Vescles walks

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.

This easy hike is best enjoyed in spring and autumn if you want to make the most of the second part, which is also the most beautiful: the waterfall and stream. It's guaranteed to be cool in summer, even with just a trickle of water. Amazon rainforest atmosphere before the waterfall. Moderator update on 24/09/2020: Please note! Change of route at the end of the trail, after the waterfall. To return to the car park, follow the diversion and the yellow markings.

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!

A short hike from the village of Les Bouchoux, which allows you to gain some height to see the surrounding area and take a short detour to a superb waterfall.

Discover the splendour of France's third largest reservoir with its turquoise blue waters. In this magnificent setting, walk between forests and steep cliffs with superb views of the lake.

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.

Short hike with magnificent views of Reculet, Crêt de la Neige and Mont Blanc (in clear weather). Moderator's addition on 07/08/2021: Since this hike was created, the trail for the return seems to have deteriorated and some hikers have preferred to do the round trip. See reviews

A panoramic walk overlooking the town of Nantua and its famous lake, in an exceptional environment that alternates between countryside and coniferous forest. The mountainous route retains a good sporting aspect.

A lovely loop on the first slopes of the Jura massif, above the Bresse plain (Revermont). A largely forested route, with viewpoints and panoramas, typical villages, monuments and heritage sites.

A beautiful, moderately difficult hike with panoramic views overlooking Lake Nantua and the Autoroute des Titans. At the summit, weather permitting, you can see Mont Blanc.

Starting from Chézery-Forens, I propose a lovely route to the Monts Jura between Le Gralet and Menthières. On the whole, it's a relatively easy route in a wooded environment punctuated by a few open spots offering some fine views.

Short loop passing through the Hautecourt Cave Nature Reserve. Hike with no technical difficulty, alternating between woodland and open spaces. The climb up to the Mont Rosset plateau is a little steep, watch out for cows, but you'll be rewarded at the end. Please note that the cave itself is not open to visitors, even though it was France's first underground nature reserve in 1980. Don't be disappointed, though, as there are a dozen information panels on the surface explaining the cave's biodiversity and its exploration in the past. For those interested, there is a 3D tour on the LPO Aura website.

Les alpages de Menthières et les paysages du chalet du Sac offrent de grands espaces pour une évasion au cœur des Monts Jura. Entre forêt et alpages, ce parcours varié ouvert d'avril à novembre, s'ouvre sur de superbes panoramas. Le sentier débute depuis le parking face au télésiège du Rendu, longe le parc accrobranche avant de monter vers le Col de Menthières. Il passe par des lieux emblématiques servant de repères pour les randonneurs : la "Grange Velue" et le "Chalet du Sac", qui offrent des vues panoramiques sur Valserhône, le plateau de Retord et les Alpes. Les chiens, même tenus en laisse, sont interdits dans cet espace situé en Réserve Naturelle.

The third stage of the hiking tour: from Mijoux to Confort via the Haute Chaîne du Jura. Set off on a journey across the Haut-Jura between Mijoux and Confort, through varied landscapes of valleys, peaks and forests. Over three days, you will walk along the Jura ridges, passing the Grand Mont Rond, the Crêt de la Neige and the Reculet, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. This crossing takes you to the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura for an authentic experience in the heart of nature. As you will be self-sufficient for food, remember to bring provisions so you can enjoy this adventure to the full.Please note – Protected areaPart 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.Camping in tents is prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

A beautiful loop passing through a small, easy, unobstructed peak offering a wide panorama of the Bugey, the Bresse plain, the Beaujolais mountains and the Lyon region. The springs of the Reyssouze reward us at the end of the hike.

Fort l'Ecluse, a fortified military structure dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Léaz viewpoint. Panoramic view of the Rhône valley.