In the mood for a motorcycle ride? From Lyon, in less than an hour, the pretty roads of Bugey are available to you. I tested for you a motorcycle trip between Pérouges and Bugey
We tested for you: motorcycle ride in Bugey
This morning, the good weather is here, it's the perfect day for a great motorcycle ride. So I embark the husband and the necessary. Off we go, heading to Bugey and its pretty roads, for some very natural motorcycle riding.
- 4h walk with hike – 180 km round trip from Lyon
– 62 km the circuit Torcieu-Cleyzieu-Luizet-Torcieu – 1h30 round trip to the waterfall
Albarine Valley
Entering Montferrand sets the tone: cute little village, old stone facades. The sun is already shining brightly and the sky is a clear blue. It all looks good. We climb the pretty winding road towards Cleyzieu. The husband tells me in the helmet that he appreciates the well-maintained surface (it is true that all the roads here are not so smooth). The turns are linked, revealing the reliefs of a vibrant green of the Albarine valley. It's already sumptuous.
Verdant fields, wheat ripening in the distance, and these hills which form all green domes. Looks like pastries. Green forests? The arrival in Cleyzieu is very pleasant. A “deudeuche” watch waits patiently with its nose in the weeds. We go up to park at the top of the village, in the parking lot of the town hall. Sharp turn on the left and good slope, here we are at the top. The town hall employees have an unobstructed view!
We leave weapons and luggage, and after a photo of the landscape seen from this promontory, begin a visit of the hamlet. Well-made panels, create a small historical route. Anecdotes and points of interest follow one another. The banal oven is in very good condition and is still used regularly, during oven festivals. Hmmm, the whole village must smell like wood-fired pie…
Here we go again. By the way, I want to show the husband the tiny hamlet of Dorvan. The road gives us the gift of offering different points of view on the village, perched on the hill. A short photo stop is a must for those most keen on pretty villages. Not a cat on this weekday, but be careful on roadside breaks during this motorcycle ride.
The secret village of gourmets
A little further on, fork to the right on a path. The ground becomes almost path (caution) and suddenly, we are under the cover of a wood. Would we be lost? By no means, a few meters further on an official town entrance sign announces “Dorvan”. It's funny, this entrance to the village!
For the greediest, the Gaec de Dorvan is open every day to taste one of their excellent goat cheeses. The goat farm can be visited on request. Perfect to please the youngest.
Good to know: it is possible to return to Cleyzieu via Dorvan. The road forms a most picturesque loop. If you enjoy taking a free carousel ride, don't hesitate!
Break & viewpoints on the Rhône
Back on the bike, this time towards Souclin. By the way, those with the best shoes can take a walk around the paragliding decoration. Nice panorama.
The road is winding, just right. The undergrowth is now above our heads. It's cool, it's nice. The descent to Souclin is an opportunity to push the engine a little. Small point at … 60km! The feelings are still there. A motorcycle ride that attacks a little but in quiet mode. It's perfect.
A few kilometers from Souclin, after Fay, the landscape reveals itself. A striking panorama: mountain ranges of the Alps, still snow-capped, luminous serpentine of the Rhône which undulates between the hills, often planted with vines. The same photo, seen from a little lower, can be taken from a car park along the main street of Souclin.
Moment of break. We advise you to make the very small detour via Soudon, to take advantage of its hostel. The terrace with a view is ideal for a cold drink.
The Luizet waterfall awaits us…
The objective now is to take advantage of the cool hairpins on the road to Bénonces. The panels are there. Follow the direction of Correrie, and once in Bénonces, the signage for the waterfall. Free parking, perfect for leaving the bike in peace.
Lightened, shod, the gravel path goes straight, it's up to us Luizet Waterfall ! Impossible to get lost, and almost no elevation. At the only fork, take the path that goes down.
The afternoon is radiant. The valley of the waterfall, in the distance, offers a charming postcard. Walking brings us closer to it little by little. On the last part of the trail, the coolness of the undergrowth is welcome. Below the path, the clear waters of a stream flow. A little further, it is possible to approach it. The clear water gurgles cheerfully over the pebbles. The pale yellow light seeps through the branches of the trees. It makes stains and splinters.
Suddenly, the vegetation parted. I raise my head to the last vertebra. Wow! The waterfall gently tumbles down the sparkling limestone rock to the pale green basin at its foot. It's like a fogger. The sound is light: small bursts of water leaping, ricocheting off the stone smoothed by the years. The pure blue of the sky stands out all up there. Feeling of vertigo.
We take off shoes, socks, and take advantage of this foot bath in the middle of nature. Ears charmed by the rustle of the curtain of water on the basin. Moment of calm after the sensations of the motorcycle ride and the walk.
Last detours before returning
Going back to Conand, it is possible to make a detour by the orientation table of the calvary of Doors Pass. Spectacular panorama in all seasons. On the clearest days, the Cévènnes appear in the distance.
The return route via Charvieux and Conand gives a new atmosphere. Deep valley, overlooked by green hills. It's cool, everything is surrounded by shadows at this hour. Hamlets are a handful of houses. We would like to know who lives there...
To prolong the pleasure
Want to keep going?
Other motorcycle circuits in Bugey allow you to continue the ride even further. These hikes are suggested to you on our page motorcycle rides.
What if we stayed to sleep?
For this motorcycle ride, the Old Town Relay welcomes you to its gite with spa. Other establishments, some Relais Motard, welcome you all year round from Pérouges to Bugey.
On the way back…
Back in Lyon, a passage through the medieval town of Pérouges imposes itself. Free motorcycle parking. Self-guided tour (approximately 1 hour) or guided tours in season (prior reservation).
What to bring: walking shoes or good sneakers, a water bottle, backpack for a picnic, cap and sunglasses, sunscreen (for the most fragile after confinement!)
