Samognat walks

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.

Circular route around the Oignin between the Coiselet and Charmine dams, offering beautiful views of the Charmine and Oignin waterfalls, and of Coiselet Castle.

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!

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.

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.

Je vous propose un petit parcours permettant de rejoindre Heyriat à partir de Granges situé pas très loin des bords de l'Ain.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A magnificent hike with panoramic views of the Ain and the Jura plateaus, caves and waterfalls.

Starting from Corveissiat, a circular route takes you to the Chartreuse de Sélignac, passing by some beautiful viewpoints along the way.

A lovely educational trail for families with two viewpoints overlooking the Ain valley.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.