Échallon walks

A circular mainly through the forest, to discover the western part of the commune and Lac Genin.

As it is mainly in the forest, this trail is ideal in summer to escape the heat. The highlight of this hike is Lac Genin. We recommend setting off from Plagne at around 10 a.m. so that you arrive at the lake around midday and can stop there for lunch. If you have time, don't miss a visit to the world's longest dinosaur footprint trail at the end of the route: Dinoplagne® (currently under construction, opening soon...).

In a typical Jura setting, this loop offers exceptional panoramic views, such as the Roche Fauconnière.

Accessible from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. Third stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. The route climbs gradually towards the Plateau de Retord, with a view of the remaining path and, in good weather, a panorama of the Alps. The stage then crosses Giron (1,000 m), the highest commune in the Ain, before reaching Lélex and ending at the Pertes de la Valserine.

A refreshing short hike with multiple panoramic views.

This circular route takes you through the villages of Charix and Plagne. On leaving Plagne, there are superb views of the village of Échallon and its church. Halfway along the route, a picnic stop is a must at the exceptional site of Lac Genin. The ridge path above the village of Apremont offers breathtaking views of the village. Behind you, you can see part of the town of Oyonnax. The highest point of the hike is reached at Mont Burdet at an altitude of 1,050 metres.You will need to follow the route using the .gpx track.

Superb view of the cliffs of La Roche Fauconnière and then those of La Roche d'Orvaz.

This is a fairly challenging circular trail around the Combe d'Orvaz: the main points of interest are the banks of the Sémine river and its waterfalls, the plateau around the Combe d'Évuaz, and then the Roches d'Orvaz and its cirque.

This route takes you to the banks of the Valserine and transports you back in time: ancient stone bridges, a power station with an unusual history and a customs guard's hut. A mysterious and bucolic trail.

After leaving the village of Champfromier and all its amenities, walk through pastures and forest paths. The highlight of this circular: the magnificent panorama from Les Avalanches over the Jura mountains.

This walk from Montanges offers a view of the famous stone bridge over the Valserine and takes you past the monument to Paul de Vanssay, hero of the Resistance.

The route forms a circular loop in the Valserine valley between Montanges (Pont des Pierres) and Champfromier. The outward route follows the Valserine river. The return route follows the Lancrans tramway from Chézery. There are two small tunnels to pass through along the way. There are a few difficulties between points (1) and (2) on a trail that is moderately passable at times. The rest of the route does not present any major difficulties.

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.

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.

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.

This official hike is ideal as it passes by two of the most beautiful viewpoints in the village: the Peney viewpoint and the Roche Carreletau viewpoint, starting from the heart of the village of Poizat-Lalleyriat.This route is one of the six official hiking trails in Le Poizat-Lalleyriat, and is numbered 1.

The aim of this hike is to reach Crêt de Chalam (1,545 m) from Chézery-Forens, covering a circular route of approximately 14 km. Although the path to the summit is a little steep, the return journey is gentler but longer.

