Refine your search for walks in La Balme-les-Grottes
La Balme-les-Grottes walks
La Balme les Grottes - Charette - Parmilieu
Visorando Member
10.93 mi
+961 ft
-961 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from La Balme-les-Grottes (Isère)
This is a fairly easy hike along the northern edge of the Isle Crémieu plateau, through fields, pleasant villages and a few wooded areas.
Bigues trail
6.07 mi
+348 ft
-371 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Parmilieu (Isère)
A little path that smells of hazelnuts... This pleasant, easy trail takes you through the charming little village of Parmilieu, a land of stone, quarries and traditional stone houses.
La Roche de l'Église via Souclin
8.34 mi
+2,005 ft
-1,998 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey (Ain)
A very pleasant trail from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey leads first to the old village of Souclin and then to the Roche de l'Église, which overlooks it. This hike will appeal to lovers of old stones: old villages and paths often lined with timeless stone walls. This route has few paved roads and offers many panoramic views of the Rhône between Bouvesse and Vertrieu, the north of the Isère and, in good weather, even Lyon.
Rhône, Lagnieu Park and old railway line in Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey
5.20 mi
+190 ft
-194 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey (Ain)
Starting from the beautiful village of Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, we reach the Rhône via the châteaux of Molard and La Durandière, follow the ViaRhôna, pass by the proud ruins of the dovecote of the former medieval leprosarium, then cross the public park of Lagnieu to return to our starting point along the old railway line, which has been converted into a footpath.
From Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey to La Roche de l’Église
11.11 mi
+2,602 ft
-2,579 ft
7h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey (Ain)
Here is a circular route in the Bugey region suitable for all seasons: starting from the pretty village of Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, it climbs to follow a series of ridges passing through Les Rochettes and then La Roche de l’Église before descending via Soudon to the Chapelle Saint-Christophe in Sault-Brenaz. The return to Saint-Sorlin over the Rochers de la Plaine and then the Rochers de la Craz offers views over the entire Rhône valley.
Brénaz – Fay – La Roche de l’Église
9.36 mi
+2,247 ft
-2,234 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Sault-Brénaz (Ain)
A very beautiful walk. A section, mostly shaded, along the cliff overlooking the Rhône, offers clearings with views of the river, the castles of Vertrieu and the Lyon conurbation. The two highest points of the hike (760 m), at the Rochettes antennas or the paragliding launch site and at the Roche de l’Église promontory, offer stunning views of the Rhône, the Vallée Bleue and the Alps. You’ll also enjoy some lovely sections through the woodland.
Croix de Bramafan from Lagnieu
6.89 mi
+1,358 ft
-1,339 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Lagnieu (Ain)
From Lagnieu, climb up to the Croix de Bramafan to discover a wide panorama of the Rhône plain, the Ain plain, Île Crémieu and, on a clear day, as far as Lyon. A very pleasant hike on well-shaded forest paths and trails.
Torjonas circular route via Brotel
5.53 mi
+407 ft
-410 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Baudille-de-la-Tour (Isère)
A lovely, uncrowded hike starting from Torjonas, between woods and rivers, with a variety of wildlife (cows, donkeys, sheep).
9 km circular loop with no significant elevation gain.
Remarkable sites, villages and natural areas starting from Sault-Brenaz
11.25 mi
+2,329 ft
-2,323 ft
7h 10
Moderate
Departure from Sault-Brénaz (Ain)
This hike allows you to visit the archaeological site of Colombier, enjoy pretty little villages and remarkable views (Croix du Grassonnet), discover the Grange Mignaval in the undergrowth and then, in a wild setting, an unusual old tuff quarry, observe magnificent little waterfalls, natural jacuzzis on the Crot au Gay and Rhéby streams, and get up close to the Demoiselles de Villebois, pretty rock formations.
See: Practical information
Route des enfants à Sainte-Julie
3.39 mi
+79 ft
-79 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Sainte-Julie (Ain)
This route forms part of a network of marked walking trails in the commune of Sainte-Julie, linking the village centre with the various hamlets.
The municipality aims to gradually map, signpost and maintain these routes to make walking in the area easier.
