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Surjoux walks
The wild banks of the Rhône at the start of Challonges
This moderately difficult circular route will allow you to discover a particularly wild stretch of the Rhône. However, this part of the Rhône upstream from Seyssel has been affected by human activity due to the extraction of asphalt and Seyssel stone.
L'Écorche-Bœuf and Col de Richemont circular
This is a short circular loop on the eastern edge of the Bugey, which allows you to discover a curiosity: arches and a path carved into the rock at Écorche-Bœuf, then a few glimpses of the Alps as you descend from the Col de Richemont.
Les Coves
An easy hike that can be adapted to suit your pace, winding through valleys and pastures and offering superb views of the Alps when conditions are at their best.
Bugey Valromey - Secret valleys in Haut-Valromey
Overlooking Valromey, the wide open spaces of the combes and ridges overlooking the Rhône are enchanting in all seasons, whether on foot or snowshoes. An easy circuit.
Please note: this hike should only be undertaken outside the animal grazing period.
A walk on the Retord plateau
A gentle walk on the Retord plateau.
The Retord Farm at the start of the Bergonnes trail
The Retord Plateau is ideal for snowshoeing in wide open spaces with, in places and in good weather, panoramic views of the Alps and Mont Blanc.
You can enjoy a snack in the picnic room at the Retord farm.
Panorama of Beauregard and Combe Danoi across open fields and paths.
A varied route with beautiful views of the Alps and karst formations characteristic of these limestone plateaus. Best done in winter when the barbed wire fences are removed. If there is enough snow, the route can be done on snowshoes without any problems.
The Eilloux waterfall
This hike will allow you to discover the agricultural landscapes of the commune of Corbonod. With its 100 hectares, the Seyssel vineyard is one of the smallest and oldest AOPs in France (1942). Take advantage of this hike to taste (in moderation) the Molette and Altesse white wines, typical of our region, at our winegrowers' estates. You can also stop at the Eilloux waterfall to enjoy its coolness.
The Crêt du Nu / Retord Plateau
An easy loop along Retord Plateau taking you past the "Gouffre de la Bauche" sinkhole and the "Crêt du Nu" viewpoint.
The banks of the Rhône between Arlod and Génissiat
This trail allows you to explore the riverbanks, which tell a story through fishing, geology and industry. Halfway along, take a break at the magnificent shaded viewpoint.
Seyssel loop
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.
The circular of the Platières
This moderately difficult route will allow you to discover the forests, ridges and mountain pastures of the Sur-Lyand - Grand Colombier Nordic Domain in their summer colours. Throughout this hike, you will enjoy numerous panoramic views.
Grand Colombier cross
A summit and vistas in a site dominated by pastures.
Le Grand Colombier
At the southern end of the Jura mountain range. A scenic route from Sur Lyand to Grand Colombier and back via Les Crêtes.
Retord Maquis Trail
This is a very beautiful hike, featuring landscapes of pastures and beech and fir forests, along easy paths.
Created in partnership with the Museum of Resistance and Deportation in Nantua, it passes by five farms where the maquis settled in 1943-1944, on the Retord plateau between the village of Hotonnes and the Plans d'Hotonnes resort. Five panels describe the history of this maquis.
The Mont des Princes loop
At the crossroads between Ain, Savoie and Haute-Savoie, overlooking the Val de Fier, the Albanais plain and the Rhône valley from its height of 934 metres, the Mont des Princes, a historic site of resistance against the Italian-German occupation, is a must-see in the region. Among the many existing routes, this loop starting from Droisy offers easy access and shade, with well-paved paths that are accessible in all weather conditions. On a clear day, the sweeping view of the Alps is well worth the climb.
La Ferme du Retord - Giron
Accessible from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
Second stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. Starting from the town, the route climbs gradually towards the Plateau de Retord, with a view of the remaining path and, in good weather, a panorama of the Alps. The stage then crosses Giron (1,000 m), the highest commune in the Ain, before reaching Lélex and ending at the Pertes de la Valserine.
Valserhône - La Ferme du Retord
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
First stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. Starting from the town, the route climbs gradually towards the Plateau de Retord, with a view of the remaining path and, in good weather, a panorama of the Alps. The stage then crosses Giron (1,000 m), the highest commune in the Ain, before reaching Lélex and ending at the Pertes de la Valserine.
GR® de Pays - Grand Tour de la Valserine
Accessible from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
This hike quickly leaves the town behind and gradually climbs to the Retord Plateau. You will have a beautiful view of the path ahead and, if you are lucky, a panoramic view of the Alps. Then head to the other side of the Jura mountains via Giron 1000, the highest commune in the Ain department. The Monts Jura resort in the village of Lélex will welcome you and help you prepare to climb the highest peaks of the Jura! Finish in style with a visit to the Pertes de la Valserine.
Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, and camping in tents is also prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
Les Pertes de la Valserine and much more
This is a long hike that allows you to visit and admire not only the Pertes de la Valserine area, but also to walk along the banks of this river, which has profoundly shaped the landscape over the centuries and enabled industrial activity in the 19th century.
Double circular between Droisy and Clermont
This family walk with very little elevation gain will allow you to discover the agricultural plateau of Droisy and Clermont. In addition to discovering this plateau and the various views it offers of the Jura, the Vuache and, of course, Mont Blanc, this hike is an opportunity to visit the Château de Clermont (16th century).
Circular route north of Grand Colombier to admire the Alps and Valromey.
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.
Le Grand Colombier with return via the Griffe du Diable ridge
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.
Le Grand Colombier from the Arvière lodge
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.
A circular from Cuvery to Catray
This is a lovely little route that takes us through Catray, home to a welcoming inn, then across the northern part of the Retord plateau along quiet paths. This route has little elevation gain and is not difficult, even though it is at an altitude of over 1,000 metres. It can also be done on snowshoes.
View of Mont Blanc if the weather is clear.
The Retord Sud mountain pasture
Explore the vast expanses of the Retord Plateau. Along the way, you will see a few typical farms, traces of life in an immaculate and unspoilt place.
The water ridges
Plateau of the Jura mountain range, overlooking the valleys of Bellegarde sur Valserine and Fort l'écluse. The highest point of the Crêt de la Goutte offers a 360° panorama of the Jura Natural Park and Lake Geneva on the Geneva side, with a horizon dominated by the Alps, including Mont Blanc.
Val du Fier viewpoint from Chavanne d'en Bas
Nice looped hiking trail mostly in the undergrowth where you can see pretty views like Val du Fier's canyon, the river Rhône downstream Seyssel or the lovely ruined Saint André's chapel overlooking Albanais' plains.
Grand Crêt d'Eau via the Crête du Fort l'Écluse
The aim of the route is to reach the Crêt de la Goutte via the Crête du Fort l'Écluse.
The main difficulty will be encountered during the ascent; the slope is quite steep up to the red and white high-voltage pylon, and at times you will need to use your hands (avoid this when descending and on wet ground).
From Chalet Bizot, the route is straightforward.
On the banks of the Rhône from Fort l'Écluse
Open from mid-June to mid-October, during the Fort's opening hours.
A trail combining history and nature, starting within the fort itself. The final ascent rewards walkers with an exceptional panorama before descending back to the fort.
Starting from Fort l'Écluse when it is open (from June to September), the path enters the forest before reaching the banks of the Rhône. It winds its way between stone steps, medieval ruins and wooded passages to the heights of Léaz, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Rhône valley. The route then continues to the heights of the Upper Fort, offering a panoramic view of the Rhône gorge, the Vuache and the Étournel. The descent to the Lower Fort concludes this circular route rich in history and emotion.