Refine your search for walks in Virieu-le-Grand
Virieu-le-Grand walks
Claire Fontaine waterfall and Sérémond viewpoint
Visorando Member
8.70 mi
+2,215 ft
-2,205 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Virieu-le-Grand (Ain)
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.
Circular route in the Sérémond forest above Virieu-le-Grand
7.83 mi
+2,224 ft
-2,254 ft
5h 30
Difficult
Departure from Virieu-le-Grand (Ain)
This hike follows little-used paths and avoids other routes as much as possible. You will leave many paths behind. The idea is to make you want to return to discover the many possible variations and to create your own route.
In the final section, the Sérémond viewpoint offers a magnificent panorama of the Rhône. Finally, the Clairefontaine Waterfall provides a moment of relaxation and refreshment.
Loop between the lakes and the Séran river, starting from Saint-Martin-de-Bavel
23.93 mi
+2,664 ft
-2,651 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-de-Bavel (Ain)
A pleasant ride on an electric mountain bike.Waterfall, Marmites des Géants, lake and castle are all on the agenda.
Artemare circular loop
9.24 mi
+1,348 ft
-1,348 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Artemare (Ain)
A hike not to be missed: the 18 wonders! You’ll discover the Ferlioz massif, with the Madone and its sharp limestone pavement. You’ll enjoy an incredible view from the Cerveyrieu Waterfall, follow the River Séran and marvel at the Thurignin potholes. And if these wonders aren’t enough, head towards the village of Vieu and its beautiful church. Cross another lovely forest before turning off at the source of the Adoue and admiring the curiosity that is the source of the Groin. Finally, you’ll discover a beautiful castle upon arriving in Artemare.
From La Bourbellière to the Sérémond viewpoint
4.19 mi
+581 ft
-571 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Thézillieu (Ain)
This is a shorter alternative to the Belvédère de Sérémont snowshoe walk, which starts from Thézillieu and often follows thePR® trail marked in yellow and red, though not always.
The walk is easy and pleasant in hot weather. It starts at La Bourbellière after Thézillieu; there is little tarmac, and it follows forest tracks and paths that are often shaded.
The panoramic view from the belvedere is well worth a visit.
Sharp limestone pavement, waterfall, resurgence and canyons around Artemare
9.73 mi
+1,280 ft
-1,273 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Artemare (Ain)
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 around Armix in the Bugey
7.40 mi
+1,201 ft
-1,188 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Armix (Ain)
Here is a short route in the Bugey with a ridge route, which can be done out of season (autumn-winter, for example), if necessary in half a day.
Route of heather starting from Chazey-Bons
3.66 mi
+322 ft
-315 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Chazey-Bons (Ain)
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
5.59 mi
+230 ft
-230 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Ceyzérieu (Ain)
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.
Sérémont viewpoint
8.40 mi
+1,230 ft
-1,230 ft
5 hrs
Difficult
Departure from Thézillieu (Ain)
A circular route where you’ll probably be all alone in the world, sheltered from the wind in the woods.
A lovely view from the Sérémont viewpoint if the weather is on your side.
The route isn’t technically difficult, but bear in mind the distance. You can easily shorten or lengthen the walk, as there are plenty of paths.
The Lac de Barterand circular from Vongnes
8.50 mi
+1,083 ft
-1,070 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Vongnes (Ain)
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
1.99 mi
+16 ft
-16 ft
0h 55
Easy
Departure from Ceyzérieu (Ain)
A short walk to discover this Sensitive Natural Area, with 2 km on stilts. Numerous information panels and superb views of the Grand Colombier.
Chanduraz and La Roche Percée from Béon
7.60 mi
+3,369 ft
-3,392 ft
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from Béon (Ain)
This is a challenging route that will take you to Chanduraz, a remarkable viewpoint over Lake Bourget, the Rhône and the entire panorama around Culoz, passing through La Roche Percée. However, you will have to tackle a climb of over 1,000 metres, which is as difficult going up as it is coming down, to earn it.
Circular via Roche Percée and the Romagnieux viewpoint from Béon
5.52 mi
+2,060 ft
-2,073 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Béon (Ain)
A circular forest loop that is accessible in almost all seasons, running along the slopes of Grand Colombier and passing through an arch that you only discover at the last moment and a viewpoint over Culoz, Lac du Bourget and the surrounding mountains.
In (6), be sure to stay away from the paths leading to the Romagnieux farm.
See review dated 08/08/2022.
From Béon to Grand Colombier
15.19 mi
+5,174 ft
-5,194 ft
11h 30
Difficult
Departure from Béon (Ain)
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
9.86 mi
+3,281 ft
-3,271 ft
7h 25
Difficult
Departure from Virieu-le-Petit (Ain)
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
5.47 mi
+738 ft
-764 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Ordonnaz (Ain)
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).
Luizet waterfalls and Gouffre de la Morgne cave starting from Ordonnaz
11.93 mi
+2,001 ft
-1,982 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Ordonnaz (Ain)
This hike requires a good level of stamina and starts from a pleasant little village in the lower Bugey region. After walking along the Ruisseau de la Gouille stream, you can admire the Luizet No. 1 waterfall and then, through the Bois d'Arella forest, you will reach a plateau dotted with daffodils in spring. These heights offer beautiful views of the villages of Onglas, Bénonces and Serrières de Briord. The main waterfall of Luizet and the Gouffre de la Morgne will enhance the rest of your hike.
