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Oyonnax walks
Boucle d'Oyonnax à la Prairie d'Échallon
Visorando Member
15.19 mi
+3,570 ft
-3,576 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Oyonnax (Ain)
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.
The Grand Tour via Lake Genin
13.89 mi
+3,051 ft
-3,035 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Oyonnax (Ain)
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
9.61 mi
+1,883 ft
-1,867 ft
6h 05
Difficult
Departure from Oyonnax (Ain)
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.
Tour of the Grand Pré in the Bois de la Gorge
1.64 mi
+190 ft
-190 ft
0h 55
Easy
Departure from Oyonnax (Ain)
A lovely little route on a mostly shaded route. No particular difficulty apart from a noticeable incline in the middle of the route. Walking poles are recommended for this section.
The Virgin of Diesse in Oyonnax
2.58 mi
+243 ft
-240 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Oyonnax (Ain)
Combining legends and panoramic views, this Vierge de Diesse circular route offers an enchanting escape into the heart of the forest. Very easy and shaded, making it ideal on hot days. The Belvédère de la Pierre du Curé offers a stunning view of the River Ain. Perfect for a family outing.
Tour of Lake Genin
0.96 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
0h 30
Easy
Departure from Charix (Ain)
This small mountain lake, situated in a clearing at an altitude of 830 m, is nicknamed ‘the Little Canada of the Haut-Bugey’. It is surrounded by tall trees that take on vibrant colours in autumn. In summer, the cool waters of the lake are a source of refreshment for walkers. In winter, covered in snow and ice, with the sun’s rays glinting off the surface, the view is undoubtedly even more beautiful! Every season will enchant you.
Circular route around the Oignin between the Coiselet and Charmine dams
6.31 mi
+646 ft
-643 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Samognat (Ain)
Circular route around the Oignin between the Coiselet and Charmine dams, offering beautiful views of the Charmine and Oignin waterfalls, and of Coiselet Castle.
Tour of the Montagne d'Émondeaux
14.63 mi
+2,884 ft
-2,881 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Samognat (Ain)
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.
La Pierre-qui-Vire and the Combe waterfall
4.78 mi
+1,204 ft
-1,204 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Dortan (Ain)
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
Association / Club / Walk leader
10.47 mi
+2,375 ft
-2,362 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Dortan (Ain)
A beautiful, challenging hike starting from Dortan, with numerous viewpoints and waterfalls.
Charmines and Oignin Waterfalls: dam, waterfalls and potholes
1.11 mi
+240 ft
-236 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Matafelon-Granges (Ain)
A nature getaway offering breathtaking natural scenery. Once you reach the riverbank, prepare to be amazed. Numerous waterfalls and natural potholes, carved out by the water, await you. These pools are perfect for a refreshing swim and even a few jumps for the more daring. The perfect setting for a dip in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush greenery – a true haven of peace.
Tour of Lake Nantua
15.99 mi
+640 ft
-623 ft
2.5 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Martignat (Ain)
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.
Pic d'Oliferne from Coisia
9.62 mi
+2,300 ft
-2,300 ft
6h 25
Moderate
Departure from Coisia (Jura)
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.
Two valleys route starting from Matefelon-Granges
7.07 mi
+1,158 ft
-1,152 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Matafelon-Granges (Ain)
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.
Route de la Pierre qui Vire in Dortan
5.47 mi
+1,463 ft
-1,453 ft
3h 45
Difficult
Departure from Dortan (Ain)
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.
Pic d'Oliferne - Grand Corent
15.10 mi
+1,201 ft
-2,218 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Vescles (Jura)
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.
From Échallon to Lac Genin, western circular
5.88 mi
+978 ft
-955 ft
3h 35
Easy
Departure from Échallon (Ain)
A circular mainly through the forest, to discover the western part of the commune and Lac Genin.
From Lac de Coiselet to Pic d'Oliferne
7.14 mi
+1,768 ft
-1,755 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Condes (Jura)
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).
