Lake Vouglans - Surchauffant cliffs

Discover the splendour of France's third largest reservoir with its turquoise blue waters. In this magnificent setting, walk between forests and steep cliffs with superb views of the lake.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 14.03 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 313 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 313 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 573 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 431 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Departure from the Surchauffant campsite.

(S/E) (S/E) With your back to the campsite and facing the woods, turn right and follow the road, keeping the woods on your left. Go through the gate and continue to the end of the road running alongside the campsite.

(1) At the end of the campsite, take the path on the left, marked in yellow and red, which climbs up through boxwood trees burnt by the box tree moth. Continue to the "Entreporte" crossroads.

(2) Turn right, about 500 metres further on, and follow the cliff with a superb view from a viewpoint. Continue along the path that descends to the lake.

(3) Climb up from the lake shore, taking the path on the right, which quickly becomes a track. Pass the waterfall and continue climbing until you reach a crossroads.

(4) At the crossroads, Les Pertis, ignore the sign for Largillay on your right and continue left. Follow Chemin du Pertuis to the village of Saint-Christophe (yellow signposts), passing a wash house.

(5) At the junction with Route de Saint-Christophe, climb up to the 12th-century church, then descend Rue du Meix to rejoin Route de Saint-Christophe.

(5) Back at the junction with Rue du Pertuis, continue along Route de Saint-Christophe until you reach a fire hydrant.

(6) At this junction, do not continue on Route de Saint-Christophe but turn left for 80 metres, then turn right onto a forest path towards Château de la Tour de Meix. At the three-way junction, turn right and after a few metres, take the grassy path on the left. Pass under a power line and you will reach a crossroads.

(7) After a short climb on the right, make a round trip to the castle ruins and the viewpoint.

(7) On your way back, turn right onto a well-marked path that starts with steps and leads to the village of La Tour de Meix.

(8) At the Tour de Meix roundabout, turn left onto Rue du Jeu de Quille and continue to the D470. Follow this road carefully to the left and after 100 m turn onto the D60 towards Onoz. After 300 m, at the three-way junction, turn left towards the Château-Richard viewpoint.

(9) After about 300 metres, take the signposted path into the woods on the right. After a good kilometre, rejoin the road and continue along it until you reach the viewpoint.

(10) Continue along this path, which descends and runs alongside the lake until you reach the Pont de la Pile bridge.

(11) Cross the D470 with caution and follow the path parallel to it until you reach the campsite (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 450 m - Surchauffant campsite - Lac de Vouglans
  2. 1 : km 0.35 - alt. 454 m - Fork in the road after the campsite
  3. 2 : km 1.39 - alt. 523 m - Crossroads, on the right
  4. 3 : km 4.22 - alt. 437 m - Beach
  5. 4 : km 5.62 - alt. 542 m - Les Pertis. On the left
  6. 5 : km 6.38 - alt. 563 m - Saint-Christophe
  7. 6 : km 6.78 - alt. 556 m - At the crossroads, turn left then right.
  8. 7 : km 7.8 - alt. 518 m - On the right, head towards the castle ruins and the viewpoint.
  9. 8 : km 8.24 - alt. 481 m - The Tour de Meix
  10. 9 : km 9.25 - alt. 472 m - Path on the right in the woods
  11. 10 : km 10.92 - alt. 514 m - Belvedere
  12. 11 : km 13.16 - alt. 447 m - Pont de la Pyle
  13. S/E : km 14.03 - alt. 450 m - Surchauffant campsite - Lac de Vouglans

Practical information

In the village of Saint-Christophe: toilets and water point.

In the nearby area

The village of Saint-Christophe is worth a stop, particularly for its former priory.
The ruins of the Château de la Tour de Meix (eight centuries of history as a castle, fortress and then princely residence).

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 59 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
Martine B4.
Martine B4.

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Hike offering beautiful views of the lake along the entire route and a waterfall cascading down the cliffs
Varied landscape
It's a shame that the chapel isn't open
Passes by the ruins of a castle and the small village of La Tour du Meix
The forest is covered in moss, which gives it a certain charm
No difficulty

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User 25994507

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

beautiful, very pleasant walk

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User 17103722

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very beautiful place. The last part overlooking the emerald-coloured lake was sensational.

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User 3357964

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Pleasant hike in the woods along the lake, a little disappointed by Saint Christopher
We then enjoyed the beach
No difficulties

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gigidu07
gigidu07

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very beautiful hike with plenty of shade

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User 19274127

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A pleasant short hike, well sheltered from the sun and heat by the forest. I recommend it if you are staying in the area for a few days. However, there are probably other even nicer trails in the area (but further north-east of Vouglans) if you are short on time.

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monnon
monnon

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : May 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : No

It's a shame you have to navigate between the trees to see the lake, otherwise the two villages are lovely to visit.

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pathy
pathy

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Excellent route.
The route along the lake is sublime, with magnificent views throughout. The little village of Saint-Christophe is charming and very picturesque. It's a shame that the little chapel is closed. La Tour-du-Meix is also a very pretty village.
This is a hike that I highly recommend.

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Sebflo11
Sebflo11

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 31, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A great hike offering beautiful views of the lake and a waterfall cascading down the cliffs. Accessible to all as there are no particular difficulties, passing by the ruins of a castle and the small village of La Tour du Meix. The forest is covered in moss, giving it a magical charm. Don't hesitate to give it a go!

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sophie liagre
sophie liagre

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A magnificent hike with varied landscapes, including panoramic views of the Ain, stunning forests with moss-covered trees, and castle ruins. We thoroughly enjoyed our day.

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Assya
Assya

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Just to clarify from the outset: the markings are not white and red, but yellow and red.
Otherwise, nothing to report. A fairly easy walk. Mostly in the shade of the forest.
The waterfall mentioned in point 3, but having been there, I think it has been dry for a long time. There is a "water point" in St Christophe, but there is a sign saying that the water from the fountains is not supervised. I drank it and I'm fine. Swimming is only possible between points 2 and 4.

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Tatiana07
Tatiana07

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Beautiful hike.
Some nice climbs but breathtaking views!
Best done in good weather, otherwise be careful not to slip, as much of the route is in the forest.

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loulle
loulle

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful hike with stunning views of the lake during the first part.
An ideal route in hot weather.
Don't miss the church of Saint Christophe, which is also a great spot for a picnic (there are tables under the trees).

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aloan
aloan

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very beautiful hike with magnificent views of the lake.

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Pierre R.
Pierre R.

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A lovely walk with varied landscapes and plenty of shade.
The loop took 4 hours and 20 minutes, including a swim and a snack break.
Not very crowded despite the good weather and high season.

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