charvet - Château des Allymes - Croix des Moines
12.03 mi
+3,458 ft
-3,445 ft
8h 35
Difficult
Departure from Torcieu (Ain)
The proposed route, which is almost circular, provides access to the Château des Allymes from Torcieu.
This is a somewhat challenging hike with two distinct sections:
- steep sections above Torcieu (requiring the use of your hands at times),
- long stretches with a series of ascents and descents without excessive gradients.
Most of the route is through woodland (with limited views).
Walking poles are recommended, especially in wet conditions.
Croix des Moines, Mont Charvet, Mont Luisandre and Allymes from Torcieu
12.70 mi
+3,704 ft
-3,704 ft
9h 05
Difficult
Departure from Torcieu (Ain)
A circular route through the Bugey and its forests, featuring two steep and rugged sections to climb from Torcieu via the Rochers des Moines and descend towards the end along the ridge of the Rocher de la Cha area. The rest of the route is through woodland and unchallenging but relatively long, with a series of ascents and descents. The view from Mont Luisandre is sweeping, and this circular route allows you to visit two of the castles on the so-called “Four Castles” route.
In the heart of the vineyard’s vineyards, starting from the hamlet of Le Poulet
4.15 mi
+410 ft
-400 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Lhuis (Ain)
Starting from Domaine Trichon, this route allows you to explore most of its organically farmed vineyards. Setting off from the winery, walk past the pond and head into the woods and vineyards. This route intersects with two other walks starting from the estate: the ‘Walk through the Heart of Our Bubbles’ to begin with, and the ‘Promenade de son Altesse’ to continue.
His Highness’s Walk to the Domaine de Trichon in Lhuis
3.25 mi
+463 ft
-436 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Lhuis (Ain)
Starting from the Domaine Trichon, you head down past the cellar, along the pond, and immerse yourself in the woods and the estate’s organic vineyard. This route forms a fairly easy circular route. There is a descent and an ascent that are a little more challenging, but if you take the time to observe and admire your surroundings, you’ll find nothing but benefits!
From Vaux-Févroux to the Croix de Bramefan circular
7.73 mi
+1,791 ft
-1,781 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Vaux-en-Bugey (Ain)
There are many ways to get to the Croix de Bramefan. This route is unique in that it first takes you along the ridge north of Vaux and, after crossing the Buizin stream, returns via the Bramefan ridge. Almost the entire route is through woodland. The "medium" rating for this hike is justified by the fact that the start of the route is all uphill and there are numerous crossroads that could lead you astray.
More walks in Bénonces
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