Brénaz – Fay – La Roche de l’Église

Car park at the Chapelle Saint-Christophe in Brénaz. Two options: either below or above the cemetery.

(S/E) Start the hike by taking the path that branches off to the left of the car park, located above the cemetery. Follow this path along the cliff face, towards Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey.

(1) At the fork, keep left, pass Grande Gorge, then Petite Gorge, and reach a junction.

(2) Turn right onto the path that climbs, cross the D60b with care, and continue straight ahead to the next junction.

(3) Follow the path to the left, which continues to climb, and join the^GR®59(red and white markings).

(4) Turn right.

(5) Turn left, then immediately right to continue on the^GR® 59. Cross the D60, then take the path straight ahead.

(6) Turn left, then right (elevation 641m) and head towards the D99C.

(7) Before reaching it, turn left onto the^PR® path, marked in yellow, towards Fay. Join the D99C and follow it to the left. Enter the hamlet of Fay, keeping to the left.

(8) You can eat your packed lunch under the arch of the bread oven (sheltered in case of rain). Unmonitored water point. Then continue the walk along the path opposite the entrance to the hamlet.

(9) At the first fork, take the path on the right that goes uphill.

(10) At the next junction, continue straight on, join the^GR® 59 and follow it, turning right.

(11) When you reach the tarmac road, turn left and continue along it to the antennas and paragliding launch site at Les Rochettes. Continue along the dirt track.

(12) Continue along the marked path, running alongside the cultivated field, which then turns right and descends into the woods. The slope becomes very steep and you will need to go round the uprooted beech tree, if it has not yet been cleared. There is a beautiful view from this promontory over the Rhône, the Vallée Bleue and the Alps. Continue on to the road leading to Souclin.

(13) Turn left onto the road.

(14) Leave the road and take the path on the left which climbs through the woods and leads to the Roche de l'Église.

(15) A stunning view from this promontory over the Rhône, the Vallée Bleue and the Alps. Continue along the path to reach the road you left earlier.

(16) Turn right and walk for about 50 metres, then continue along the^PR® path which branches off to the left. Carry on until you reach the Champioux cross.

(17) Turn right onto the path leading back towards Souclin. Join the road and keep in the same direction, following it for about 200 metres, until you reach the entrance to the village.

(18) At the first junction, turn left towards the cemetery, then continue along the path until you reach the D99 road.

(19) Turn right onto the D99, follow it for about 200 m, then take the path on the left which descends steeply and leads to a road junction.

(20) Go straight on along the tarmac track.

(21) Turn right onto the dirt track and, at the junction with another track, continue straight on to return to the Chapelle Saint-Christophe and the car park (S/E).

There are several routes in this area to reach the antennas and the Roche de l’Église. I created this alternative route, approximately 15 km long with an elevation gain of around 750 m, for a group of walkers, and I am publishing it for the Visorando community to enjoy.

Water point at a spring flowing into a basin near the pumping station close to the Grande Gorge.
Unmonitored water point in the hamlet of FAY near the bread oven, where you can take shelter under its vaulted roof.

(7) If the^PR® has not been maintained (dense vegetation blocking the path), an alternative route is available by continuing along the^GR®59to the road leading to Fay and taking that road.

Visit villages near the hiking route: Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, Souclin, Soudon.
The Colombier archaeological site in Sault-Brénaz.