Champagne-en-Valromey walks

A walk along the River Arvière (classified as a ‘Rivière Sauvage’) to the Source du Groin (designated a ‘Sensitive Natural Area’), the picturesque site of the Adoue Fountain and Chapel, and the church in Vieu.

A signposted walk starting from Artemare, winding its way along the slopes of the Grand Colombier massif, just as Paul Claudel did in his day, often following the rivers of the Valromey: the Séran, Laval, Arvières and Groin.This route will take you through the spectacular Thurignin Gorges upstream of the Cerveyrieu Waterfall and the Source du Groin.Please note that the Source du Groin and the Cerveyrieu Waterfall are often dry during the summer months. This riverside walk is more enjoyable when the water levels are higher.

This loop allows you to visit several characteristic sites in this area where the folds of the Jura meet the alluvial plain: the sharp limestone pavement of Fierloz, the Cerveyrieu waterfall, the Turignin Gorges on the Séran, the sources of the Groin and the chasms it forms. In high water, the route can be slippery but it is impressive.

This is a fairly strenuous hike, but without any major difficulties. The climb is very steady, with no respite. From the Grand Colombier, there are beautiful 360° views.

A hike not to be missed: the 18 wonders! You’ll discover the Ferlioz massif, with the Madone and its sharp limestone pavement. You’ll enjoy an incredible view from the Cerveyrieu Waterfall, follow the River Séran and marvel at the Thurignin potholes. And if these wonders aren’t enough, head towards the village of Vieu and its beautiful church. Cross another lovely forest before turning off at the source of the Adoue and admiring the curiosity that is the source of the Groin. Finally, you’ll discover a beautiful castle upon arriving in Artemare.

This circular route straddling the Séran river is at a moderate altitude and therefore accessible in all seasons. It combines a forest trail with a more open environment, passing by some remarkable sites in Valromey: the Pont des Tines, the Étang des Alliettes, the Belvédère de Châteauneuf and the Puits des Tines.

This is a shorter alternative to the Belvédère de Sérémont snowshoe walk, which starts from Thézillieu and often follows thePR® trail marked in yellow and red, though not always. The walk is easy and pleasant in hot weather. It starts at La Bourbellière after Thézillieu; there is little tarmac, and it follows forest tracks and paths that are often shaded. The panoramic view from the belvedere is well worth a visit.

This little-used route offers an original approach to the Grand Colombier, with a rocky final ascent that adds a bit of spice to the hike! Nevertheless, it is manageable for the average hiker. The Chanduraz promontory, overlooking Lake Bourget, is well worth the effort... Not to mention the view from the Granges du Colombier.

A pleasant ride on an electric mountain bike.Waterfall, Marmites des Géants, lake and castle are all on the agenda.

A circular route where you’ll probably be all alone in the world, sheltered from the wind in the woods. A lovely view from the Sérémont viewpoint if the weather is on your side. The route isn’t technically difficult, but bear in mind the distance. You can easily shorten or lengthen the walk, as there are plenty of paths.

This hike follows little-used paths and avoids other routes as much as possible. You will leave many paths behind. The idea is to make you want to return to discover the many possible variations and to create your own route. In the final section, the Sérémond viewpoint offers a magnificent panorama of the Rhône. Finally, the Clairefontaine Waterfall provides a moment of relaxation and refreshment.

A walk (accessible by train) through the historic quarter of the village of Virieu-le-Grand, following the River Arène upstream to the Cascade de Clairefontaine: a picturesque waterfall with the distinctive feature of flowing all year round.

This is a fairly long hike, which starts off easily along the Arène but quickly becomes more challenging when you leave the D53 to reach the Sérémond viewpoint. The beautiful view at the top is well worth the climb. The second part is easy and descends back to the village, partly following the same path used on the way up.

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.

A signposted route in the Grand Colombier Massif leading to the Roche de Chanduraz and its magnificent views over Lake Bourget, the Rhône and the southern Bugey. Please note that the pass road is closed from November to April, making this walk inaccessible during this period.

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.

Open from 1 April to 30 November ( subject to there being no snow). The final and sixth stage of the six-day “Grande Traversée du Jura à pied: from La Borne au Lion to Culoz” trek. The GTJ links Mandeure (Doubs) to Culoz (Ain) in 15 to 20 days, crossing the Jura Mountains and the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park. The route suggested here corresponds to the second half of the itinerary.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to snow conditions. The section from the Chalet d’Arvière to Pont de La Loi is the sixth stage of the six-day walking tour “La GTJ from Mijoux”. The GR®9 enters the Ain department via Mijoux, before following the spectacular ridges of the Monts-Jura, passing through the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crosses the Retord plateau and then crosses the Grand Colombier. The trail continues its route to Culoz and the Rhône Valley, before leaving the Ain to reach Savoie and continuing southwards.

Circular route above Cormaranche around the summit of Planachat through a quiet forest, no doubt ideal for mushroom growth (though we didn’t see any – it wasn’t the right time of year).

The Grand Colombier, part of the Jura mountains but located in the department of Ain, was made popular by the Tour de France. This hike, starting from the Chalet d'Arvière, takes you along two parallel ridge paths and past the foot of the Grand Colombier. Magnificent views on all sides.

A walk to discover the highest point of Hauteville-Lompnes and its panoramic views.

This is a challenging route that will take you to Chanduraz, a remarkable viewpoint over Lake Bourget, the Rhône and the entire panorama around Culoz, passing through La Roche Percée. However, you will have to tackle a climb of over 1,000 metres, which is as difficult going up as it is coming down, to earn it.

