The Virgin of Diesse in Oyonnax

Access: leave Samognat via the D123; at the roundabout before Veyziat, head towards Mons on the left; and before Mons, turn left again onto a small road which will take you all the way to the Petit Longchamp car park.

Yellow markings

(S/E) With your back to the car park, head straight along the wide forest track, then take the first path on the right.

(1) At the fork in the road, take the path on the right towards the Vierge de Diesse. The route is well shaded and even during a heatwave, you’ll feel the coolness. Pass under a power line and arrive at a cross of Jesus.

(2) Before turning left to head back, take a short detour straight ahead to the Vierge de Diesse.

(3) Retrace your steps.

(2) Turn right. A little further on, admire a lovely view over the Ain. Pass under the power line again and continue to a fork in the path.

(4) Turn right and head towards the Belvédère de la Pierre du Curé, which you’ll reach via a short detour to the right: a lovely view over the Ain.

(5) Retrace your steps, rejoin the route to the right and carry on to the fork you passed on the way out.

(1) Turn right and, following the path in the opposite direction to the outward journey, head back to the Petit Longchamp car park (S/E).