Sirod walks

Pleasure in cascades. This extraordinary walk around the Pertes de l’Ain gorges sets out from the remarkable site of the old forges and is a delight for all the senses. Along the way: The Pertes de l’Ain, gorges, cascades, the ruins of Villain castle, and the relics of an old village.

A circular loop around Bourg de Sirod offering a rich variety of landscapes, forests, terrain and paths. From the ruins of Chateauvillain to the Rochers des Commères, from dry grasslands to mossy thickets and bare scree slopes, from quiet forest tracks to the deafening, bubbling waterfalls of the Ain’s underground watercourses, and from cliff edges to dense forests – there’s something for everyone.

Ten minutes from Champagnole, the most powerful of the medieval fortresses still stood not so long ago... A nature and heritage walk awaits you through the Val de Sirod around the site of the Perte de l'Ain, which is at the end of this route. You will pass by the Château Villain fortress, viewpoints, the Rocher des Commères, the castle chapel, the Fontaine des Tufs, the Roche des Sarrasins, the village of Syam, and more.

A lord had three daughters of marriageable age. Capricious, they found all suitors unworthy. Annoyed, the fairy Melusine turned them into stone statues. Erosion has destroyed two of these gossips. Time will get the better of the last one, so don't delay in paying her a visit. On the way, you will see the ruins of a castle perched on the cliffs, views of the Val de Sirod, and picturesque stony paths winding through beautiful rocks. Return via the Perte de l'Ain and its superb gorges.

A splendid hike between the plateau and the steep-sided valley of the Ain. This circuit offers an opportunity to discover the upper Ain valley and its unique geology, with its Vaucluse spring, waterfalls (Le Moulinet, Saut des Maillys, Moulin-du-Saut) and ruined mills, evidence of how humans once harnessed the power of water. In fact, an EDF hydroelectric plant has replaced the old Moulin-du-Saut.

Forest walk in the hills above Syam to discover the Grande Cheminée, an open-air cave that was visited in the Bronze Age. An axe made of this metal was found there. According to some, you may be walking on the lost site of Alesia as you make your way to two viewpoints over the wild Saine valley.

I suggest a lovely walk in the heart of the Jura, between Syam and the Chaux-des-Crotenay plateau, to a site of interest to archaeologists. There are two difficulties to note: access to the Belvédère du Rachet and the short crossing of the Grotte de la Grande Cheminée. The rest of the route is not difficult.

A lovely walk around the small village of Les Nans, taking you to the source of the Angillon and its superb waterfalls, the Grotte aux Ours, the Roche des Nans and its viewpoint. You can also enjoy the tranquillity of the Forêt de la Joux as you explore its very well-maintained paths. The route is entirely through woodland on forest paths and tracks.

A beautiful walk around the famous Cascade de la Billaude, which you can admire on the way there or back. The route runs alongside the picturesque Étang des Pêchettes and takes you to a surprising and fairly challenging section, the Grande Cheminée. It also passes by viewing points, including those at Prés Grillet and Taiclet.Those who wish can climb up to the drystone shelter at the Ours (cave) and take advantage of a gap in the vegetation to catch a glimpse of Champagnole and its surroundings. You’ll enjoy the coolness of the banks of the Saine and, at the confluence with the Lemme, you’ll head back up towards the waterfall.

The Loulle dinosaur trail,the third largest site of footprints in France, was discovered by J.F. Richard in 2001. More than 1,500 footprints, corresponding to 21 tracks of peaceful herbivorous sauropod dinosaurs and six less friendly carnivorous "bouffozaura", were studied. Along the way, there are no fewer than five viewpoints, the last and most beautiful of which is the Surmont viewpoint over the upper Ain valley, the Loulle sharp limestone pavement and, finally, on the way back, beautiful paths crossing karstic sinkholes.

Twelfth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. For this stage,prepare to be amazed by the wild and authentic beauty of the Jura as you let yourself be carried away by the water for a peaceful break, out of time. Follow the tumultuous course of the Saine River through theLangouette Gorges, then discover the village of Les Planches-en-Montagne and the spectacular Malvaux Gorges, where the Saine has formed the Cascade du Bief de la Ruine, the largest waterfall in the department with a drop of 110 metres. The river then winds its way under the viaduct of the old tramway towards Foncine-le-Bas, offering breathtaking natural landscapes. Finally, cross the Mont Bayard at an altitude of over 1,000 metres for a remarkable view of the surrounding mid-mountain landscape. End your day with a descent to the village of Foncine-le-Haut, ideal for a restful and rejuvenating night.

