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Park on the grassy verge under the bridge between the Rhône and the Via Rhôna.
Yellow markings and a few signposts.
(S/E) Take the path that passes under the bridge, then climb the trail that joins a path.
When you reach this path, turn left for 30 m and climb the narrow path that branches off to the right (wooden signpost "Château de la Barre").
(1) At the wide stony path with a stone wall on the left, turn right and follow it for about 120 m. In a large bend, turn left onto the narrow path until the next fork.
(2) At the path, follow to the left for 200 m to reach Château de la Barre (private property). At the castle, take the path on the left that climbs into the forest; this is the steepest part of the hike.
Note: at the castle, you can also go straight ahead instead of turning left, but the climb is very steep. The route I suggest, although quite steep in places, is easier.
(3) After the steep climb (which can be slippery in wet weather), you will come to a wider path. Continue to the left and cross some large stone slabs (in wet weather, water runs down the middle of the path). Shortly afterwards, turn left and continue for about 400 metres to reach a clear plateau offering a wide panorama.
(4) Turn left, follow the path straight ahead and cross a wooded plateau.
(5) Climb up to the viewpoint to admire the beautiful panorama of the Rhône valley and the Izieu mountain.
(6) Descend by the same route.
(5) Turn left and descend a wide path that becomes a small road, follow it to the D992.
(7) On the road, turn left and follow it for 50 m. Take the small path on the left to avoid the main road. After 150 m, turn right to rejoin the D992. On this road, turn left and follow it for about 80 m, then turn left onto the small road (Chemin du Lac). Follow this road for 600 m to reach the Rhône.
(8) Turn left and follow the path along the river. After 500 m, turn left and follow a narrow path that climbs about ten metres to the Grotte de la Bonne Femme, a prehistoric rock shelter. Return to the path and continue left.
after 120 metres, a narrow path climbs into the woods on your left. Follow this path for 50 metres to reach the second cave, which is also beautiful (unnamed cave on the IGN map). Go back down to the main path and continue on your left.
after 300 m, following a sharp bend, a very narrow path (barely visible) climbs into the forest for about 20 m and leads to the Grotte de Liévrin (prehistoric dwelling). This cave is smaller than the previous one and extends into the rock through two narrow, low galleries.
Return to the path and continue left to the starting point (S/E).
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