Cormaranche-en-Bugey walks

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Circular on the Évosges plateau allowing you to discover three villages, with many sections in the woods and others in the middle of pastures. The pretty path that climbs from Argis takes you under the Roche de Narse.

Tour of the Hostiaz plateau and its viewpoints along the ridges and cliffs.

Circular hike starting from the small village of Évosges. Easy hike on a well-maintained path between forests and pastures, with just one slightly steep descent coming down from the plateau (3). A few viewpoints.

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.

A hike of mainly historical interest: the route is dotted with information panels about the life and fate of resistance fighters from the Ain maquis who were hiding around Évosges No viewpoints, paths mainly in the forest, with some sections on roads.

Le parcours, proposé en quasi boucle, permet de réaliser un bon tour sur le plateau d'Hostiaz avec un point de départ en fond de vallée à Tenay. De très jolies prairies (surtout au printemps) et de nombreux points de vue sur la vallée de l'Albarine et de la Cluse des Hôpitaux sont les points forts de la randonnée.

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.

A very short walk to discover the murals in the village of Tenay, which are very recent. At the time of our visit, some of them will only be finished in time for the village festival on 10 September 2022.

A double circular hike to reach the Hostiaz Plateau from Tenay. The first circular route goes around the Château Narteau cliff, taking steep paths. The second circular route runs along the top of the plateau's cliffs, offering beautiful views of the Albarine valley.

A circular route mainly through woodland and off the marked trail. A route offering a high-up view of the En Jarine marsh, a section along the Malaval (or Mandorne) leat, a walk through the hamlet of Les Pézières (Maquis memorial and viewpoint at the Ferme des Gorges), the Ferme du Marchat, then a return via the Crêt de Maréta and the Trois Croix site. Numerous small red, green and yellow signposts for the local routes along the route.

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 short, easy hike in this little paradise in the Bugey.

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.

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

A lovely circular path that climbs up to Calvaire de Portes and its orientation table, which offers one of the most extensive panoramic views in the region, from Mont Blanc to the Cévennes.

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.

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.

A gentle walk on the Retord plateau.