Villards-d'Héria walks

Do you want to commune with nature, admire its beauty at the slow pace of walking, walk to get to know yourself better, get back to basics, push yourself: set off on an adventure along the Camino de Santiago. That’s what I’m offering you with this route. I set off from my village in the Jura (the first six stages are not part of the signposted routes of the Camino de Santiago) to reach Santiago de Compostela in Spain, but there’s nothing stopping you from setting off from your own home to join the route at any stage, starting from Le Puy-en-Velay or any other town along the way. .

First stage of the Way of St James. This first stage, starting from Villards-d'Héria, takes you up to higher ground with a superb view of Lake Coiselet and, ultimately, a peak and a castle that are well worth the detour. Indeed, the Pic d’Oliferne towers over the Ain Valley by almost 500 metres and offers a beautiful view, particularly of the Haute-Chaîne du Jura.

A route through the hills, with stunning views of the surroundings of Moirans-en-Montagne. Sections across the Jura mountains, with clear views, interspersed with sections through the undergrowth and amongst boulders. A very varied, fairly challenging hike.

An easy hike around Villards-d'Héria with superb views of Lake Antre, the town of Moirans-en-Montagne and Lake Vouglans.Please note that access is currently prohibited: following a landslide, access to the Lac d'Antre viewpoint is prohibited until further notice. From point (2), go directly to point (4). Please note: there has been a forest fire between points (4) and (7) since 17/08/2025 at 7 p.m. Do not attempt this route

Around Lac d'Antre, its sinkhole and the resurgence of the Héria, one of the most important sanctuaries in Gaul was established between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. It is through the cult of water that I invite you to discover the ancient city of Antre, its Gallo-Roman remains, its resurgences and its cliff perched 962 m above the lake, Please note: due to bad weather and tree-felling work around Lake Antre, access around the lake and to the Belvédère is prohibited. When facing Lake Antre, you must head for points (3) and (6) and avoid points (1), (2), (4) and (5).

Walk in the forest with a view of Lake Antre and the Jura Mountains

The view from the lookout point is always impressive. Along this trail, you will overlook the beautiful landscapes of Lake Vouglans, observe its colourful surroundings and contemplate its wooded shores, remarkably preserved from unsightly urban development. This route is also suitable for trail runners.

A circular route starting from Martigna and passing by four viewpoints overlooking the lakes of Chanon and Vouglans. From the top of the cliffs, the viewpoints invite us to contemplate the lush greenery and the reflection or sunset on these lakes.

A circular walk, mainly through forest, overlooking the southern part of Lake Vouglans with beautiful views of the lake, a horseshoe bend in the River Ain and the dam.

Under the pine trees, immerse yourself in a Mediterranean atmosphere and marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Vouglans stretching as far as the eye can see. Let the grains of sand covering the beaches caress your skin. The only thing missing from this picture is the taste of salt on your lips to make you believe in this unlikely little sea in the mountains. This easy walk from the port of La Mercantine will take you to Maisod Castle and along Lake Vouglans

The view from the viewpoint is always impressive. On this route, you will overlook the beautiful landscapes of Lake Vouglans, observe its changing colours and contemplate its wooded shores, remarkably preserved from any unsightly urban development.

Welcome to the imaginary land of South Jura. On this 7 Tales on a Walk trail, take a short storytelling walk with your family and immerse yourself in the story of the lost mermaid. The starting point is marked by an entrance gate (in the form of a giant book), on which is written the type of object you will have to look for and follow throughout the walk. Step through this door to enter a world full of mystery.

This hike, to the west of Lake Vouglans, offers a varied route that is not difficult, save for its length. It follows good paths, alternating between woodland and open spaces. The view from the Belvédère des Bourlaches overlooks the left bank of Lake Vouglans.

An easy hike for the whole family, where the vegetation changes from deciduous trees to pines, firs, Scots pines and boxwood. You can also walk along a stream, enter a cave and enjoy three waterfalls.

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.

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.

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.

This beautiful, mostly shaded route offers views of several waterfalls, each as pretty as the next, as well as a cave open on the side of a cliff with a spring flowing from it. The vegetation is very diverse and you can see the tireless work of water on the rock.

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.

Located in the heart of the forest in a most peaceful setting, the three lakes, the "Petit", the "Grand" and the "Lac de la Fauge", are home to flora and fauna characteristic of wetlands. A nearby trail offers a panoramic view of the lakes and the village of Étival from the lookout point.

Two pretty lakes hidden at the bottom of a very pleasant valley – that’s the setting for this walk! A forest track takes you round the large lake, bordered by woods and meadows. Suitable for pushchairs.

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).

A beautiful, challenging hike starting from Dortan, with numerous viewpoints and waterfalls.

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.

Depending on the season, this walk takes you through flower-filled meadows in summer, snow-covered fields in winter where you can see the tracks of wild animals, and the heart of light spruce forests and the taiga landscape of the peat bog.