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Virieu-le-Grand walks
Claire Fontaine waterfall and Sérémond viewpoint
This is a fairly long hike, which starts off easily along the Arène but quickly becomes more challenging when you leave the D53 to reach the Sérémond viewpoint. The beautiful view at the top is well worth the climb.
The second part is easy and descends back to the village, partly following the same path used on the way up.
Loop between the lakes and the Séran river, starting from Saint-Martin-de-Bavel
A pleasant ride on an electric mountain bike.Waterfall, Marmites des Géants, lake and castle are all on the agenda.
Sharp limestone pavement, waterfall, resurgence and canyons around Artemare
This loop allows you to visit several characteristic sites in this area where the folds of the Jura meet the alluvial plain: the sharp limestone pavement of Fierloz, the Cerveyrieu waterfall, the Turignin Gorges on the Séran, the sources of the Groin and the chasms it forms. In high water, the route can be slippery but it is impressive.
Route of heather starting from Chazey-Bons
Pleasant, shaded hike
Few markings at the start of the route, yellow markings in the undergrowth, cairns to cross the stone plateaus.
Circular in the Lavour Marsh
Circular trail exploring the Lavours Marsh and its nature reserve, via the boardwalk, then along the Séran river before climbing the Courbettes hill to return to Ceyzérieu.
The Lac de Barterand circular from Vongnes
An easy route to discover the Bas Bugey. Pass by Lac de Barterand, a small, refreshing lake (fishing and swimming), Marignieu with its wines, honey and an almost 800-year-old chestnut tree, and the nearby Marais de Lavours with its discovery trail. Not forgetting Vongnes, its Bugiste wine cellar and the Ecomuseum on the trades of the vine and wine.
The Lavours Marsh
A short walk to discover this Sensitive Natural Area, with 2 km on stilts. Numerous information panels and superb views of the Grand Colombier.
From Béon to Grand Colombier
The hike starts in Béon and aims to reach the summit of Grand Colombier (1,534 m) with a quasi-circular route. It can be classified as somewhat challenging due to the elevation gain and distance covered.
The ascent includes a few fairly steep slopes overall. Otherwise, there are no major difficulties (at most, it should be noted that orientation can be a problem around point (9) and that the markings are less precise at the end of the route).
Le Grand Colombier
This is a fairly strenuous hike, but without any major difficulties. The climb is very steady, with no respite. From the Grand Colombier, there are beautiful 360° views.
The Crêt tour in Ordonnaz
This is a short, easy hike, suitable for families, starting from a pleasant little village in the lower Bugey region. On a clear day, the heights of Crêt offer beautiful views of Mont Blanc and the Burbanche valley. At the end of the walk, you can enhance your hike by visiting the small village church (12th century) and admiring its Sully lime tree (planted in 1601).
The ridge loop at Innimond
Passing over the Cols du Grand and Petit Pertuis, you'll be amazed by this route along the ridges, which offers 360° views of the Alps, Massif Central and Jura. An easy hike for regular walkers.
Tour of the Hostiaz plateau
Tour of the Hostiaz plateau and its viewpoints along the ridges and cliffs.
Cerin lake, fossil quarry, Chosas and Brive waterfalls
Circuit of the Chosas and Brive waterfalls, starting from Marchamp via the Lac de Cérin, the fossil quarry, the Palaeoecological Museum via the "sur les traces des carriers" (in the footsteps of the quarry workers) trail and the old mills.
Brive circuit from Cerin
Starting from Cerin, this mainly wooded marked trail takes you through several valleys with streams offering several waterfall passages. After rainy weather, the waterfalls are magnificent but the ground is then more slippery.
Lake Barterand
A peaceful hike on the border between Ain and Savoie. From the start, there is a beautiful view of the Rhône riverbed. Further on, you will see Lac de Barterand, bordered by unexpected sculptures in the rock. A short climb towards the flag reveals a beautiful view of the lake.
Route of the wine-growing villages of Bugey, starting from Lac du Lit au Roi.
Starting from Lac du Lit au Roi, passing by Lac de Barterand and then through the wine-growing villages of Bugey, Flaxieu, Pollieu, Vongnes, Ceyzerieu and its hamlets, and Saint-Martin de Bavel.Views of the Grand Colombier and the Lavours marshes.Circular with return to Lac du Lit du Roi for a quick dip.
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.
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.
The Mountain of Parves
Parves and a few other villages are nestled between the old Rhône and the canal (actually the canalised Rhône): you could say that this area forms an island. The suggested walk takes place at low altitude through woods, forests, agricultural landscapes, villages and hamlets that have preserved or enhanced the typical buildings of the Bugey region. There is also a beautiful view of the Savoyard foothills.