From the Verbois Gorges to the Val d'Amby
7.14 mi
+991 ft
-984 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Hières-sur-Amby (Isère)
A shaded trail that takes you through the Gorges de Verbois, very pleasant in hot weather, and past some typical buildings.
From Hières-sur-Amby to Larina
6.11 mi
+840 ft
-840 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Hières-sur-Amby (Isère)
This circuit takes us from the village of Hières-sur-Amby at the foot of the cliff to the archaeological site of Larina on the cliff. It offers panoramic views of the Pilat Massif, the Monts du Lyonnais, the plains of Lyon and the Ain, and the foothills of the Bugey.
Lemps Pond, Moulin de la Roche starting from Saint-Baudille-de-la-Tour
8.64 mi
+571 ft
-591 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Baudille-de-la-Tour (Isère)
A walk in a natural environment where you can observe a wide variety of wildlife, including European pond turtles at the Lemps pond.
This hike can be done in late October or early November, when you can admire the beautiful autumn colours of the bald cypress trees at the Surbaix pond next to the La Roche waterfall.
Crêt Saint-Martin and Crêt de Pont
11.99 mi
+2,835 ft
-2,825 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Souclin (Ain)
A circular route around the small village of Soudon, best done on a sunny day as the route is almost entirely through woodland. A pleasant hike in warm weather but best avoided in the rain as some steep sections will be difficult to negotiate.
From Vaux-Févroux to the Croix de Bramefan circular
7.73 mi
+1,791 ft
-1,781 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Vaux-en-Bugey (Ain)
There are many ways to get to the Croix de Bramefan. This route is unique in that it first takes you along the ridge north of Vaux and, after crossing the Buizin stream, returns via the Bramefan ridge. Almost the entire route is through woodland. The "medium" rating for this hike is justified by the fact that the start of the route is all uphill and there are numerous crossroads that could lead you astray.
Croix de Bramafan, pools and Buizin waterfall starting from Vaux-en-Bugey
10.06 mi
+1,936 ft
-1,906 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Vaux-en-Bugey (Ain)
This hike through the woods follows sections of the GR®59, PR® and unmarked trails. It will take you to the Croix de Bramafan and its viewpoint, the pools and waterfall of Le Buizin, and the Chapelle de Nièvre. It will also take you through the beautiful village of Vaux-en-Bugey, which is crossed by the Buizin.
Vaux en Bugey-Siccieu
18.01 mi
+1,181 ft
-1,086 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Vaux-en-Bugey (Ain)
Fifth stage of the Way of St James. This somewhat long stage takes you across the Rhône at Lagnieu. The rest of the route is less interesting and, above all, involves too much tarmac, but there is no alternative if you want to rejoin the GR®65.
North of Crémieu - From the Larina plateau to the Chapelle des Aviateurs in Leyrieu
9.02 mi
+1,424 ft
-1,424 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Vernas (Isère)
From medieval Vernas to ancient Larina and back via the limestone plateau to the Chapelle des Aviateurs (a memorial to two plane crashes), return to the Middle Ages via the fishpond at the Château Delphinal de Vernas.
Torcieu - Mont Charvet - Château des Allymes - Croix des Moines
12.03 mi
+3,458 ft
-3,445 ft
8h 35
Difficult
Departure from Torcieu (Ain)
The proposed route, which is almost circular, provides access to the Château des Allymes from Torcieu.
This is a somewhat challenging hike with two distinct sections:
- steep sections above Torcieu (requiring the use of your hands at times),
- long stretches with a series of ascents and descents without excessive gradients.
Most of the route is through woodland (with limited views).
Walking poles are recommended, especially in wet conditions.
Croix des Moines, Mont Charvet, Mont Luisandre and Allymes from Torcieu
12.70 mi
+3,704 ft
-3,704 ft
9h 05
Difficult
Departure from Torcieu (Ain)
A circular route through the Bugey and its forests, featuring two steep and rugged sections to climb from Torcieu via the Rochers des Moines and descend towards the end along the ridge of the Rocher de la Cha area. The rest of the route is through woodland and unchallenging but relatively long, with a series of ascents and descents. The view from Mont Luisandre is sweeping, and this circular route allows you to visit two of the castles on the so-called “Four Castles” route.