The walk, starting from Béon, aims to reach the summit of the Grand Colombier (1,534 m) via a circular route. It can be classified as somewhat challenging due to the elevation gain and the distance covered.The ascent includes a few slopes that are rather steep on the whole. Otherwise, there are no major difficulties (at most, it is worth noting that finding your way may be tricky around point (9) and that the markings are less precise towards the end of the route).

A circular forest loop that is accessible in almost all seasons, running along the slopes of Grand Colombier and passing through an arch that you only discover at the last moment and a viewpoint over Culoz, Lac du Bourget and the surrounding mountains. In (6), be sure to stay away from the paths leading to the Romagnieux farm. See review dated 08/08/2022.

A circular loop starting from the Sur Lyand area, running along the heights between Valromey and the Rhône Valley, and taking in three ridges with splendid views of the Alps: the Griffe du Diable, the Croix du Grand Colombier, and then, after passing through Arvière, the Hergues.

Circular trail exploring the Lavours Marsh and its nature reserve, via the boardwalk, then along the Séran river before climbing the Courbettes hill to return to Ceyzérieu.

A lovely hike at the foot of Mont Colombier, with panoramic views from the start and of Mont Blanc at the summit. Picturesque landscapes and pastures. ⚠️ 19/05/2026: Take care at this point (4)! Dangerous hike. Not recommended for children or those prone to vertigo. Read the reviews.

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.

A summit and vistas in a site dominated by pastures.

This moderately difficult route will allow you to discover the forests, ridges and mountain pastures of the Sur-Lyand - Grand Colombier Nordic Domain in their summer colours. Throughout this hike, you will enjoy numerous panoramic views.

The ascent to the plateau and the Grand Colombier ridge through the snow follows an easy route, though it is relatively long due to the low starting altitude. The Grand Colombier offers a magnificent view over the Alps.

At the southern end of the Jura mountain range. A scenic route from Sur Lyand to Grand Colombier and back via Les Crêtes.

A short walk to discover this Sensitive Natural Area, with 2 km on stilts. Numerous information panels and superb views of the Grand Colombier.

A short, quick and very pleasant walk between two passes and along a ridge (Gigimont).

Four viewpoints, of course, are located at the top of the mountains. Expect some steep climbs and significant elevation changes. Be careful, as you will be following mountain bike trails in the opposite direction on part of the route. The viewpoints are at the end: Planachat, Cornillon, l'Haïea d'Amont, and the highlight of the route, the orientation table at the top of the Hauteville Lompnès ski slopes. There, in good weather and with low UV levels, a magnificent view of the Mont Blanc massif awaits you.

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.

This is a large circular that allows you to discover the different environments of the Bugiste region. Part of it is dedicated to the Lésines lake and the Marais de Vaux marsh, which can be crossed thanks to the facilities provided. The main part runs along the ridges above Cormaranche, with the climb to Golet Marmier and Planachat, the crossing from Col de la Clye to Col de la Rochette via Gigimont, then the climb to Haiea d'Amont and Cornillon. The descent passes through Notre-Dame de Mazières and Trou de la Marmite.

A short walk around the Marais de Vaux lake and its wetlands with the opportunity to admire the Charabotte waterfall.

This is a very beautiful hike, featuring landscapes of pastures and beech and fir forests, along easy paths. Created in partnership with the Museum of Resistance and Deportation in Nantua, it passes by five farms where the maquis settled in 1943-1944, on the Retord plateau between the village of Hotonnes and the Plans d'Hotonnes resort. Five panels describe the history of this maquis.

An easy route to discover the Bas Bugey. Pass by Lac de Barterand, a small, refreshing lake (fishing and swimming), Marignieu with its wines, honey and an almost 800-year-old chestnut tree, and the nearby Marais de Lavours with its discovery trail. Not forgetting Vongnes, its Bugiste wine cellar and the Ecomuseum on the trades of the vine and wine.

An easy walk through the woods, the Bugey vineyards and a few historic sites. Suitable for all seasons, but watch out for muddy paths or those that turn into streams after heavy rain. Discover the Chautagne plain and the Lavours Marshes, the Marignieu oak, planted in 1448, as well as the Caveau Bugiste and its small museum of wine-making trades. Wide paths with no difficulty or steep gradients, except where mud or streams have taken over certain sections of the path.

A double circular loop on trails with very different atmospheres. On the heights of Nantuy, beautiful paths through the woods, a short challenging section to reach the top of the Charabotte waterfall and its viewpoint, then a pleasant and relaxing section to discover the Marais de Vaux Nature Reserve with its footbridges.

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.

An easy hike that can be adapted to suit your pace, winding through valleys and pastures and offering superb views of the Alps when conditions are at their best.

This is a short circular loop on the eastern edge of the Bugey, which allows you to discover a curiosity: arches and a path carved into the rock at Écorche-Bœuf, then a few glimpses of the Alps as you descend from the Col de Richemont.

A short walk for a half-day outing from the tourist village of Chanaz. In the village, directional signs clearly indicate the Circuit de Pierre Noire. Lovely viewpoint over the village and its canal, the Rhône river developments, Mont Colombier, etc.

An autumn walk in the Avant Pays Savoyard, to see something other than mountains, even if Mont Colombier is omnipresent throughout the hike.

An easy walk with beautiful views of Chanaz, then Lac du Bourget on the Chemin de Pomey.

A pleasant, easy hike through the Mont Landard forest and the Montagnin vineyards.