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Condes walks
From Lac de Coiselet to Pic d'Oliferne
I suggest a route that is almost a loop, with some beautiful views, to reach the Pic d'Oliferne from Lac de Coiselet (Condes).
There are no major difficulties to encounter. At most, there are a few passages that require caution if the ground is slippery (see below).
The Pic d'Oliferne
Interesting viewpoint offering views of the Ain valley (Vouglans Dam, the Haut Jura mountain range and Mont Blanc in good weather).
The ruins of Oliferne Castle are now of considerable interest following restoration work carried out by volunteers.
Pic d'Oliferne via the ridge trails
Discover Oliferne Castle via the ridge paths.
Forget the wide, uninteresting track and enjoy the pleasant paths and panoramic views, where it is practically impossible to go wrong if you follow the yellow markings.
Please note: some areas require extra attention when walking with children.
On the heights of Chancia
The village of Chancia, dating back to Roman times, stretches lazily along the lake formed by the junction of the Bienne and Ain rivers and the Coiselet reservoir.
Here, everything encourages relaxation.
On this route through the hills above Chancia, you will be enchanted by this little corner of paradise.
Lake Chanon starting from Chancia
The aim is to complete a good, almost circular route across the plateaus around Montcusel and Chanon.The starting point is in Chancia: the main difficulty is the distance covered (at most, there is a short steep climb towards Lake Chanon). Along the way, there are some lovely views.
Molard de Netru from Chancia
I suggest a short hike (about 1 hour) from Chancia to the small summit of Molard de Netru (491 m). There are some beautiful views to discover.
From Chancia to Montcusel in a loop
From Chancia, I suggest you return to Montcusel via a pretty loop trail: first, you follow the Bienne River at a distance, then you climb a few hills with beautiful views, especially towards Lac de Coiselet.
Route de la Pierre qui Vire in Dortan
The aim of the hike is to complete a circular route overlooking the village of Dortan and Lake Coiselet. There are many beautiful viewpoints along the way.
Pic d'Oliferne - Grand Corent
Second stage of the Way of St James. A route offering beautiful views of Lake Coiselet and Lake Conflans, taking us through a few small hamlets and across woodland.
La Pierre-qui-Vire and the Combe waterfall
Starting from the workers' village of Dortan, this walk takes you through the Bois de Chatelard forest to the Pierre-qui-Vire and its rocky promontory overlooking Lac de Coiselet.
Then, in the intimacy of a rocky cirque at the end of a shady valley, you will discover the waterfall of the Ruisseau de Maissiat, which has been building a pyramid of tufa for thousands of years.
On the heights of Dortan
A beautiful, challenging hike starting from Dortan, with numerous viewpoints and waterfalls.
Pic d'Oliferne from Coisia
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.
Circular route around the Oignin between the Coiselet and Charmine dams
Circular route around the Oignin between the Coiselet and Charmine dams, offering beautiful views of the Charmine and Oignin waterfalls, and of Coiselet Castle.
Tour of the Montagne d'Émondeaux
Starting from the Coiselet dam, I suggest a good route around the Montagne d’Émondeau leading to Dortan. The route takes place mainly in a wooded area interspersed with some lovely scenery. The route is generally easy and the main difficulty is its length.Three alternative routes are available.
The Petite Montagne region around Saint-Hymetière-sur-Valouse
Starting from Saint-Hymetière-sur-Valouse, I suggest you take a short walk through the Petite Montagne region. This route, which is fairly easy overall, takes you to the Montcresson viewpoint before returning via the Saint-Laurent Chapel and the village of Chisséria.
A drystone shelter
A short circular route starting from the car park at Saint-Hymetière church. Situated at an altitude of over 440 m, the church is nestled on a terrace of glacial deposits. The route will take you towards the Caborne du Bœuf. An impressive 20-metre-high portal opens up in front of thefirst chamber.
A pleasant walk overlooking the Valouse Gorges.
Circular route south of Lake Vouglans
A circular walk, mainly through forest, overlooking the southern part of Lake Vouglans with beautiful views of the lake, a horseshoe bend in the River Ain and the dam.
Walk in the Arinthod forest
Walk in the forest above the beautiful village of Arinthod, which you can also visit after your hike.
From Jeurre to Saint-Romain de Roche (circular)
Starting from the village of Jeurre, I suggest a hike that partly follows a circular route to reach Saint-Romain-de-Roche.
After a short detour to the Grotte de Nerbier, the route follows the course of the Bienne at a distance, then climbs slightly onto the plateau between Petit Châtel and Saint-Romain-de-Roche via a few winding paths.
