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Brénod walks
The Crêt du Nu / Retord Plateau
An easy loop along Retord Plateau taking you past the "Gouffre de la Bauche" sinkhole and the "Crêt du Nu" viewpoint.
A walk on the Retord plateau
A gentle walk on the Retord plateau.
Loop with panoramic views around the Trou de la Marmite
This hike is based on the 4 belvederes walk. The route has been modified to take into account the opinions of hikers who have given their feedback. In particular, the trail is more precise and the parts considered less interesting have been removed. We are delighted with this new version, which is particularly suitable for hot days (tested during the heatwave of August 2025).The route is mostly through woods and on unpaved paths or tracks. It offers splendid panoramic views from various viewpoints as well as iconic sites: Trou de la Marmite, Notre-Dame de Mazières Chapel, etc. On a clear day, you will have the pleasure of admiring Mont Blanc.
Roche d'Au-Delà
A beautiful, moderately difficult hike with panoramic views overlooking Lake Nantua and the Autoroute des Titans.
At the summit, weather permitting, you can see Mont Blanc.
Overview of Nantua
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.
Tour of the Cerdon heights
The aim of the route is to complete a beautiful loop overlooking the Cerdon: after crossing the vineyards overlooking the valley, the route continues on the plateaus of Saint-Alban and Labalme, returning to the starting point via the Combe Cugnat and a slight detour via Mont Carmier.
Along the vineyards of Cerdon
This circular route allows you to explore the heights of the village of Cerdon along the vineyards, with a magnificent view of the valley from the ruins of Saint-Alban Church.
Chemin des Fècles and Belvédère de la Colonne
Hike on the heights overlooking Lake Nantua with beautiful views of the lake.
The areas sheltered under the trees provide respite from the summer sun.
The hike can be rounded off with a refreshing dip in the lake.
Some sections are a little technical.
Overlooking the Gorges de l'Albarine: Lacoux - Nantuy
This hike takes you on a loop through the heart of the Bugey region around Hauteville-Lompnes, on the edge of the plateau overlooking the Gorges de l'Albarine, with relatively little elevation gain.
The Landéron leat
Hike with panoramic views of Lake Nantua and the cliffs in the first part, then descend along the Landéron, which you will cross twice.
Valromey Secret valleys in Haut-Valromey
Overlooking Valromey, the wide open spaces of the combes and ridges overlooking the Rhône are enchanting in all seasons, whether on foot or snowshoes. An easy circuit.
Please note: this hike should only be undertaken outside the animal grazing period.
Rocher du Grand Sangle loop starting from Chaley
From Chaley, I suggest a beautiful route overlooking the Albarine Valley: the ascent is via the Combe Suzaire, then the route joins the Rocher du Grand Sangle plateau, where there are some beautiful views. The return leg goes through a combe towards the hamlet of La Charabotte, then continues pleasantly near the Albarine River.
There are two difficult sections:- after the point (3), the path is a little chaotic, - between points (7) and (10), the route is not always obvious and there are a few sudden drops to the edge of cliffs.
Visorando app recommended
The Rocher du Grand Sangle
Starting from Chaley, in the Albarine valley, climb to the top of the Rocher du Grand Sangle, which offers a beautiful view of the gorges.
There is a longer but more difficult loop that I have unpublished , which can be seen here, with the latest review
Circular de la Croix d'Évosges
A pretty little circular loop starting from Étang Buinand and leading to the cliff edges of the Évosges plateau, where you can enjoy superb views of the Albarine valley and the circular village of Oncieu.
Circular starting from Charix via Lac Genin
This circular route takes you through the villages of Charix and Plagne. On leaving Plagne, there are superb views of the village of Échallon and its church. Halfway along the route, a picnic stop is a must at the exceptional site of Lac Genin. The ridge path above the village of Apremont offers breathtaking views of the village. Part of the town of Oyonnax can be seen in the background. The highest point of the hike is reached at Mont Burdet at an altitude of 1,050 metres.
Semine Valley
A refreshing short hike with multiple panoramic views.
Loop trail around the Jargoy plateau
Steep hike offering superb views of the Jargoy plateau and the village of Oncieu.
Le Château Narteau depuis Tenay
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.
Circular Mont Balvay via Solomiat, Vers and Napt
A variation on the classic Mont Balvay hike, with a detour via Vers. This route offers a different perspective with a route across the plateau from Vers. The climb up to Vers through the woods is pleasant, well marked and picturesque. The descent to Napt is also very enjoyable.
Overhangs of the Ain Gorges: Bolozon - Balvay - Solomiat - Napt
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.
Grand Colombier cross
A summit and vistas in a site dominated by pastures.
Le Grand Colombier
At the southern end of the Jura mountain range. A scenic route from Sur Lyand to Grand Colombier and back via Les Crêtes.
Napt - The Félicien Trail
A lovely educational trail for families with two viewpoints overlooking the Ain valley.
Le Grand Colombier with return via the Griffe du Diable ridge
To complete the hike (Le Grand Colombier from the lodge d'Arvière n°1241202), you can extend it from the pass by returning via the Griffe du Diable and Grange d'en Bas ridges.
This trail is less frequented than the one leading to the cross and then to Le Grand Colombier itself, offering you more distant views.
Best done in good weather without snow, this trail seems less suitable for snowshoes.
Le Grand Colombier from the Arvière lodge
Hike from the Chalet d'Arvières with a gradual, shaded climb to the Col de Charbemènes. Then follow the marked trail, which will take you to the Grand Colombier at 1,525 m in about an hour. You will then have a magnificent view of the Alps, Mont Blanc, Lac du Bourget, the Rhône, and more.
The Jarbonnet Rocks
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.