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Sault-Brénaz walks
Brénaz – Fay – La Roche de l’Église
Visorando Member
9.36 mi
+2,247 ft
-2,234 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Sault-Brénaz (Ain)
A very beautiful walk. A section, mostly shaded, along the cliff overlooking the Rhône, offers clearings with views of the river, the castles of Vertrieu and the Lyon conurbation. The two highest points of the hike (760 m), at the Rochettes antennas or the paragliding launch site and at the Roche de l’Église promontory, offer stunning views of the Rhône, the Vallée Bleue and the Alps. You’ll also enjoy some lovely sections through the woodland.
Remarkable sites, villages and natural areas starting from Sault-Brenaz
11.25 mi
+2,329 ft
-2,323 ft
7h 10
Moderate
Departure from Sault-Brénaz (Ain)
This hike allows you to visit the archaeological site of Colombier, enjoy pretty little villages and remarkable views (Croix du Grassonnet), discover the Grange Mignaval in the undergrowth and then, in a wild setting, an unusual old tuff quarry, observe magnificent little waterfalls, natural jacuzzis on the Crot au Gay and Rhéby streams, and get up close to the Demoiselles de Villebois, pretty rock formations.
See: Practical information
Crêt Saint-Martin and Crêt de Pont
11.99 mi
+2,835 ft
-2,825 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Souclin (Ain)
A circular route around the small village of Soudon, best done on a sunny day as the route is almost entirely through woodland. A pleasant hike in warm weather but best avoided in the rain as some steep sections will be difficult to negotiate.
La Roche de l'Église via Souclin
8.34 mi
+2,005 ft
-1,998 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey (Ain)
A very pleasant trail from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey leads first to the old village of Souclin and then to the Roche de l'Église, which overlooks it. This hike will appeal to lovers of old stones: old villages and paths often lined with timeless stone walls. This route has few paved roads and offers many panoramic views of the Rhône between Bouvesse and Vertrieu, the north of the Isère and, in good weather, even Lyon.
Rhône, Lagnieu Park and old railway line in Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey
5.20 mi
+190 ft
-194 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey (Ain)
Starting from the beautiful village of Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, we reach the Rhône via the châteaux of Molard and La Durandière, follow the ViaRhôna, pass by the proud ruins of the dovecote of the former medieval leprosarium, then cross the public park of Lagnieu to return to our starting point along the old railway line, which has been converted into a footpath.
From Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey to La Roche de l’Église
11.11 mi
+2,602 ft
-2,579 ft
7h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey (Ain)
Here is a circular route in the Bugey region suitable for all seasons: starting from the pretty village of Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, it climbs to follow a series of ridges passing through Les Rochettes and then La Roche de l’Église before descending via Soudon to the Chapelle Saint-Christophe in Sault-Brenaz. The return to Saint-Sorlin over the Rochers de la Plaine and then the Rochers de la Craz offers views over the entire Rhône valley.
Bigues trail
6.07 mi
+348 ft
-371 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Parmilieu (Isère)
A little path that smells of hazelnuts... This pleasant, easy trail takes you through the charming little village of Parmilieu, a land of stone, quarries and traditional stone houses.
La Balme les Grottes - Charette - Parmilieu
10.93 mi
+961 ft
-961 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from La Balme-les-Grottes (Isère)
This is a fairly easy hike along the northern edge of the Isle Crémieu plateau, through fields, pleasant villages and a few wooded areas.
The Golet d'Ars
6.20 mi
+1,201 ft
-1,171 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Cleyzieu (Ain)
Perfect for hot days as it is very shady under beautiful high-altitude coniferous and deciduous forests (between 625 and 920 metres above sea level), on trails and good forest paths through the beautiful landscapes of the Bugey, offering a wide panorama of the cliff. In autumn, you can pick blackberries, hazelnuts and walnuts along the way.
Croix de Bramafan from Lagnieu
6.89 mi
+1,358 ft
-1,339 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Lagnieu (Ain)
From Lagnieu, climb up to the Croix de Bramafan to discover a wide panorama of the Rhône plain, the Ain plain, Île Crémieu and, on a clear day, as far as Lyon. A very pleasant hike on well-shaded forest paths and trails.