Caves, streams, waterfalls and chasms starting from Ordonnaz.
14.64 mi
+2,582 ft
-2,562 ft
9h 00
Difficult
Departure from Ordonnaz (Ain)
This hike, starting from Ordonnaz, will take you on a journey of discovery through beautiful natural surroundings and caves. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of the villages of Marchamp and Cerin. You will pass through the village of Lompnas, then the Gros Pertuis stream. You will enjoy the potholes and the magnificent Brive waterfall. Finally, you will pass by the remains of the past, old mills, and end up at the Morgne chasm.
Le Mollard de Don from Ordonnaz
6.86 mi
+1,181 ft
-1,178 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Ordonnaz (Ain)
A short, easy hike starting from a pleasant little village in the lower Bugey region. Le Molard de Don is the highest point in this region of Bugey, at an altitude of 1,218 metres. This walk offers beautiful views of the Burbanche valley, the Rhône valley and the Ain plain. The return journey takes you through a picturesque little valley where the Brune stream meanders.
The ridge loop at Innimond
5.12 mi
+912 ft
-912 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Innimond (Ain)
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.
From Innimond to Ordonnaz in a circular
12.13 mi
+1,739 ft
-1,736 ft
7h 05
Moderate
Departure from Innimond (Ain)
I suggest a lovely walk between Innimond and Ordonnaz along the ridges (Mont Pela, Le Grand Pertuis and Le Mollard de Don), then across plateaus between forests and meadows. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Alps.
The Tour of the Innimond Plateau
3.05 mi
+125 ft
-125 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Innimond (Ain)
Family hike on the Innimond plateau to discover a magnificent panorama of the Alps and Mont Blanc.
Grand Colombier via Chanduraz
5.72 mi
+1,588 ft
-1,562 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Virieu-le-Petit (Ain)
This little-used route offers an original approach to the Grand Colombier, with a rocky final ascent that adds a bit of spice to the hike! Nevertheless, it is manageable for the average hiker. The Chanduraz promontory, overlooking Lake Bourget, is well worth the effort... Not to mention the view from the Granges du Colombier.
The ridges of Innimont
13.35 mi
+2,569 ft
-2,546 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Germain-les-Paroisses (Ain)
A beautiful, long climb on a good path to the Col du Grand Pertuis, followed by the superb ridge trail. Then a challenging downhill section to Innimont and a gentler one back down to Appregnin.
Tour of the Hostiaz plateau
8.42 mi
+1,857 ft
-1,857 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Hostiaz (Ain)
Tour of the Hostiaz plateau and its viewpoints along the ridges and cliffs.
Cerin lake, fossil quarry, Chosas and Brive waterfalls
9.84 mi
+2,480 ft
-2,507 ft
6h 40
Moderate
Departure from Marchamp (Ain)
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.
Circular route in Valromey via the Pont and Puits des Tines
11.07 mi
+1,624 ft
-1,621 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Sutrieu (Ain)
This circular route straddling the Séran river is at a moderate altitude and therefore accessible in all seasons. It combines a forest trail with a more open environment, passing by some remarkable sites in Valromey: the Pont des Tines, the Étang des Alliettes, the Belvédère de Châteauneuf and the Puits des Tines.
Brive circuit from Cerin
5.68 mi
+1,545 ft
-1,539 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Marchamp (Ain)
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
5.10 mi
+1,145 ft
-1,119 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Cressin-Rochefort (Ain)
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.
26.06 mi
+1,745 ft
-1,762 ft
4 hrs
Easy
Departure from Cressin-Rochefort (Ain)
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
Association / Club / Walk leader
6.69 mi
+1,542 ft
-1,535 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Lochieu (Ain)
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
9.11 mi
+1,785 ft
-1,772 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Lochieu (Ain)
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.
Chalet d'Arvière - Pont de La Loi
Tourist office12.35 mi
+1,368 ft
-4,439 ft
6h 50
Difficult
Departure from Lochieu (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November ( subject to there being no snow).
The final and sixth stage of the six-day “Grande Traversée du Jura à pied: from La Borne au Lion to Culoz” trek.
The GTJ links Mandeure (Doubs) to Culoz (Ain) in 15 to 20 days, crossing the Jura Mountains and the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park. The route suggested here corresponds to the second half of the itinerary.
Chalet d'Arvière - Pont de La Loi
12.36 mi
+1,365 ft
-4,439 ft
6h 50
Very difficult
Departure from Lochieu (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to snow conditions.
The section from the Chalet d’Arvière to Pont de La Loi is the sixth stage of the six-day walking tour “La GTJ from Mijoux”.
The GR®9 enters the Ain department via Mijoux, before following the spectacular ridges of the Monts-Jura, passing through the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crosses the Retord plateau and then crosses the Grand Colombier. The trail continues its route to Culoz and the Rhône Valley, before leaving the Ain to reach Savoie and continuing southwards.
The Mountain of Parves
6.97 mi
+1,329 ft
-1,302 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Parves (Ain)
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.
Circular route north of Grand Colombier to admire the Alps and Valromey.
7.16 mi
+1,575 ft
-1,568 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Lochieu (Ain)
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.