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Virieu-le-Petit walks
Le Grand Colombier
Visorando Member
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.
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.
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.
Grand Colombier Alpine Pastures Trail
3.25 mi
+577 ft
-554 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Culoz (Ain)
A signposted route in the Grand Colombier Massif leading to the Roche de Chanduraz and its magnificent views over Lake Bourget, the Rhône and the southern Bugey. Please note that the pass road is closed from November to April, making this walk inaccessible during this period.
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.
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.
La Griffe du Diable and the Grand Colombier from La Grange d’en Bas
9.77 mi
+2,398 ft
-2,369 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Brénaz (Ain)
A circular loop starting from the Sur Lyand area, running along the heights between Valromey and the Rhône Valley, and taking in three ridges with splendid views of the Alps: the Griffe du Diable, the Croix du Grand Colombier, and then, after passing through Arvière, the Hergues.
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.
The Grand Colombier circuit from Fénestré
8.41 mi
+1,722 ft
-1,706 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Culoz (Ain)
A lovely hike at the foot of Mont Colombier, with panoramic views from the start and of Mont Blanc at the summit. Picturesque landscapes and pastures.
⚠️ 19/05/2026: Take care at this point (4)! Dangerous hike. Not recommended for children or those prone to vertigo. Read the reviews.
Grand Colombier cross
8.01 mi
+1,555 ft
-1,529 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Corbonod (Ain)
A summit and vistas in a site dominated by pastures.
The circular of the Platières
5.97 mi
+899 ft
-883 ft
3h 30
Easy
Departure from Corbonod (Ain)
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.
Le Grand Colombier 
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