The Pertes de l’Ain gorges

de fr

Pleasure in cascades.
This extraordinary walk around the Pertes de l’Ain gorges sets out from the remarkable site of the old forges and is a delight for all the senses.
Along the way: The Pertes de l’Ain, gorges, cascades, the ruins of Villain castle, and the relics of an old village.

Details

n°26946
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Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.78 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 167 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 167 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 719 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 536 m
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Photos

The site of the small power station
The church in Bourg-de-Sirod
parish specific to Brittany at the start of our trip
last waterfall at the end of the tour

Description of the walk

Starting out at the car park at Les Chamois restaurant (point 588, "P" sign on the IGN map at 1/25,000).
Facing the restaurant, turn right and take the stone track after 30m on the left. After 350m you will reach the "Chambre d’eau” (1). From here you will have views over the Ain and the valley. Turn left and follow the footpath overlooking the river for 200m, until you reach the fork "Côte du Martinet". Go straight on towards “Sous le mou."
At "Sous le mou" (2), turn left towards Richebourg (yellow waymarks), then in Richebourg, follow "Chapelle castrale" (red and yellow waymarks). When you reach "Chapelle castrale" you can visit the chapel (and then return back along the same path).
On your way back (marker 653), turn right towards "Roches Graviers" (yellow waymarks). At the sign for "Roches Graviers" follow "Château Villain" on the right (red and yellow waymarks) until you reach the ruins (4) (500m away).
Go back to "Roches Graviers" and carry straight on towards "Porte fortifiée" (red and yellow waymarks).
At "Porte fortifiée" (which you can see on your right) turn left towards Richebourg (red and yellow waymarks) and then in Richebourg turn right and follow "Sous le mou" (yellow waymarks). When you reach "Sous le mou" (2), turn left. After 400m, you will reach the dam, then follow the signs for "Pertes de l’Ain." On your way you will see Fontaine des Tufs on your left, and then you can go down to the little bridge (5) (you will have beautiful views of the narrow gorges of the Ain).
Go back up to the path and carry on until you reach the Pertes de l’Ain (slatted decking). From here, climb back up to the path and then carry on down to the forges (6). Cross the bridge, then follow the tarmacked road to the right for 200m, then take the steps on the right up to the “Chambre d’eau” which you passed at the start and go back along the stone track to the car park.
The walk is clearly waymarked and you will find all the names mentioned on the signposts.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 588 m - Les Chamois restaurant car park
  2. 1 : km 0.5 - alt. 583 m - La Chambre d'eau. Beautiful view of the - Ain (rivière)
  3. 2 : km 0.77 - alt. 596 m - Junction towards Richebourg
  4. 3 : km 1.4 - alt. 645 m - Castle chapel
  5. 4 : km 2.27 - alt. 717 m - Ruin of Château Villain
  6. 5 : km 4.5 - alt. 556 m - Viewpoint - Perte de l'Ain
  7. 6 : km 5.08 - alt. 539 m - Bridge
  8. S/E : km 5.78 - alt. 588 m - Les Chamois restaurant car park

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 137 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 18097164

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 20, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely hike!!! We’d done the Sources de l’Ain that very morning and had really enjoyed it, but we preferred the Pertes de l’Ain – it was more varied, with waterfalls, ruins, a chapel and some lovely views! No particular difficulties.

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User 28659633

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 11, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent site of rare quality, very well laid out.

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ym38
ym38

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

we couldn't find the start of the hike, so we did the route suggested by the information signs. However, the hike is excellent

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encore1matin
encore1matin

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike, though a little short.
We were treated to spectacular views: waterfalls, ruins, a chapel (closed), a fortified gate...
All this under a magnificent blue sky
This certainly explains the large number of hikers we encountered.
Easy.
We were with a senior friend who was new to hiking 🚶 she completed the route without any problems, taking it easy on the hills.

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User 3600947

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike,
A bit hot, but it's summer!
Nothing but fun
Easy hike

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titino
titino

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very good, but short

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Agnès6324
Agnès6324

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful hike through the woods with spectacular waterfalls

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pillowlava
pillowlava

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Great walk, the landscapes are varied and there are many points of interest. Thank you!

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domdom21
domdom21

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Perfect for getting back into shape, especially in hot weather. Well-shaded course, beautiful points of interest, beautiful views.
Domdom

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patrik c
patrik c

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pretty eando with the added bonus of a finale on the banks of the river Ain, I recommend it.

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Yoko25
Yoko25

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very nice walk with our grandchildren. They enjoyed the variety of landscapes, the footbridges and other secure balconies.

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Nova’s team
Nova’s team

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We saw 2 chamois! Most of the walk was in the rain. Lots of undergrowth. Nice walk but we did it after the Hedgehog waterfalls so it was a lot less impressive.

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jpvls
jpvls

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

The first part isn't very interesting, which is fortunately offset by the second part, which is a real beauty.
the second part, which is a real beauty.

A cool spot in this humid world.

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griotan
griotan

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I really enjoyed this short hike, which wasn't too difficult and we saw a chamois near the castle.
Thank you

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castel martine
castel martine

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb walk along the gorges, and beautiful views from the chapel.

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