Chanay walks

Charcoal burners produced charcoal in the mountains by piling wood into heaps which were then set alight. Part of the wood was consumed as it burned, consuming oxygen, whilst the heat from the wood transformed the rest into charcoal. This process was carried out directly in the forest, as close as possible to the source of the wood. The forests of La Michaille, like many other French forests, supplied this charcoal, which was used until the mid-20th century for heating and cooking.

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.

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.

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.

June 2026: following rockfalls, the path is closed from ::8::. This moderately difficult circular route will take you through a particularly wild stretch of the Rhône. However, this section of the Rhône, located upstream of Seyssel, has seen human activity due to the extraction of asphalt and stone from Seyssel.

This circular walk, which links the main wash houses in the village, will allow you to discover some of the most beautiful panoramic views of Bassy and Veytrens, with views over the vast agricultural landscape and the Rhône valley.

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.

This hike will allow you to discover the agricultural landscapes of the commune of Corbonod. With its 100 hectares, the Seyssel vineyard is one of the smallest and oldest AOPs in France (1942). Take advantage of this hike to taste (in moderation) the Molette and Altesse white wines, typical of our region, at our winegrowers' estates. You can also stop at the Eilloux waterfall to enjoy its coolness.

A summit and vistas in a site dominated by pastures.

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

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.

This loop allows you to enjoy the banks of the Rhône and its history linked to Seyssel. It takes you up high, through hamlets, vineyards and fields, where you can appreciate the beauty of the Rhône valley nestled between the Gros Foug mountain and Mont Colombier.

A gentle walk on the Retord plateau.

The Retord Plateau is ideal for snowshoeing in wide open spaces with, in places and in good weather, panoramic views of the Alps and Mont Blanc. You can enjoy a snack in the picnic room at the Retord farm.

Starting from Les Bergonnes, a circular route with an ascent to the Crêt du Nû via the GR®9 to La Charnay. The first section is wooded with beautiful beech trees. At the Croix de Terments and the Crêt du Nû: climb up to the viewing points for views of the Rhône and the Alps. The second part of the ascent takes place on the plateau. You then reach the Ferme du Retord. After the farm, head back down via the yellow-marked path towards La Grange à Lucien. Continue the descent towards Pré Brachet, then Gros Frêne and Les Granges Charpy, before finally returning to Les Bergonnes.

A varied route with beautiful views of the Alps and karst formations characteristic of these limestone plateaus. Best done in winter when the barbed wire fences are removed. If there is enough snow, the route can be done on snowshoes without any problems.

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 loop along Retord Plateau taking you past the "Gouffre de la Bauche" sinkhole and the "Crêt du Nu" viewpoint.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

At the crossroads between Ain, Savoie and Haute-Savoie, overlooking the Val de Fier, the Albanais plain and the Rhône valley from its height of 934 metres, the Mont des Princes, a historic site of resistance against the Italian-German occupation, is a must-see in the region. Among the many existing routes, this loop starting from Droisy offers easy access and shade, with well-paved paths that are accessible in all weather conditions. On a clear day, the sweeping view of the Alps is well worth the climb.

This family walk with very little elevation gain will allow you to discover the agricultural plateau of Droisy and Clermont. In addition to discovering this plateau and the various views it offers of the Jura, the Vuache and, of course, Mont Blanc, this hike is an opportunity to visit the Château de Clermont (16th century).

Open from 1 April to 30 November ( subject to there being no snow). Fifth stage of the Grande Traversée du Jura walking route: from La Borne au Lion to Culoz, in 6 days. 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 covers the second half of the itinerary.

The section from La Charnay to Chalet d’Arvière is the fifth 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 range. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crosses the Retord plateau and climbs the Grand Colombier. The trail continues its route to Culoz and the Rhône Valley, before leaving the Ain to reach Savoie and continuing southwards. Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations: dogs are prohibited, even when kept on a lead, as is camping in tents. Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

This trail allows you to explore the riverbanks, which tell a story through fishing, geology and industry. Halfway along, take a break at the magnificent shaded viewpoint.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. Second stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. Starting from the Ferme de Retord, the route crosses the open and wooded landscapes of the plateau before beginning the descent towards Lalleyriat, with a viewpoint overlooking the Autoroute des Titans. In Saint-Germain-de-Joux, a detour is a must to discover the impressive Marmites de Géant, carved out by the Semine. The stage ends on the northern slope, in Giron.

A lovely circular route, skirting the headwaters of the Parnant (a small tributary of the Rhône) and offering varied routes through farmland, woodland or across an ancient glacial moraine where the views are stunning. Moderator’s note -problem in (2), see reviews 02/08/2022

Nice looped hiking trail mostly in the undergrowth where you can see pretty views like Val du Fier's canyon, the river Rhône downstream Seyssel or the lovely ruined Saint André's chapel overlooking Albanais' plains.

Featuring 16 information panels, this route introduces you to the region’s flora, fauna, geology and history.