Here is an accessible and enjoyable walk, perfect for enjoying summer days in the shade of trees, to the rhythm of a refreshing stream. The trail passes through peaceful, green surroundings and leads you to the Cascade de l'Etrès waterfall, nestled discreetly in the landscape. A well-deserved refreshing break. A simple and rejuvenating outing in nature to share with your family.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. This summit is a must-see for the views it offers over the Valserine Valley, the Jura and Mont Blanc. After an ascent through the forest, a series of steps completes the hike, offering a contemplative reward! The hike starts in Forens. The view gradually opens up onto the Valserine Valley and the Haute Chaîne du Jura. The last few metres are along a steep path, then up some steps to the summit. From there, you can enjoy a 360° panorama of Mont Blanc, which seems so close above the Jura mountains and the folds of the surrounding Jura massif. Also note the "Borne au Lion", the 17th-century border between Franche-Comté, Bugey and the Duchy of Savoy. Information panels recount the lives of the resistance fighters who hid here during the Second World War. To conclude the hike, a short detour to the beautiful Étrès waterfall is a must.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. The Menthières mountain pastures and the landscapes around the Sac chalet offer wide open spaces for a getaway in the heart of the Jura Mountains. Between forest and mountain pastures, this varied route, open from April to November, offers superb panoramic views. The trail starts from the car park opposite the Rendu chairlift, runs alongside the tree-top adventure park and then climbs towards the Col de Menthières. It passes by iconic landmarks that serve as reference points for hikers: the "Grange Velue" and the "Chalet du Sac", which offer panoramic views of Valserhône, the Retord plateau and the Alps. Dogs, even on a lead, are not allowed in this area, which is part of a nature reserve.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. Fifth and final stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. The route climbs gradually towards the Plateau de Retord, offering a glimpse of the path already covered and, in good weather, a panoramic view of the Alps. The stage crosses Giron (1,000 m), the highest commune in the Ain department, before reaching Lélex and ending at the Pertes de la Valserine. Protected area: dogs and tent camping are prohibited in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.

A circular route on the Grand Crêt d'Eau massif at an altitude of 1,600 metres, passing through pine forests and crossing a large hilly plateau with views of the Mont Blanc massif, among other things. Moderator's warning: route presents a risk of avalanches.

Open from 1 December to 30 March. From the small resort of Menthières, head towards an alpine chalet, where you can admire panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Alps, the Lake Geneva basin and the Hautes-Combes du Jura.The trail is marked in purple for snowshoeing and marked for hiking all year round.

Tour of the chalets of the Col du Sac and Varambon via the Crêtes du Sorgia - 360° view at the Crêt de la Goutte with orientation table to discover the Monts d'Ain, Lake Geneva and its water jet, the start of the Jura mountain range, the Swiss and French Alps including the Matterhorn in good weather and the majestic Mont Blanc.

Hike with panoramic views of Lake Nantua and the cliffs in the first part, then descend along the Landéron, which you will cross twice.

This moderately difficult hike will allow you to discover unspoilt nature and a unique panorama from the Cuchet viewpoint. In autumn, the colours are sublime...

Explore the vast expanses of the Retord Plateau. Along the way, you will see a few typical farms, traces of life in an immaculate and unspoilt place.

This is a lovely little route that takes us through Catray, home to a welcoming inn, then across the northern part of the Retord plateau along quiet paths. This route has little elevation gain and is not difficult, even though it is at an altitude of over 1,000 metres. It can also be done on snowshoes. View of Mont Blanc if the weather is clear.

A short hike from the village of Les Bouchoux, which allows you to gain some height to see the surrounding area and take a short detour to a superb waterfall.

A pleasant walk along the Valserine Gorges, from Les Pertes to Bellegarde. Very popular in hot weather as much of the route is in the woods and always close to the river. Please note that a municipal by-law dated 11 April 2024 prohibits continuing the hike beyond point 5 along the banks of the Valsorine (footbridges closed)

A circular with limited elevation gain, winding through mountain pastures, allowing you to visit three of the ridges that form the Grand Crêt d'Eau (including the highest point) and enjoy breathtaking views of the Genevois and the Alps.

A beautiful winter snowshoe hike.Once you reach the summit, which looks a bit like a sugar loaf (1,545 m), you will discover a 360° panorama (the Haut Jura mountain range and, of course, Mont Blanc in good weather).Please note that depending on snow conditions, there may be a risk of avalanches at the Crêt de Chalam. Beginners should refrain from climbing to the summit; the view is already very beautiful and safe from the plateau just before the summit.

Plateau of the Jura mountain range, overlooking the valleys of Bellegarde sur Valserine and Fort l'écluse. The highest point of the Crêt de la Goutte offers a 360° panorama of the Jura Natural Park and Lake Geneva on the Geneva side, with a horizon dominated by the Alps, including Mont Blanc.