Refine your search for walks in Matafelon-Granges
Matafelon-Granges walks
Two valleys route starting from Matefelon-Granges
From Matefelon-Granges, I suggest you take a 11 km circular trail through the Ain Valley, then the Oignin Valley. Along the way, you will enjoy views of Thoire, the Château de Coiselet (private), the Saut de l'Oignin waterfall and its potholes, and finally the lake upstream.
Walk around Sonthonnax-la-Montagne
Between the valleys of the Ain and the Oignin, I invite you to walk in the footsteps of the Resistance fighters on an easy route, taking you first to the Chougeat plateau and then to that of Sonthonnax-la-Montagne.
Around Oignin
The route follows the course of the Oignin river on the edge of the Gorges de l'Enfer, then goes around the Lac de l'Oignin, all with some pretty nice scenery!
Tour of the Montagne d'Émondeaux
Starting from the Coiselet dam, I suggest a good route around the Montagne d’Émondeau leading to Dortan. The route takes place mainly in a wooded area interspersed with some lovely scenery. The route is generally easy and the main difficulty is its length.Three alternative routes are available.
Circular route around the Oignin between the Coiselet and Charmine dams
Circular route around the Oignin between the Coiselet and Charmine dams, offering beautiful views of the Charmine and Oignin waterfalls, and of Coiselet Castle.
From Saint-Maurice d'Echazeaux to Montdidier Castle
A pleasant, easy circular walk, mainly through woodland. The charming church of Saint-Maurice-d'Échazeaux (or des Chasaux), which overlooks the confluence of the Valouse and Ain rivers, and the ruins of Montdidier Castle are worth exploring.
Viewpoint over the Ain plain at the Pisse Vache Waterfall from Granges
This easy route takes you to the small Grottes de l'Ours, before heading to its impressive viewpoint over the Ain plain, perched on the edge of a cliff 400 m above the River Ain. The route then continues through stunning forests and villages to the Pisse Vache Waterfall, which you can admire from upstream, downstream, from the front and from behind. The return to Granges follows the banks of the Ain.
From Granges to Heyriat, Pisse-Vache waterfall and Bonbois
An alternative route from Granges to Heyriat, descending to Bonbois. This path is in better condition than the descent near the chapel. This route takes a short detour to the Pisse-Vache waterfall, which is featured in guidebooks. It is interesting during rainy periods but only a trickle of water when the previous weeks have been dry. Return via the village of Bonbois and along the River Ain.
Petit tour de Granges à Heyriat
Je vous propose un petit parcours permettant de rejoindre Heyriat à partir de Granges situé pas très loin des bords de l'Ain.
Pic d'Oliferne from Coisia
This hike begins with a steep climb, rewarded by numerous panoramic views of Lake Coiselet. It continues along a pleasant ridge with beautiful views and ends with a visit to the ruins of the medieval castle of Oliferne, which offers a 360° view, before descending back to the starting point.
The reculée and the Roche de Châtillon
A magnificent hike with panoramic views of the Ain and the Jura plateaus, caves and waterfalls.
From Corveissiat to the Chartreuse de Sélignac in a circular route
Starting from Corveissiat, a circular route takes you to the Chartreuse de Sélignac, passing by some beautiful viewpoints along the way.
Saint-Maurice d’Échazeaux Chapel and the ruins of Montdidier
A walk with beautiful views that takes us through a few small hamlets and woodland; you can see the chapel, which is currently being renovated, and find information about it.
The route is marked with yellow signposts.
Napt - The Félicien Trail
A lovely educational trail for families with two viewpoints overlooking the Ain valley.
Pic d'Oliferne - Grand Corent
Second stage of the Way of St James. A route offering beautiful views of Lake Coiselet and Lake Conflans, taking us through a few small hamlets and across woodland.
Tour of Lake Nantua
Lake Nantua is a lake in the Jura Mountains. Of glacial origin, it currently covers 141 hectares. The lake was designated a protected natural site in 1935. Nantua is a popular destination for tourists due to its tranquillity and fine cuisine.
The Chartreuse de Sélignac circular route starting from Arnans
A beautiful view of the Chartreuse de Sélignac from the cliff overlooking it. A charming route along the surrounding wall by the river. Very passable paths. However, in wet weather, the route along the walls can be a little soggy. No problem in dry weather. A picturesque circular route.
Short flight around the Chartreuse de Sélignac
A short walk around the Chartreuse de Sélignac, with some lovely views.
The Grand Tour via Lake Genin
I suggest a good route that takes you from Oyonnax to Lac Genin and the Prairie d'Échallon.
Throughout the route, the varied landscapes are reminiscent of a small Canada.
The main difficulty is the length of the route.
Lac Genin from Oyonnax
The aim of this hike is to take you to Lac Genin from the centre of Oyonnax. The route is mainly a loop. Once you arrive at the lake, you are free to spend as much time there as you like.