Tour of Cleyzieu via the Falconnière balcony
4.61 mi
+925 ft
-902 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Cleyzieu (Ain)
Cleyzieu is a charming village in the Bugey region. This easy hike offers several viewpoints. It passes through both woodland and open areas.
Circular route between Conand and Arandas, Mortier cross and Cra viewpoint
6.40 mi
+1,463 ft
-1,444 ft
4h 15
Difficult
Departure from Conand (Ain)
This circular walk takes you deep into the mountainous Bugey region, which is often easy going but can be very rugged in places. The final descent of this walk is very difficult and is only suitable for experienced walkers who are not afraid of heights. It is recommended that you use GPS for the end of the walk, from Arandas.
Torcieu - Mont Charvet - Château des Allymes - Croix des Moines
12.03 mi
+3,458 ft
-3,445 ft
8h 35
Difficult
Departure from Torcieu (Ain)
The proposed route, which is almost circular, provides access to the Château des Allymes from Torcieu.
This is a somewhat challenging hike with two distinct sections:
- steep sections above Torcieu (requiring the use of your hands at times),
- long stretches with a series of ascents and descents without excessive gradients.
Most of the route is through woodland (with limited views).
Walking poles are recommended, especially in wet conditions.
Croix des Moines, Mont Charvet, Mont Luisandre and Allymes from Torcieu
12.70 mi
+3,704 ft
-3,704 ft
9h 05
Difficult
Departure from Torcieu (Ain)
A circular route through the Bugey and its forests, featuring two steep and rugged sections to climb from Torcieu via the Rochers des Moines and descend towards the end along the ridge of the Rocher de la Cha area. The rest of the route is through woodland and unchallenging but relatively long, with a series of ascents and descents. The view from Mont Luisandre is sweeping, and this circular route allows you to visit two of the castles on the so-called “Four Castles” route.
From Vaux-Févroux to the Croix de Bramefan circular
7.73 mi
+1,791 ft
-1,781 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Vaux-en-Bugey (Ain)
There are many ways to get to the Croix de Bramefan. This route is unique in that it first takes you along the ridge north of Vaux and, after crossing the Buizin stream, returns via the Bramefan ridge. Almost the entire route is through woodland. The "medium" rating for this hike is justified by the fact that the start of the route is all uphill and there are numerous crossroads that could lead you astray.
On the Cleyzieu plateau in the Bugey region
11.28 mi
+2,087 ft
-2,087 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Torcieu (Ain)
This hike offers a good route on the Cleyzieu plateau, starting from Montferrand (Torcieu).
The main difficulty is the climb to the Grottes du Crochet, where caution is advised in wet weather (walking sticks recommended).
Given the length of the route, the hike has been classified as difficult.
Circular via Chateland, Rochers de la Cra and Croix de Cuny
6.91 mi
+1,558 ft
-1,542 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Bénonces (Ain)
This circular at the edge of the Bugey is accessible in all seasons, including in the snow, given its low altitude. It offers several viewpoints over the Rhône Valley and the "Vallée Bleue", the peaks of the Bugey, Chartreuse, Vercors, Belledonne and Bauges further away...
Circular Calvaire de Portes starting from Charvieux
11.67 mi
+2,333 ft
-2,300 ft
7h 25
Difficult
Departure from Conand (Ain)
A lovely circular path that climbs up to Calvaire de Portes and its orientation table, which offers one of the most extensive panoramic views in the region, from Mont Blanc to the Cévennes.
The Three Rivers Trail starting from Bénonces
5.65 mi
+922 ft
-912 ft
3h 25
Easy
Departure from Bénonces (Ain)
This trail allows you to discover the three rivers: the Tréfond, the Arodin and the Perna(z), the biodiversity of the site, and its geological and heritage riches, explained by six information panels.
Vaux en Bugey-Siccieu
18.01 mi
+1,181 ft
-1,086 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Vaux-en-Bugey (Ain)
Fifth stage of the Way of St James. This somewhat long stage takes you across the Rhône at Lagnieu. The rest of the route is less interesting and, above all, involves too much tarmac, but there is no alternative if you want to rejoin the GR®65.