A tour of the Cirque de Vogna
Hike punctuated by beautiful views, following the route of ancient rutted tracks.
Passage at the Pierre Énon.
The round of viewpoints in Martigna
A circular route starting from Martigna and passing by four viewpoints overlooking the lakes of Chanon and Vouglans.From the top of their cliffs, the viewpoints invite us to contemplate the lush greenery and the reflections or sunsets on these lakes.
Boucle d'Oyonnax à la Prairie d'Échallon
Il est proposé un parcours en boucle un peu sportif, dont la finalité est de rejoindre à partir d'Oyonnax la Prairie d'Echallon, puis de revenir via le Lac Sous les Mousses (et à proximité du lac de Viry) puis le Mont de la Chaux et la Pointe de Biez.
The Grand Tour via Lake Genin
I suggest a good route that takes you from Oyonnax to Lac Genin and the Prairie d'Échallon.
Throughout the route, the varied landscapes are reminiscent of a small Canada.
The main difficulty is the length of the route.
Lac Genin from Oyonnax
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.
Two valleys route starting from Matefelon-Granges
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.
La Quinquenouille and Dramelay
This easy walk is best undertaken in spring or autumn if you wish to enjoy the second section, which is by far the most beautiful: waterfall and stream.Coolness guaranteed in summer, even with just a trickle of water.An Amazonian forest atmosphere before the waterfall.
Ferme du Crime - Lake Antre
Walk in the forest with a view of Lake Antre and the Jura Mountains
Circular autumn loop starting from Villards d'Héria
It’s a strange sight: this empty harbour, almost dry, with its stranded jetties and exposed tree roots. The low water level of Lake Vouglans means you can walk with dry feet or cycle along the banks through a somewhat lunar landscape, where the water usually lies.This mountain bike route, best enjoyed in October, will reveal a different side to Lake Vouglans, its harbour and its surroundings, adorned in their most beautiful autumn colours.
Circular route of the 4 viewpoints in Moirans-en-Montagne
A route through the hills, with stunning views of the surroundings of Moirans-en-Montagne.
Sections across the Jura mountains, with clear views, interspersed with sections through the undergrowth and amongst boulders.
A very varied, fairly challenging hike.
Northern part of Lake Vouglans
How beautiful France is if you take the time to look...On this route around the northern part of Lake Vouglans, with short, fairly steep climbs and descents as well as long, gentle climbs through the forest, you’ll have the chance to appreciate just how beautiful France is, thanks to the stunning Jura landscapes surrounding Lake Vouglans.This route is quite demanding physically but not overly technical. If you can, do this route on an e-MTB.
Circular walk from the Chancia viewpoint via Vouglans, Nezan and Jeurre
Set against a dreamlike backdrop, between Lakes Vouglans and Coiselet, lies the climb to the Chancia viewpoint.This challenging route, exceptional for its elevation gain and technical trails, will take you along Lake Vouglans and above Lake Coiselet.Feel free to catch your breath at the viewpoint, which offers a magnificent view over the Ain Valley, before tackling the climbs.
Lake Antre viewpoint
An easy hike around Villards-d'Héria with superb views of Lake Antre, the town of Moirans-en-Montagne and Lake Vouglans.Please note that access is currently prohibited: following a landslide, access to the Lac d'Antre viewpoint is prohibited until further notice. From point (2), go directly to point (4).
Please note: there has been a forest fire between points (4) and (7) since 17/08/2025 at 7 p.m. Do not attempt this route
Walk around Sonthonnax-la-Montagne
Between the valleys of the Ain and the Oignin, I invite you to walk in the footsteps of the Resistance fighters on an easy route, taking you first to the Chougeat plateau and then to that of Sonthonnax-la-Montagne.
The Way of St James from Villards d’Héria to Santiago de Compostela
Do you want to commune with nature, admire its beauty at the slow pace of walking, walk to get to know yourself better, get back to basics, push yourself: set off on an adventure along the Camino de Santiago. That’s what I’m offering you with this route. I set off from my village in the Jura (the first six stages are not part of the signposted routes of the Camino de Santiago) to reach Santiago de Compostela in Spain, but there’s nothing stopping you from setting off from your own home to join the route at any stage, starting from Le Puy-en-Velay or any other town along the way.
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Villards-d'Héria - Pic d'Oliferne
First stage of the Way of St James. This first stage, starting from Villards-d'Héria, takes you up to higher ground with a superb view of Lake Coiselet and, ultimately, a peak and a castle that are well worth the detour. Indeed, the Pic d’Oliferne towers over the Ain Valley by almost 500 metres and offers a beautiful view, particularly of the Haute-Chaîne du Jura.