Boucle d'Oyonnax à la Prairie d'Échallon
Il est proposé un parcours en boucle un peu sportif, dont la finalité est de rejoindre à partir d'Oyonnax la Prairie d'Echallon, puis de revenir via le Lac Sous les Mousses (et à proximité du lac de Viry) puis le Mont de la Chaux et la Pointe de Biez.
Pic d'Oliferne via the ridge trails
Discover Oliferne Castle via the ridge paths.
Forget the wide, uninteresting track and enjoy the pleasant paths and panoramic views, where it is practically impossible to go wrong if you follow the yellow markings.
Please note: some areas require extra attention when walking with children.
The Pic d'Oliferne
Interesting viewpoint offering views of the Ain valley (Vouglans Dam, the Haut Jura mountain range and Mont Blanc in good weather).
The ruins of Oliferne Castle are now of considerable interest following restoration work carried out by volunteers.
The sails of the Landeyron
A family-friendly forest walk along the Landeyron with its potholes, waterfall and fording point.
Please note: in winter and after heavy rain, the ford is likely to be impassable: you will need to turn back.
Circular Mont Balvay via Solomiat, Vers and Napt
A variation on the classic Mont Balvay hike, with a detour via Vers. This route offers a different perspective with a route across the plateau from Vers. The climb up to Vers through the woods is pleasant, well marked and picturesque. The descent to Napt is also very enjoyable.
Overhangs of the Ain Gorges: Bolozon - Balvay - Solomiat - Napt
This is a circular route from Bolozon, passing through pretty villages (Balvay, Solomiat and Napt) and overlooking the Gorges de l'Ain.
This is a "classic" route (often suggested in the opposite direction) that does not present any major difficulties.
From Lac de Coiselet to Pic d'Oliferne
I suggest a route that is almost a loop, with some beautiful views, to reach the Pic d'Oliferne from Lac de Coiselet (Condes).
There are no major difficulties to encounter. At most, there are a few passages that require caution if the ground is slippery (see below).
La Pierre-qui-Vire and the Combe waterfall
Starting from the workers' village of Dortan, this walk takes you through the Bois de Chatelard forest to the Pierre-qui-Vire and its rocky promontory overlooking Lac de Coiselet.
Then, in the intimacy of a rocky cirque at the end of a shady valley, you will discover the waterfall of the Ruisseau de Maissiat, which has been building a pyramid of tufa for thousands of years.
On the heights of Dortan
A beautiful, challenging hike starting from Dortan, with numerous viewpoints and waterfalls.
Route de la Pierre qui Vire in Dortan
The aim of the hike is to complete a circular route overlooking the village of Dortan and Lake Coiselet. There are many beautiful viewpoints along the way.
The Petite Montagne region around Saint-Hymetière-sur-Valouse
Starting from Saint-Hymetière-sur-Valouse, I suggest you take a short walk through the Petite Montagne region. This route, which is fairly easy overall, takes you to the Montcresson viewpoint before returning via the Saint-Laurent Chapel and the village of Chisséria.
A drystone shelter
A short circular route starting from the car park at Saint-Hymetière church. Situated at an altitude of over 440 m, the church is nestled on a terrace of glacial deposits. The route will take you towards the Caborne du Bœuf. An impressive 20-metre-high portal opens up in front of thefirst chamber.
A pleasant walk overlooking the Valouse Gorges.
Chemin des Fècles and Belvédère de la Colonne
Hike on the heights overlooking Lake Nantua with beautiful views of the lake.
The areas sheltered under the trees provide respite from the summer sun.
The hike can be rounded off with a refreshing dip in the lake.
Some sections are a little technical.
On the heights of Chancia
The village of Chancia, dating back to Roman times, stretches lazily along the lake formed by the junction of the Bienne and Ain rivers and the Coiselet reservoir.
Here, everything encourages relaxation.
On this route through the hills above Chancia, you will be enchanted by this little corner of paradise.
Lake Chanon starting from Chancia
The aim is to complete a good, almost circular route across the plateaus around Montcusel and Chanon.The starting point is in Chancia: the main difficulty is the distance covered (at most, there is a short steep climb towards Lake Chanon). Along the way, there are some lovely views.
Molard de Netru from Chancia
I suggest a short hike (about 1 hour) from Chancia to the small summit of Molard de Netru (491 m). There are some beautiful views to discover.
From Chancia to Montcusel in a loop
From Chancia, I suggest you return to Montcusel via a pretty loop trail: first, you follow the Bienne River at a distance, then you climb a few hills with beautiful views, especially towards Lac de Coiselet.
The Landéron leat
Hike with panoramic views of Lake Nantua and the cliffs in the first part, then descend along the Landéron, which you will cross twice.
The ridges of Montagna-le-Templier
A lovely circular walk along the Saint-Julien forest track and the Montagna ridge with views over the Suran valley. Very few tarmac sections on this route. The best option is to take a packed lunch and find a nice spot to enjoy it.