Croix de Bramafan, pools and Buizin waterfall starting from Vaux-en-Bugey
10.06 mi
+1,936 ft
-1,906 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Vaux-en-Bugey (Ain)
This hike through the woods follows sections of the GR®59, PR® and unmarked trails. It will take you to the Croix de Bramafan and its viewpoint, the pools and waterfall of Le Buizin, and the Chapelle de Nièvre. It will also take you through the beautiful village of Vaux-en-Bugey, which is crossed by the Buizin.
The Arandas mountain
3.61 mi
+240 ft
-213 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Arandas (Ain)
A short, easy hike in this little paradise in the Bugey.
Torjonas circular route via Brotel
5.53 mi
+407 ft
-410 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Baudille-de-la-Tour (Isère)
A lovely, uncrowded hike starting from Torjonas, between woods and rivers, with a variety of wildlife (cows, donkeys, sheep).
9 km circular loop with no significant elevation gain.
The Mountain of Suerme
5.06 mi
+837 ft
-856 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Arandas (Ain)
A short, gentle circular loop around Montagne de Suerme, with some beautiful views. A short stretch of tarmac road but no traffic.
Around Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey
8.65 mi
+1,814 ft
-1,821 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey (Ain)
This hike takes place mainly in the forest in the hinterland of Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey and on the heights of Mont Charvet.
Route des 4 Châteaux: Saint-Germain - Mont Luisandre
Association / Club / Walk leader11.52 mi
+3,068 ft
-3,058 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Ambérieu-en-Bugey (Ain)
An easy walk that is part of a 30 km route linking 4 medieval castles (the Circuit des 4 Châteaux).
Lemps Pond, Moulin de la Roche starting from Saint-Baudille-de-la-Tour
8.64 mi
+571 ft
-591 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Baudille-de-la-Tour (Isère)
A walk in a natural environment where you can observe a wide variety of wildlife, including European pond turtles at the Lemps pond.
This hike can be done in late October or early November, when you can admire the beautiful autumn colours of the bald cypress trees at the Surbaix pond next to the La Roche waterfall.
Route des 4 châteaux: from Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey to Mont Luisandre
9.52 mi
+2,602 ft
-2,585 ft
6h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey (Ain)
An easy walk forming part of a route of around 30 km linking 4 medieval castles (the 4 Castles Route).
Suerme plateau from Argis
7.99 mi
+1,768 ft
-1,759 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Argis (Ain)
From Argis, a beautiful, easy climb to the Suerme Plateau. Beautiful unobstructed views along almost the entire route, over the Albarine valley and gorges to the north, east and south, and to the west over the Ain plain.
Update: see reviews dated 02/06/2025 and 25/02/2026 and the description between (10) and (11)
Hostiaz plateau from Tenay
7.17 mi
+2,375 ft
-2,352 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Tenay (Ain)
A double circular hike to reach the Hostiaz Plateau from Tenay. The first circular route goes around the Château Narteau cliff, taking steep paths. The second circular route runs along the top of the plateau's cliffs, offering beautiful views of the Albarine valley.
Loop trail around the Jargoy plateau
10.89 mi
+2,425 ft
-2,425 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Argis (Ain)
Steep hike offering superb views of the Jargoy plateau and the village of Oncieu.
From the Verbois Gorges to the Val d'Amby
7.14 mi
+991 ft
-984 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Hières-sur-Amby (Isère)
A shaded trail that takes you through the Gorges de Verbois, very pleasant in hot weather, and past some typical buildings.
From Hières-sur-Amby to Larina
6.11 mi
+840 ft
-840 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Hières-sur-Amby (Isère)
This circuit takes us from the village of Hières-sur-Amby at the foot of the cliff to the archaeological site of Larina on the cliff. It offers panoramic views of the Pilat Massif, the Monts du Lyonnais, the plains of Lyon and the Ain, and the foothills of the Bugey.
Tenay fresco walk
0.53 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
0h 15
Easy
Departure from Tenay (Ain)
A very short walk to discover the murals in the village of Tenay, which are very recent. At the time of our visit, some of them will only be finished in time for the village festival on 10 September 2022.