Circular route from the Larina plateau to Vernas
5.87 mi
+922 ft
-912 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Vernas (Isère)
A circular route around the charming village of Vernas and across the Larina plateau. The viewpoint at the archaeological site offers magnificent views of the Jura, the Monts du Lyonnais and the Rhône plain. Further south on the plateau, on a clear day, you can see the Pilat and the Alps. A walk amidst the traces of human history from antiquity to the modern world.
Tour of Cleyzieu via the Falconnière balcony
4.61 mi
+925 ft
-902 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Cleyzieu (Ain)
Cleyzieu is a charming village in the Bugey region. This easy hike offers several viewpoints. It passes through both woodland and open areas.
The Golet d'Ars
6.20 mi
+1,201 ft
-1,171 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Cleyzieu (Ain)
Perfect for hot days as it is very shady under beautiful high-altitude coniferous and deciduous forests (between 625 and 920 metres above sea level), on trails and good forest paths through the beautiful landscapes of the Bugey, offering a wide panorama of the cliff. In autumn, you can pick blackberries, hazelnuts and walnuts along the way.
On the Cleyzieu plateau in the Bugey region
11.28 mi
+2,087 ft
-2,087 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Torcieu (Ain)
This hike offers a good route on the Cleyzieu plateau, starting from Montferrand (Torcieu).
The main difficulty is the climb to the Grottes du Crochet, where caution is advised in wet weather (walking sticks recommended).
Given the length of the route, the hike has been classified as difficult.
Plateau des Aviateurs from Vernas
7.15 mi
+902 ft
-902 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Vernas (Isère)
This is a very pleasant circular walk starting from the pretty village of Vernas, which takes you along attractive paths and trails, often shaded by trees, to the Plateau des Aviateurs, where a military aircraft crashed in 1944 and another in 1969. A small chapel, commemorative plaques and a sign commemorate these events. Wide panoramic views of the Rhône plains and the Alps in the distance can be enjoyed throughout the walk.
Circular via Colloverge mountain starting from Saint-Denis-en-Bugey
7.15 mi
+1,106 ft
-1,086 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Denis-en-Bugey (Ain)
This hike will take you to both sides of the massif between Torcieu and Saint-Denis-en-Bugey.
Enjoy beautiful views of the region, the Monts du Lyonnais, the vineyards of Vaux-en-Bugey, the ridges of the Albarine Valley and a passage through the pretty village of Ambutrix, not to mention the start of the Saint-Denis tower, which offers a panoramic view of the region.
Route des 4 Châteaux: Saint-Germain - Mont Luisandre
Association / Club / Walk leader11.52 mi
+3,068 ft
-3,058 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Ambérieu-en-Bugey (Ain)
An easy walk that is part of a 30 km route linking 4 medieval castles (the Circuit des 4 Châteaux).
Circular route starting from Saint-Denis-en-Bugey
5.44 mi
+515 ft
-512 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Denis-en-Bugey (Ain)
A short, easy hike that can be done with the family. Beautiful panoramic views. Magnificent bell towers. Peace and quiet...
The Lemps Pond
1.49 mi
+13 ft
-13 ft
0h 40
Easy
Departure from Optevoz (Isère)
A lovely family walk around a pond classified as a nature reserve, equipped with observation points for viewing local wildlife.
Chapelle de Leyrieu
5.18 mi
+728 ft
-741 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Leyrieu (Isère)
This shaded trail leads to the top of the cliff at the Leyrieu Chapel and offers superb views of the Lyon plains and the Pilat massif. On a clear day, you can see the Alps and the Vercors massif.
Around Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey
8.65 mi
+1,814 ft
-1,821 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey (Ain)
This hike takes place mainly in the forest in the hinterland of Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey and on the heights of Mont Charvet.
Circular in the Étangs de Mepieu Regional Nature Reserve
6.97 mi
+135 ft
-131 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Creys-Mépieu (Isère)
A beautiful, relatively easy walk along roads and paths, allowing you to discover the flora, fauna and habitat of this regional nature reserve. No major difficulties apart from a steady climb in the middle of the route.
A review dated 17/04/23 indicates that a section is now private (6), but it is possible that the marked trail has been diverted or that the hiker was unable to find the path due to construction work. We would appreciate it if anyone passing through the area could confirm or deny this.
