Refine your search for walks in Saint-Martin-de-Bavel
Saint-Martin-de-Bavel walks
Loop between the lakes and the Séran river, starting from Saint-Martin-de-Bavel
Visorando Member
23.93 mi
+2,664 ft
-2,651 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-de-Bavel (Ain)
A pleasant ride on an electric mountain bike.Waterfall, Marmites des Géants, lake and castle are all on the agenda.
Artemare circular loop
9.24 mi
+1,348 ft
-1,348 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Artemare (Ain)
A hike not to be missed: the 18 wonders! You’ll discover the Ferlioz massif, with the Madone and its sharp limestone pavement. You’ll enjoy an incredible view from the Cerveyrieu Waterfall, follow the River Séran and marvel at the Thurignin potholes. And if these wonders aren’t enough, head towards the village of Vieu and its beautiful church. Cross another lovely forest before turning off at the source of the Adoue and admiring the curiosity that is the source of the Groin. Finally, you’ll discover a beautiful castle upon arriving in Artemare.
Claire Fontaine waterfall and Sérémond viewpoint
8.70 mi
+2,215 ft
-2,205 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Virieu-le-Grand (Ain)
This is a fairly long hike, which starts off easily along the Arène but quickly becomes more challenging when you leave the D53 to reach the Sérémond viewpoint. The beautiful view at the top is well worth the climb.
The second part is easy and descends back to the village, partly following the same path used on the way up.
Circular route in the Sérémond forest above Virieu-le-Grand
7.83 mi
+2,224 ft
-2,254 ft
5h 30
Difficult
Departure from Virieu-le-Grand (Ain)
This hike follows little-used paths and avoids other routes as much as possible. You will leave many paths behind. The idea is to make you want to return to discover the many possible variations and to create your own route.
In the final section, the Sérémond viewpoint offers a magnificent panorama of the Rhône. Finally, the Clairefontaine Waterfall provides a moment of relaxation and refreshment.
Sharp limestone pavement, waterfall, resurgence and canyons around Artemare
9.73 mi
+1,280 ft
-1,273 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Artemare (Ain)
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.
Circular in the Lavour Marsh
5.59 mi
+230 ft
-230 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Ceyzérieu (Ain)
Circular trail exploring the Lavours Marsh and its nature reserve, via the boardwalk, then along the Séran river before climbing the Courbettes hill to return to Ceyzérieu.
Route of heather starting from Chazey-Bons
3.66 mi
+322 ft
-315 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Chazey-Bons (Ain)
Pleasant, shaded hike
Few markings at the start of the route, yellow markings in the undergrowth, cairns to cross the stone plateaus.
The Lavours Marsh
1.99 mi
+16 ft
-16 ft
0h 55
Easy
Departure from Ceyzérieu (Ain)
A short walk to discover this Sensitive Natural Area, with 2 km on stilts. Numerous information panels and superb views of the Grand Colombier.
The Lac de Barterand circular from Vongnes
8.50 mi
+1,083 ft
-1,070 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Vongnes (Ain)
An easy route to discover the Bas Bugey. Pass by Lac de Barterand, a small, refreshing lake (fishing and swimming), Marignieu with its wines, honey and an almost 800-year-old chestnut tree, and the nearby Marais de Lavours with its discovery trail. Not forgetting Vongnes, its Bugiste wine cellar and the Ecomuseum on the trades of the vine and wine.
Chanduraz and La Roche Percée from Béon
7.60 mi
+3,369 ft
-3,392 ft
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from Béon (Ain)
This is a challenging route that will take you to Chanduraz, a remarkable viewpoint over Lake Bourget, the Rhône and the entire panorama around Culoz, passing through La Roche Percée. However, you will have to tackle a climb of over 1,000 metres, which is as difficult going up as it is coming down, to earn it.
Circular via Roche Percée and the Romagnieux viewpoint from Béon
5.52 mi
+2,060 ft
-2,073 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Béon (Ain)
A circular forest loop that is accessible in almost all seasons, running along the slopes of Grand Colombier and passing through an arch that you only discover at the last moment and a viewpoint over Culoz, Lac du Bourget and the surrounding mountains.
In (6), be sure to stay away from the paths leading to the Romagnieux farm.
See review dated 08/08/2022.
From Béon to Grand Colombier
15.19 mi
+5,174 ft
-5,194 ft
11h 30
Difficult
Departure from Béon (Ain)
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).
Le Grand Colombier
9.86 mi
+3,281 ft
-3,271 ft
7h 25
Difficult
Departure from Virieu-le-Petit (Ain)
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.
Route around Armix in the Bugey
7.40 mi
+1,201 ft
-1,188 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Armix (Ain)
Here is a short route in the Bugey with a ridge route, which can be done out of season (autumn-winter, for example), if necessary in half a day.
The Grand Colombier circuit from Fénestré
8.41 mi
+1,722 ft
-1,706 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Culoz (Ain)
A lovely hike at the foot of Mont Colombier, with panoramic views from the start and of Mont Blanc at the summit. Picturesque landscapes and pastures.
⚠️ 19/05/2026: Take care at this point (4)! Dangerous hike. Not recommended for children or those prone to vertigo. Read the reviews.