Ruins of Saint-Germain Castle, Allymes, Douvres and Vareilles
9.96 mi
+1,562 ft
-1,565 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Ambérieu-en-Bugey (Ain)
A beautiful walk through the forests starting from the pretty blue lake of Vareille, a village nestled by the Gardon stream. An uphill climb from the start will take you to the ruins of Saint-Germain Castle, a listed historical monument currently undergoing archaeological exploration. You will be delighted to discover the small hamlets below Château des Allymes, the village of Douvres and the forests of Ambérieu.
Évosges / Oncieu
14.37 mi
+3,392 ft
-3,396 ft
9h 35
Difficult
Departure from Argis (Ain)
Setting out to do the "Plateau de Jargoy Village d'Oncieu" hike described by Chassaignon, we got it wrong at the start, which shortened the route. In the end, having arrived ahead of schedule, we looked for where the "correct" start point was... and set off again for another go.
Tour du plateau d'Hostiaz à partir de Tenay
11.02 mi
+3,202 ft
-3,202 ft
7h 50
Difficult
Departure from Tenay (Ain)
Le parcours, proposé en quasi boucle, permet de réaliser un bon tour sur le plateau d'Hostiaz avec un point de départ en fond de vallée à Tenay. De très jolies prairies (surtout au printemps) et de nombreux points de vue sur la vallée de l'Albarine et de la Cluse des Hôpitaux sont les points forts de la randonnée.
Le Château Narteau depuis Tenay
2.44 mi
+1,414 ft
-1,404 ft
2h 20
Moderate
Departure from Tenay (Ain)
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.
Circular via Colloverge mountain starting from Saint-Denis-en-Bugey
7.15 mi
+1,106 ft
-1,086 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Denis-en-Bugey (Ain)
This hike will take you to both sides of the massif between Torcieu and Saint-Denis-en-Bugey.
Enjoy beautiful views of the region, the Monts du Lyonnais, the vineyards of Vaux-en-Bugey, the ridges of the Albarine Valley and a passage through the pretty village of Ambutrix, not to mention the start of the Saint-Denis tower, which offers a panoramic view of the region.
Circular route starting from Saint-Denis-en-Bugey
5.44 mi
+515 ft
-512 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Denis-en-Bugey (Ain)
A short, easy hike that can be done with the family. Beautiful panoramic views. Magnificent bell towers. Peace and quiet...
Plateau des Charmilles, Grotte de la Jaquette
5.98 mi
+1,115 ft
-1,125 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Lompnas (Ain)
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.
Tour of the cathedral from Oncieu
6.46 mi
+1,421 ft
-1,414 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Oncieu (Ain)
A very pretty, shaded route that follows the valley carved out by the Ruisseau du Buinand stream, then goes around the summit of La Cathédrale via Résinand to La Croix d'Évosges, with a magnificent view of the circular village of Oncieu.
Descent to Oncieu via the Facteur route.
Circular: Le Chanay - Argis - Évosges
7.24 mi
+1,818 ft
-1,821 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Tenay (Ain)
Circular on the Évosges plateau allowing you to discover three villages, with many sections in the woods and others in the middle of pastures. The pretty path that climbs from Argis takes you under the Roche de Narse.
North of Crémieu - From the Larina plateau to the Chapelle des Aviateurs in Leyrieu
9.02 mi
+1,424 ft
-1,424 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Vernas (Isère)
From medieval Vernas to ancient Larina and back via the limestone plateau to the Chapelle des Aviateurs (a memorial to two plane crashes), return to the Middle Ages via the fishpond at the Château Delphinal de Vernas.
Circular de la Croix d'Évosges
3.96 mi
+266 ft
-285 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Évosges (Ain)
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.
Sentier de la Mémoire (Memory Trail) in Évosges
5.66 mi
+843 ft
-837 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Évosges (Ain)
A hike of mainly historical interest: the route is dotted with information panels about the life and fate of resistance fighters from the Ain maquis who were hiding around Évosges No viewpoints, paths mainly in the forest, with some sections on roads.
Circular route from the Larina plateau to Vernas
5.87 mi
+922 ft
-912 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Vernas (Isère)
A circular route around the charming village of Vernas and across the Larina plateau. The viewpoint at the archaeological site offers magnificent views of the Jura, the Monts du Lyonnais and the Rhône plain. Further south on the plateau, on a clear day, you can see the Pilat and the Alps. A walk amidst the traces of human history from antiquity to the modern world.