Saint-Martin-de-Bavel walks

A pleasant ride on an electric mountain bike.Waterfall, Marmites des Géants, lake and castle are all on the agenda.

This loop allows you to visit several characteristic sites in this area where the folds of the Jura meet the alluvial plain: the sharp limestone pavement of Fierloz, the Cerveyrieu waterfall, the Turignin Gorges on the Séran, the sources of the Groin and the chasms it forms. In high water, the route can be slippery but it is impressive.

Pleasant, shaded hike Few markings at the start of the route, yellow markings in the undergrowth, cairns to cross the stone plateaus.

The hike starts in Béon and aims to reach the summit of Grand Colombier (1,534 m) with a quasi-circular route. It can be classified as somewhat challenging due to the elevation gain and distance covered. The ascent includes a few fairly steep slopes overall. Otherwise, there are no major difficulties (at most, it should be noted that orientation can be a problem around point (9) and that the markings are less precise at the end of the route).

This is a fairly strenuous hike, but without any major difficulties. The climb is very steady, with no respite. From the Grand Colombier, there are beautiful 360° views.

A beautiful hike at the foot of Mont Colombier, with panoramic views from the start and of Mont Blanc at the summit. Bucolic landscapes and pastures.

A short walk for a half-day outing from the tourist village of Chanaz. In the village, directional signs clearly indicate the Circuit de Pierre Noire. Lovely viewpoint over the village and its canal, the Rhône river developments, Mont Colombier, etc.

An autumn walk in the Avant Pays Savoyard, to see something other than mountains, even if Mont Colombier is omnipresent throughout the hike.

A peaceful hike on the border between Ain and Savoie. From the start, there is a beautiful view of the Rhône riverbed. Further on, you will see Lac de Barterand, bordered by unexpected sculptures in the rock. A short climb towards the flag reveals a beautiful view of the lake.

Passing over the Cols du Grand and Petit Pertuis, you'll be amazed by this route along the ridges, which offers 360° views of the Alps, Massif Central and Jura. An easy hike for regular walkers.

Hike from the Chalet d'Arvières with a gradual, shaded climb to the Col de Charbemènes. Then follow the marked trail, which will take you to the Grand Colombier at 1,525 m in about an hour. You will then have a magnificent view of the Alps, Mont Blanc, Lac du Bourget, the Rhône, and more.

To complete the hike (Le Grand Colombier from the lodge d'Arvière n°1241202), you can extend it from the pass by returning via the Griffe du Diable and Grange d'en Bas ridges. This trail is less frequented than the one leading to the cross and then to Le Grand Colombier itself, offering you more distant views. Best done in good weather without snow, this trail seems less suitable for snowshoes.

Parves and a few other villages are nestled between the old Rhône and the canal (actually the canalised Rhône): you could say that this area forms an island. The suggested walk takes place at low altitude through woods, forests, agricultural landscapes, villages and hamlets that have preserved or enhanced the typical buildings of the Bugey region. There is also a beautiful view of the Savoyard foothills.

Tour of the Hostiaz plateau and its viewpoints along the ridges and cliffs.

Circuit of the Chosas and Brive waterfalls, starting from Marchamp via the Lac de Cérin, the fossil quarry, the Palaeoecological Museum via the "sur les traces des carriers" (in the footsteps of the quarry workers) trail and the old mills.

Starting from Cerin, this mainly wooded marked trail takes you through several valleys with streams offering several waterfall passages. After rainy weather, the waterfalls are magnificent but the ground is then more slippery.

An easy walk in the Savoyard foothills starting from the curious Church of Saint-Pierre-de-Curtille. The walk provides access to a pretty viewpoint over the Rhône river developments.

A beautiful hike, fairly well marked in blue with directional signs (sometimes a little faded), between 630 and 900 metres above sea level, easy, mostly on good, well-shaded paths. On very clear days, there are views of the snow-capped Alps and the villages of Marchand and Cerin. For flower lovers, between May and July, there are martagon lilies, orchids, snowdrops and erythronium. And for those who like the cool air, they can go to the Grotte de la Jaquette cave near the path.

A summit and vistas in a site dominated by pastures.

At the southern end of the Jura mountain range. A scenic route from Sur Lyand to Grand Colombier and back via Les Crêtes.

This circuit runs along a sunny hillside. It takes you to the heritage sites of the commune of Lucey and offers a beautiful view of the Jongieux vineyards dominated by the Saint-Romain Chapel.

This hike is based on the 4 belvederes walk. The route has been modified to take into account the opinions of hikers who have given their feedback. In particular, the trail is more precise and the parts considered less interesting have been removed. We are delighted with this new version, which is particularly suitable for hot days (tested during the heatwave of August 2025).The route is mostly through woods and on unpaved paths or tracks. It offers splendid panoramic views from various viewpoints as well as iconic sites: Trou de la Marmite, Notre-Dame de Mazières Chapel, etc. On a clear day, you will have the pleasure of admiring Mont Blanc.

Hike around the Conzieu Lakes, visible from the heights, and Lac de Crotel, which cannot be seen. The hike takes place on good paths and a few steep trails. Spring or autumn in dry weather is preferable, as the few difficult passages can become slippery.

Sommet immanquable de la vallée de l’Albarine, Château Narteau est la belle pyramide rocheuse qui domine Tenay avec ses 746 m. L’accès au sommet rocheux peut se faire depuis le parking de la via ferrata d'Hostiaz mais une belle randonnée consiste à faire le tour de Château Narteau depuis Tenay en montant par le sentier du Cordaret et descendant par le chemin du facteur.

Tour of the vineyards of the Savoyard hinterland.

A pleasant, varied walk, with sections through vineyards, others through forest and some beautiful panoramic views.

Climb to the summit of Montagne de Tentanet from Lhuis via theGR®59on good hiking trails.

From Chaley, I suggest a beautiful route overlooking the Albarine Valley: the ascent is via the Combe Suzaire, then the route joins the Rocher du Grand Sangle plateau, where there are some beautiful views. The return leg goes through a combe towards the hamlet of La Charabotte, then continues pleasantly near the Albarine River. There are two difficult sections:- after the point (3), the path is a little chaotic, - between points (7) and (10), the route is not always obvious and there are a few sudden drops to the edge of cliffs. Visorando app recommended

Starting from Chaley, in the Albarine valley, climb to the top of the Rocher du Grand Sangle, which offers a beautiful view of the gorges. There is a longer but more difficult loop that I have unpublished , which can be seen here, with the latest review

This hike takes you on a loop through the heart of the Bugey region around Hauteville-Lompnes, on the edge of the plateau overlooking the Gorges de l'Albarine, with relatively little elevation gain.

This loop allows you to enjoy the banks of the Rhône and its history linked to Seyssel. It takes you up high, through hamlets, vineyards and fields, where you can appreciate the beauty of the Rhône valley nestled between the Gros Foug mountain and Mont Colombier.

This is a half-day outing and the route is dotted with points of interest with information panels. Until the Pré Cevin intersection, shortly after the Croix de Chevru, the route follows theGR® trail, which is part of the Way of St. James. Then follow the yellow markings until you reach your destination.

Among the many access routes to Mont de la Charvaz, this loop takes the most direct route to the summit, via its steep western face, and descends via gentler forest paths. The view from the summit over the Avant Pays Savoyard and the surrounding mountains is extensive.

This loop starting from the village of Billière in the Savoyard foothills allows you to discover the region's vineyards and admire some beautiful panoramic views. In autumn, along the path, there are chestnut trees here and walnut trees there. Your pockets won't be big enough for all the fruit you'll gather. In the vineyards, the grape pickers will surely have left a few seeds behind. If a hiker tries to sneak off the path, follow them, they know where to find mushrooms.

A pretty little circular loop starting from Étang Buinand and leading to the cliff edges of the Évosges plateau, where you can enjoy superb views of the Albarine valley and the circular village of Oncieu.