Circular starting from Charix via Lac Genin
13.68 mi
+2,234 ft
-2,205 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Charix (Ain)
This circular route takes you through the villages of Charix and Plagne. On leaving Plagne, there are superb views of the village of Échallon and its church. Halfway along the route, a picnic stop is a must at the exceptional site of Lac Genin. The ridge path above the village of Apremont offers breathtaking views of the village. Behind you, you can see part of the town of Oyonnax. The highest point of the hike is reached at Mont Burdet at an altitude of 1,050 metres.You will need to follow the route using the .gpx track.
Walk around Sonthonnax-la-Montagne
5.99 mi
+869 ft
-873 ft
3h 30
Easy
Departure from Matafelon-Granges (Ain)
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.
The Pic d'Oliferne
4.32 mi
+853 ft
-850 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Vescles (Jura)
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.
Pic d'Oliferne via the ridge trails
4.96 mi
+948 ft
-978 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Vescles (Jura)
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 Gorges du Val d’Enfer
1.90 mi
+180 ft
-207 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Izernore (Ain)
A short family walk that will take you past several points of interest along the River Oignin. The route passes through or runs alongside electricity-generating facilities managed by EDF. It forms part of the Tour de l’Oignin walking trail.
Around Oignin
7.34 mi
+453 ft
-476 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Izernore (Ain)
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!
On the heights of Chancia
6.08 mi
+1,690 ft
-1,699 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Chancia (Jura)
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
14.53 mi
+2,654 ft
-2,651 ft
9h 00
Difficult
Departure from Chancia (Jura)
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
1.94 mi
+581 ft
-581 ft
1h 25
Moderate
Departure from Chancia (Jura)
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
7.31 mi
+1,604 ft
-1,588 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Chancia (Jura)
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.
Tour of the viewpoints in Giron
Tourist office
7.98 mi
+981 ft
-958 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Giron (Ain)
In a typical Jura setting, this loop offers exceptional panoramic views, such as the Roche Fauconnière.
Giron - Lélex
12.38 mi
+1,588 ft
-1,995 ft
7h 05
Very difficult
Departure from Giron (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow.
Third stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. From the Roche Fauconnière viewpoint and its panoramic view of the Cirque d'Orvaz, the trail leads to the Lion marker, a historic landmark of the Franco-Comtois border in the 17th century and a key site of the Resistance. It is here that the GR® de Pays crosses the Grande Traversée du Jura and the GR® 5, before a long, gentle descent towards Lélex, a ski resort nestled in the Valserine valley.
Cuchet viewpoint
9.87 mi
+1,877 ft
-1,883 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Choux (Jura)
This moderately difficult walk will take you through unspoilt countryside and offer a unique view from the Cuchet viewpoint.In autumn, the colours are stunning...
The sails of the Landeyron
2.45 mi
+554 ft
-554 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Montréal-la-Cluse (Ain)
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.
The Landéron leat
4.26 mi
+1,142 ft
-1,152 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Nantua (Ain)
Hike with panoramic views of Lake Nantua and the cliffs in the first part, then descend along the Landéron, which you will cross twice.
Walk to the Belvédère de la Colonne in Nantua
1.82 mi
+299 ft
-299 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Nantua (Ain)
Starting from the hamlet of La Tour, this short walk allows you to admire the magnificent Lake Nantua from the Belvédère de la Colonne without too much effort. As an added bonus, there’s also a lovely view of the town and the Nantua Viaduct.
Semine Valley
6.22 mi
+1,834 ft
-1,821 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Germain-de-Joux (Ain)
A refreshing short hike with multiple panoramic views.
Chemin des Fècles and Belvédère de la Colonne
5.46 mi
+1,631 ft
-1,617 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Nantua (Ain)
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.
The Petite Montagne region around Saint-Hymetière-sur-Valouse
8.84 mi
+1,358 ft
-1,352 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Hymetière (Jura)
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.