1 hour from Lyon, a hiking paradise awaits you. For initiated or enthusiastic novice. Complete circuits of several hours, or family outings. Breathtaking view or cool waterfalls. In the beautiful Bugey massif or in the calm of the Ain plain, just follow the path.
Technical information
IGN MAP
AERIAL PHOTOS / IGN
SLOPES MAP (IGN MAP)
MAP 1950 / IGN
CARD OF THE STAFF (1820-1866)
OPEN STREET MAP
Departure address
The balconies of Souclin
Description
A hike through small villages in Bugey, meadows and woods. Expect a good climb to the summit of Les Rochettes, but you will be rewarded by the exceptional panorama over the Rhône valley.
If this trail can be demanding, it takes you through wild nature and bucolic landscapes. And the view from the heights of Souclin is a reward worthy of the effort.
Further information
Welcome complements
Good shoes and poles.
Hiking recommended for experienced people.
Take enough water. Auberge de Soudon on the second part of the route for water supplies.
Localization complements
Park at Place du Monolith, free parking and go up to the hamlet of Bouis or park at Place Hély-Vivet in Bouis.
Public transport access: Ter Lyon - Geneva, Ambérieu station stop. Bus 149 Ambérieu / Lhuis des Cars de l’Ain
Road access: From Ambérieu, follow Lagnieu then direction Belley et Villebois (D19)
Contact
Phone: 09 67 12 70 84
E-mail : welcome@perouges-bugey.com
Website: www.perouges-bugey-tourisme.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/perougesbugeytourisme/
Opening period
All year.
Updated by
Perouges Bugey Tourism - 25/10/2023
www.perouges-bugey-tourisme.com
To report a problem
Tips and Suggestions
The old Villebois quarries are now a pleasant family outing. On the route of the balcony hike, the Auberge de Soudon offers a pleasant break with its covered panoramic terrace.
Tips for the photographer
The heights of Souclin offer an exceptional panorama over Bugey, the Alps and the Rhône below. Prefer an arrival at the end of the afternoon in summer for optimal light.
History, culture and heritage
Villebois stone is a renowned limestone from Bugey, long used for the construction of monuments in the region. The stones extracted from the quarries - today walking trails - were loaded onto barges and lowered down the Rhône to Lyon. The Hôtel-Dieu in Lyon is also largely designed in Villebois stone! In addition, the monolith in the central square of Villebois is reputed to be the largest monument in France carved from a single block of stone.
Topo / step by step
Parking on Place Hély-Vivet, at the southern entrance to the hamlet. Cross the hamlet of Bouis and continue towards Souclin for 600 m. Pass two old quarries.
Find the path parallel to the road on the right. Return to the D60, pass the Grattet farm and take the first road on the left. Take the path on the right. It returns to another road which leads to the right at a crossroads (route de Brenaz). Go up the path on the right to find the D99, follow it to the right for 200m. View of the Rhône valley.
Before the bend to the right, take the path on the left which goes up to Souclin (view of an old mill below). Cross the village by the D 99 on the left then take the path on the left below the town hall-school. After the subdivision, continue along the path. It crosses a small pass, then on the edge of the wood. Turn right after the field.
Take the path on the right on GR®59 until you reach the D99c. At the Col de Fay cross the road to continue left. Access to the summit of Rochettes (765m): take the path on the right then the small road on the left (view of the Rhône valley)
Continue on the GR®59 for 1,7km.
At the top of the small hill, leave the GR®59 on the left, continue opposite on the main path and begin the descent. After 800 m, at the entrance to the right turn, go down the path on the left. Leave the woods, continue along the path on the left, cross the D99 and reach Soudon.
In a small square, take the street on the left for 400m, then the wide path on the right. Having become a path, it dominates the valley and, after a short steep descent, reaches a valley. Cross the stream, often dry. Cross it, turn right, return to Bouis and the starting point.
Points of interest and route information
Author information
01150 Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey