Two valleys route starting from Matefelon-Granges

de fr

From Matefelon-Granges, I suggest you take a 11 km circular trail through the Ain Valley, then the Oignin Valley. Along the way, you will enjoy views of Thoire, the Château de Coiselet (private), the Saut de l'Oignin waterfall and its potholes, and finally the lake upstream.

Details

n°33192500
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.38 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 353 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 351 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 477 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 303 m
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

Charmine waterfall
Marmites
The Charmines jump
Lake L'Oignin

Description of the walk

Update by the author on 28/06/2025: point (9) has been renamed (this location was not previously identified on site).

Parking spaces available in the centre of Matefelon-Granges

(S/E) With your back to the car park, join Rue de Thoire and turn right towards the church.

(1) After the church, leave the road and take a wide path on the right, heading downhill towards Coiselet (some nice views towards the Col de la Bréchette and the Ain Valley).

(2) At the buildings (Centre de Vacances le Ruisseau), follow a path on the right uphill (still towards Coiselet). The route is mainly through the woods, with a first section that is fairly steep, followed by a second section that is downhill. Join the RD936 road.

(3) Continue carefully along the right-hand side for about 400 metres, then take a small road on the right leading to the hamlet of Coiselet (its castle is clearly visible opposite).

(4) Continue right on Chemin de la Poyat (towards Barrage de Charmine), follow the yellow markings, ignoring the other directions, until you reach a clearly visible fork.

(5) Continue along a path on the left downhill and you will arrive at the Fontaine Noire (a curiosity corresponding to a resurgence).

(6) Continue along the path uphill.

(7) At a fork, continue left for a few metres to reach a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the river (be careful of the cliff). Follow a path downhill: from the edge of the riverbed, you can admire magnificent potholes. Be careful in this area! The water level can change rapidly at any time due to the presence of a dam upstream (exercise caution).
Retrace your steps back to the fork.

(7) Continue straight ahead. Shortly afterwards, the path disappears as it crosses a large meadow: look for a signpost a little further up, then continue along the small road to the D18.

(8) Follow this road to the right and cross it with caution, then quickly take a path on the left. After reaching a meadow, you will walk through a wooded area slightly above the lake.

(9) At the Camping des Gorges de l'Oignin car park, take the path on the right uphill to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 449 m - Car park in the centre of Matefelon-Granges.
  2. 1 : km 0.22 - alt. 448 m - Matefelon-Granges Pass. Viewpoints over the - Ain (rivière)
  3. 2 : km 1.59 - alt. 315 m - Le Ruisseau Holiday Centre
  4. 3 : km 4.62 - alt. 313 m - D936
  5. 4 : km 5.27 - alt. 308 m - Coiselet
  6. 5 : km 6.67 - alt. 340 m - Fork
  7. 6 : km 7.2 - alt. 303 m - Fontaine Noire
  8. 7 : km 8.53 - alt. 346 m - Saut de l'Oignin
  9. 8 : km 9.56 - alt. 390 m - D18 - Bridge
  10. 9 : km 10.69 - alt. 382 m - Pré de la Fontaine - Oignin (rivière)
  11. S/E : km 11.38 - alt. 449 m - Car park in the centre of Matefelon-Granges.

Notes

The starting point can be viewed on Google Maps: click here.

Good walking shoes and walking sticks are recommended.

Take your rubbish with you – nature will thank you for it.

Here is a description of the difficulties encountered along each section (the route is not uniform):
- green: fairly easy going with no significant elevation changes or difficulties.
- Blue: steeper slopes and/or gradients on a well-marked route.
- Orange: route presenting some technical difficulties and/or poor route viability (markings or visibility of the path).

From (S/E) to (1): green difficulty.
You will pass through the village of Matefelon in an urban environment.
No signposts or markings.

From (1) to (2): green difficulty.
Follow an easy trail.
Yellow markings and a few signposts.

From (2) to (3): blue difficulty.
After an uphill section, the trail then continues with little elevation gain for a short while. Next, there is a short section with some steep slopes (a cable may help you progress), followed by a long downhill section.
Yellow markings and a few signposts.

From (3) to (4): green difficulty.
Very easy route on a road section.
No markings (orientation is not a problem).

From (4) to (6): blue difficulty.
The trail does not present any major difficulties.
Yellow markings + signposts.

From (6) to (7): blue difficulty.
There are a few slightly rough sections.
Yellow markings + signposts.

From (7) to (8): blue difficulty.
The descent to the river is on a good path with a few steep slopes.
The rest of the route is fairly easy.
Yellow markings + signposts.

From (8) to (9): blue difficulty.
While the start of this section is fairly easy, the rest is a little more challenging, with a few winding paths overlooking the lake.
Yellow markings + signposts.

From (9) to (S/E): green difficulty.
The path is easy to follow.
Yellow markings + signposts.

Worth a visit

  • Château de Thoire: located on the edge of the Col de la Bréchette, there are currently almost no visible traces of it. For more information, read here and here (nb: it is actually the Château de Trévoux that is listed: read here).
  • Coiselet Castle: this can be seen on the outskirts of the hamlet of Coiselet (access is private). Read the Wikipedia article.
  • Fontaine Noire: a resurgence feeding the Oiginin river.
  • Marmites and Saut de l'OIgnin: beautiful sights in the area (be careful as the river level can change suddenly).

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Patrixdemex
Patrixdemex

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike to do again after the rains to see the waterfall and the potholes.
A really pleasant trail through the woods on this beautiful autumn day.
Thank you for the trail.

Machine-translated

Patrixdemex
Patrixdemex

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

On this beautiful autumn day, the trail is very pleasant to follow along a wooded path. We walk on the leaves, which are very colourful and smell wonderful.
The Oignin Valley is lovely, and the potholes and small waterfalls are worth seeing.
This short hike is not difficult at all.
Thank you for the trail.

Machine-translated

Ladanoise
Ladanoise

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent, shaded hike with no difficulties. Discovering the natural potholes of Charmine and the waterfalls was breathtaking! A sublime place!

Machine-translated

Ladanoise
Ladanoise

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful, easy hike with stunning views of the Saut des Charmines and natural potholes! Sublime!

Machine-translated

ajipe51
ajipe51

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

Too far from the valleys, limited access to the river

Machine-translated

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

• We set off early in the morning and were able to enjoy the sun shining on the rocks between points 1 and 2.
• The passage between point 4 and point 6 was magical and mysterious with the morning light shining through the skeletal trees covered in moss. The obstacle marked by a large yellow circle on the app was easy to cross: a small tree across the path, but it was very easy to step over.
• The café-restaurant in Matafelon had just reopened a week earlier.
• No difficulties on this route.

Machine-translated

franck-pommiers
franck-pommiers

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Great route through the woods, in touch with nature, trees, birds... perfect.

Machine-translated

michelkennoby
michelkennoby
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk.
Mostly shaded by trees. Be aware, however, that there are no views of the Ain valley.
A very accessible and pleasant path along the river. The terrain is not difficult and the gradient is fairly constant.
Best done in the morning because you're in the shade under the trees but there's no breeze.

Machine-translated

remy.cave
remy.cave

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We did this beautiful hike with a 6-year-old girl on a lovely sunny day that wasn't too hot. It was a pleasant, well-shaded route, with most of the hike taking place in mossy woods.
We had a picnic in a field at Le Coiselet and a little nap in the shade before heading back towards the Charmine dam.
A well-deserved snack break at the Oignin waterfall, where we dipped our feet in the pools before finishing the circular.
Thank you for this hike.

The route is now fully signposted (trail route no. 15).

Machine-translated

thierry.veyziat
thierry.veyziat

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Great ride, thanks to the creator.
Superb views, some fairly steep climbs but you can take your time. Not much tarmac, which is a plus. I'd definitely do it again.

Machine-translated

remi.fixot@wanadoo.fr
remi.fixot@wanadoo.fr

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful walk, quite shaded, very pleasant to do in hot weather.

Machine-translated

augusto
augusto

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 29, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Around Oignin

Visorando member
Autour de l'Oignin
↔11.81 km ↗+138 m ↘-145 m ◔3h 45 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Izernore (Ain)
The route follows the course of the Oignin river on the edge of the Gorges de l'Enfer, then goes around the Lac de l'Oignin, all with some pretty nice scenery!

Walking From Saint-Maurice d'Echazeaux to Montdidier Castle

Visorando member
De Saint-Maurice d'Echazeaux vers le Château de Montdidier
↔6.24 km ↗+156 m ↘-157 m ◔2h 15 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Corveissiat (Ain)
A pleasant, easy circular walk, mainly through woodland. The charming church of Saint-Maurice-d'Échazeaux (or des Chasaux), which overlooks the confluence of the Valouse and Ain rivers, and the ruins of Montdidier Castle are worth exploring.

Walking From Granges to Heyriat, Pisse-Vache waterfall and Bonbois

Visorando member
De Granges à Heyriat, cascade de Pisse-Vache et Bonbois
↔12.28 km ↗+406 m ↘-404 m ◔4h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Matafelon-Granges (Ain)
An alternative route from Granges to Heyriat, descending to Bonbois. This path is in better condition than the descent near the chapel. This route takes a short detour to the Pisse-Vache waterfall, which is featured in guidebooks. It is interesting during rainy periods but only a trickle of water when the previous weeks have been dry. Return via the village of Bonbois and along the River Ain.

Walking Petit tour de Granges à Heyriat

Visorando member
Petit tour de Granges à Heyriat
↔8.04 km ↗+339 m ↘-335 m ◔3h 15 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Matafelon-Granges (Ain)
Je vous propose un petit parcours permettant de rejoindre Heyriat à partir de Granges situé pas très loin des bords de l'Ain.

Walking Pic d'Oliferne from Coisia

Visorando member
Pic d'Oliferne depuis Coisia
↔15.49 km ↗+701 m ↘-701 m ◔6h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Coisia (Jura)
This hike begins with a steep climb, rewarded by numerous panoramic views of Lake Coiselet. It continues along a pleasant ridge with beautiful views and ends with a visit to the ruins of the medieval castle of Oliferne, which offers a 360° view, before descending back to the starting point.

Walking The reculée and the Roche de Châtillon

Visorando member
La reculée et la Roche de Châtillon
↔8.19 km ↗+250 m ↘-246 m ◔3h 05 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Matafelon-Granges (Ain)
A magnificent hike with panoramic views of the Ain and the Jura plateaus, caves and waterfalls.

Walking Napt - The Félicien Trail

Visorando member
Napt- Le sentier de Félicien
↔5.13 km ↗+167 m ↘-158 m ◔1h 55 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Sonthonnax-la-Montagne (Ain)
A lovely educational trail for families with two viewpoints overlooking the Ain valley.

Walking Lac Genin from Oyonnax

Visorando member
Le Lac Genin à partir d'Oyonnax
↔15.46 km ↗+574 m ↘-569 m ◔6h 05 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Oyonnax (Ain)
The aim of this hike is to take you to Lac Genin from the centre of Oyonnax. The route is mainly a loop. Once you arrive at the lake, you are free to spend as much time there as you like.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.