Grand Colombier via Chanduraz
5.72 mi
+1,588 ft
-1,562 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Virieu-le-Petit (Ain)
This little-used route offers an original approach to the Grand Colombier, with a rocky final ascent that adds a bit of spice to the hike! Nevertheless, it is manageable for the average hiker. The Chanduraz promontory, overlooking Lake Bourget, is well worth the effort... Not to mention the view from the Granges du Colombier.
Circuit from Pierre Noire to Chanaz
2.54 mi
+646 ft
-646 ft
1h 45
Moderate
Departure from Chanaz (Savoie)
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.
From Chanaz to Vions or from the Rhône to the Commanderie
7.77 mi
+453 ft
-453 ft
4h 00
Easy
Departure from Chanaz (Savoie)
An autumn walk in the Avant Pays Savoyard, to see something other than mountains, even if Mont Colombier is omnipresent throughout the hike.
Chanaz - Pomey circular
5.02 mi
+1,155 ft
-1,145 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Chanaz (Savoie)
An easy walk with beautiful views of Chanaz, then Lac du Bourget on the Chemin de Pomey.
Mont Landard
8.27 mi
+1,558 ft
-1,545 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Chanaz (Savoie)
A pleasant, easy hike through the Mont Landard forest and the Montagnin vineyards.
Lake Barterand
5.10 mi
+1,145 ft
-1,119 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Cressin-Rochefort (Ain)
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.
The ridges of Innimont
13.35 mi
+2,569 ft
-2,546 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Germain-les-Paroisses (Ain)
A beautiful, long climb on a good path to the Col du Grand Pertuis, followed by the superb ridge trail. Then a challenging downhill section to Innimont and a gentler one back down to Appregnin.
The ridge loop at Innimond
5.12 mi
+912 ft
-912 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Innimond (Ain)
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.
From Innimond to Ordonnaz in a circular
12.13 mi
+1,739 ft
-1,736 ft
7h 05
Moderate
Departure from Innimond (Ain)
I suggest a lovely walk between Innimond and Ordonnaz along the ridges (Mont Pela, Le Grand Pertuis and Le Mollard de Don), then across plateaus between forests and meadows. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Alps.
Route of the wine-growing villages of Bugey, starting from Lac du Lit au Roi.
26.06 mi
+1,745 ft
-1,762 ft
4 hrs
Easy
Departure from Cressin-Rochefort (Ain)
Starting from Lac du Lit au Roi, passing by Lac de Barterand and then through the wine-growing villages of Bugey, Flaxieu, Pollieu, Vongnes, Ceyzerieu and its hamlets, and Saint-Martin de Bavel.Views of the Grand Colombier and the Lavours marshes.Circular with return to Lac du Lit du Roi for a quick dip.
The Tour of the Innimond Plateau
3.05 mi
+125 ft
-125 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Innimond (Ain)
Family hike on the Innimond plateau to discover a magnificent panorama of the Alps and Mont Blanc.
Le Grand Colombier from the Arvière lodge
Association / Club / Walk leader
6.69 mi
+1,542 ft
-1,535 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Lochieu (Ain)
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.
Le Grand Colombier with return via the Griffe du Diable ridge
9.11 mi
+1,785 ft
-1,772 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Lochieu (Ain)
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.
Chalet d'Arvière - Pont de La Loi
Tourist office12.35 mi
+1,368 ft
-4,439 ft
6h 50
Difficult
Departure from Lochieu (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November ( subject to there being no snow).
The final and sixth stage of the six-day “Grande Traversée du Jura à pied: from La Borne au Lion to Culoz” trek.
The GTJ links Mandeure (Doubs) to Culoz (Ain) in 15 to 20 days, crossing the Jura Mountains and the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park. The route suggested here corresponds to the second half of the itinerary.
Circular route in Valromey via the Pont and Puits des Tines
11.07 mi
+1,624 ft
-1,621 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Sutrieu (Ain)
This circular route straddling the Séran river is at a moderate altitude and therefore accessible in all seasons. It combines a forest trail with a more open environment, passing by some remarkable sites in Valromey: the Pont des Tines, the Étang des Alliettes, the Belvédère de Châteauneuf and the Puits des Tines.
Chalet d'Arvière - Pont de La Loi
12.36 mi
+1,365 ft
-4,439 ft
6h 50
Very difficult
Departure from Lochieu (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to snow conditions.
The section from the Chalet d’Arvière to Pont de La Loi is the sixth stage of the six-day walking tour “La GTJ from Mijoux”.
The GR®9 enters the Ain department via Mijoux, before following the spectacular ridges of the Monts-Jura, passing through the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crosses the Retord plateau and then crosses the Grand Colombier. The trail continues its route to Culoz and the Rhône Valley, before leaving the Ain to reach Savoie and continuing southwards.
Circular route north of Grand Colombier to admire the Alps and Valromey.
7.16 mi
+1,575 ft
-1,568 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Lochieu (Ain)
The Grand Colombier, part of the Jura mountains but located in the department of Ain, was made popular by the Tour de France. This hike, starting from the Chalet d'Arvière, takes you along two parallel ridge paths and past the foot of the Grand Colombier. Magnificent views on all sides.
The Mountain of Parves
6.97 mi
+1,329 ft
-1,302 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Parves (Ain)
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.
Lucey and Jongieux circuit
7.64 mi
+1,129 ft
-1,129 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Lucey (Savoie) (Savoie)
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.