Saint-Hymetière walks

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.

Walk in the forest above the beautiful village of Arinthod, which you can also visit after your hike.

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.

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.

Hike punctuated by beautiful views, following the route of ancient rutted tracks. Passage at the Pierre Énon.

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.

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).

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.

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, 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 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.

This easy hike is best enjoyed in spring and autumn if you want to make the most of the second part, which is also the most beautiful: the waterfall and stream. It's guaranteed to be cool in summer, even with just a trickle of water. Amazon rainforest atmosphere before the waterfall. Moderator update on 24/09/2020: Please note! Change of route at the end of the trail, after the waterfall. To return to the car park, follow the diversion and the yellow markings.

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.

A circular walk, mainly through forest, overlooking the southern part of Lake Vouglans with beautiful views of the lake, a horseshoe bend in the River Ain and the dam.

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.

A beautiful, challenging hike starting from Dortan, with numerous viewpoints and waterfalls.

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.

The view from the viewpoint is always impressive. On this route, you will overlook the beautiful landscapes of Lake Vouglans, observe its changing colours and contemplate its wooded shores, remarkably preserved from any unsightly urban development.

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.