The banks of the Rhône between Arlod and Génissiat

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This trail allows you to explore the riverbanks, which tell a story through fishing, geology and industry. Halfway along, take a break at the magnificent shaded viewpoint.

Details

n°3167932
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.13 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 304 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 300 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 414 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 328 m
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Photos

View of the Rhône

Description of the walk

Start from the rowing centre near Saint-Nicolas Church in Arlod.

(D:A) Follow the Chemin du Barrage southwards. Take the path branching off to the left at the bend to the right after passing the sports fields.

(1) Leave the road and take the path that leads into the woods. Pass by the animal pound and the Sidégage, the Joint Waste Management Authority and its Educational and Recreational Immersion Centre (CIEL).

(2) Leave this urban and industrial setting behind and head into the countryside, crossing the Ruisseau de la Fontaine des Malades which flows towards the Rhône. Continue straight on along the path towards the Belvédère des Lades. On your right, you’ll see an old customs post.

(3) Continue on to the Belvédère des Lades.

(4) Take a break at the Belvédère des Lades, where the pine trees and the Rhône give the impression of being in the South of France. Continue along the edge of the ridge.

(5) The path turns right, passes under the power lines and then heads left towards the railway line. You’ll reach a fork.

(6) Continue left towards the Génissiat dam. Pass under a power line and, at the left-hand bend, leave the track to follow the path on the right.

(7) At the junction, continue left, then quickly leave the path leading to the house and take a path on the left that goes round it. Reach the Génissiat Dam.

(8) Enjoy the view, then head back along the same route to reach the rowing centre (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 333 m - Arlod Chapel, rowing centre - Rhône (River)
  2. 1 : km 0.37 - alt. 333 m - Path on the left
  3. 2 : km 1.47 - alt. 334 m - Fontaine des Malades stream
  4. 3 : km 2.72 - alt. 345 m - Customs officers’ hut
  5. 4 : km 3.41 - alt. 367 m - Les Lades Viewpoints
  6. 5 : km 4.52 - alt. 398 m - Turn right
  7. 6 : km 5.27 - alt. 386 m - Junction, turn left
  8. 7 : km 5.72 - alt. 377 m - Junction, left
  9. 8 : km 6.56 - alt. 336 m - Génissiat Dam and Power Station - Rhône (River)
  10. S/E : km 13.13 - alt. 333 m - Arlod Chapel, rowing centre - Rhône (River)

Notes

Wear walking shoes. Take water with you. Stay on the marked paths. Dogs must be kept on a lead.

Worth a visit

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.2 / 5
Route interest
3.8 / 5
toinede5974
toinede5974

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I found this hike pretty easy, lots of undergrowth, ideal for hot weather, great views

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dilphy.michel
dilphy.michel

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Not very busy today
Very beautiful and interesting
well worth promoting

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randomi74370
randomi74370

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Setting off from the car park at the Génissiat dam, we found it impossible to cross a stream between waypoints 6 and 5: there was a large patch of very thick, greyish mud. We had to take a very difficult route through the forest to avoid this section.
Otherwise, a lovely route with beautiful views from the top of the cliffs to the Lades viewpoint.
We made an impromptu return to Génissiat via paths and roads near Billiat and St Jean to avoid the hassle of the outward journey.
This hike is not recommended at this time of year until substantial repair work has been carried out on this section of the path.

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EmmanuelPeillex
EmmanuelPeillex

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk best done in June to avoid very muddy paths
The view of the dam is quite spectacular / You really must walk all the way round it
Please book in advance to visit

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monique Charvet
monique Charvet

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 03, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

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M@rc
M@rc

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 13, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Very busy route : No

Yes, there are some lovely views of the stretch of water downstream of the Genissiat dam. Yes, the Belvédères des Lades is worth a look. But as for the rest, it’s rather dull; in any case, it’s not worth the round trip along the same route.

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