A lovely walk with no major difficulties, offering a chance to discover the Langouette Gorges and its magnificent waterfalls via a well-maintained and safe path. After passing through the village of Les Planches-en-Montagne, you’ll reach Chaux des Crotenay via forest paths and the route over the Col du Gyps.

The village of Les Planches-en-Montagne has a picturesque gem at its heart: gorges carved into the limestone and well hidden under the trees. The Saine rushes through them with gusto. Force, turmoil and noise coexist here with calm, serenity and gentleness.

The Malvaux and Langouette Gorges offer cool respite on hot summer days as well as magnificent scenery. This hiking route is suitable for families, with a shorter alternative (9.5 km) that does not go around Lac à la Dame. Part of the route follows the old tramway, so a head torch or torch is required to cross the 180 m tunnel.

A lovely walk starting from Les Planches-en-Montagne which, through a variety of landscapes, will take you to the shores of Lac à la Dame, then to the summit of Crêt Pelé, where you’ll be treated to a 360° panorama. You’ll cross some beautiful communal meadows to reach Fort du Plasne and, through a lovely forest, the outskirts of the village of Entre-Deux-Monts. Beautiful high forests, large peat bogs, dry grasslands and superb woodland meadows will delight those who appreciate stunning and diverse vegetation.

A walk through the woods, consisting of two circular loops with a return section between them. View over the Billaude Valley from the Rocher de la Baume viewpoint. Option to extend the walk by visiting the village of Châtelneuf. The walk ends in the Billaude Valley, where you can see sections of the ‘Ligne des Hirondelles’ from above. A walk with no major difficulties, though some sections may be muddy due to forestry work. It winds through a pleasant deciduous forest; the paths are marked in yellow and red.

A walk in the Jura, in Foncine-le-Haut and Les Planches-en-Montagne. This walk will take you to the source of the Saine, the Bayard botanical trail and the tree-lined ‘Path of Remembrance’, which traces the history of the two world wars. You will then climb up to the Belvédère du Bulay before descending again to follow the Ruisseau d’Entre Côtes, passing by the Mine d’Or and the Saut de la Pisse. You will also pass the Waterfall du Leat de la Ruine and its source, then on to the Belvédères du Couillou and de la Roche Fendue.

The Saine river has its source in the shelter of this limestone amphitheatre. Admire this magnificent resurgence with its wild but accessible character, climb up high, follow the Bayard botanical trail and contemplate a grandiose and unusual landscape from the Belvédère de la Roche Fendue.

Thirteenth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne: discover the Jura Mountains on this stage between Haut-Jura and Haut-Doubs. Explore the cross-country ski trails of the Mont Noir massif, which are transformed into superb hiking trails in summer. Immerse yourself in a peaceful, unspoilt environment, where alpine flowers bloom alongside the woody scents of fir and spruce trees. Between the woods, valleys and ridges, enjoy the fresh air while admiring the picturesque landscapes. This stage will also take you along the Bellefontaine and Mortes lakes, known for their peat bogs, which are home to remarkable flora and fauna.

A trail starting out from Foncine le Haut that will take you to the source of the Saine and various viewpoints. A themed trail and a botanical trail...

This discovery trail is ideal for our young and very young walkers; the distance is short and the elevation gain very limited. It passes through a tunnel and features a remarkable waterfall. Definitely a great family outing!

A hike to do preferentially during fall to admire the beautiful colors of the Indian summer reflecting off the lakes.

A superb walk offering magnificent views of the lake district, with numerous vantage points. Much less crowded, the stretch between the village of La Chaux-du-Dombief and Lac de Bonlieu offers the peace and tranquillity of the forest. The return route along the lakeshores is easier on the calves, but incredibly beautiful, especially at the end of the day during the golden hour. As you walk along the ridges skirting the shores, your eyes will be treated to a variety of colours and light, and a wide range of landscapes.