Walks and hikes Hiking circuits

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.

Departing from a beautiful landscaped park, along an old train line, this circuit takes you to the foot of the Bugey mountains, along the Rhône via the Viarhôna. The ideal route for a quiet stroll, alone, with friends or family.
A stroll in gentle mode all the way, with the family, with a stroller. By bike or even on rollerblades or scooters, the greenway formed by the old tram (train) route is made for everyone. Small detour possible by the beautiful village of St-Sorlin-en-Bugey, its beautiful half-timbered houses, its fresco of St-Christophe and its bucolic washhouse. Before returning by the beautiful cycle path along the Rhône and the pretty park of Lagnieu and its lake.

At the car park opposite the fire department, walk along the stadium keeping it on your left. On the left at the corner with Avenue Charles de Gaulles. Then take the first right, facing the skatepark (chemin des roches). (1) After approximately 300m, a path goes down to the right (at an electricity pylon) marked by a cycle path sign.


Continue straight until crossing the D60b (route de Chartreuse). Take the continuation of the greenway opposite. Continue straight, crossing the Grande Rue (D122) continue on the greenway opposite. Continue in a straight line until you cross the road to the port, at the entrance to the village of St-Sorlin-en-Bugey.


(2) Variant via the village of St-Sorlin-en-Bugey (visit time not taken into account in this itinerary): turn left onto port road. Take the climb to the church, up to the church. Go back down via the Place de la Halle (view going up), take the big descent towards the Areymont washhouse. Continue along Chemin de la Durandière (continuation of the route without visiting the village).(3)


Take the opposite direction, always between the houses and the fields. We find the cycle path which passes away from the village of St-Sorlin-en-Bugey (view of the bell tower) and emerges at the Château de la Durandière. Walk along the main road for a few meters and take immediately right after the castle (at the village exit sign) onto Chemin de la Durandière (3). Straight ahead until the intersection with Viarhôna (4).


Turn right and straight ahead along the Rhône until you arrive at the Viarhôna car park, close to the national road. Cross the road towards the path opposite with the wooden barriers (be careful!). Passage between stream and fields until the bridge then the path forms a bend which leads back to the left. Turn right at the intersection with Rue du Moulin des Buis. After a few meters, at a dead end sign, take the path closed by stones and continue, keeping the stream on your left (5). Then follow the pedestrian markings (red and white) which turn right into the Lagnieu landscaped park (south entrance) (6). Cross the park by the path of your choice (along the stream, or by taking the paths towards the tennis courts) (7)

Hike on well-shaded forest paths. Going up to the Bramafan orientation table, you will discover a wide panorama over the plain of the Ain and the Rhône. Beautiful historic residences are on the way, enough to combine nature and heritage.

Departure rue de Bramafan, in Lagnieu, at the corner with rue de Bulliez.


At the level of the castle of Bulliez (very beautiful private residence), the sign indicates the Bramafan 1h15 on foot (exact time for average walking speed. The path climbs continuously up to the Bramafan or almost.)

Follow the street to the end.

We pass the Pavilion: the beautiful private residence to which we must take the stony path to the left of the gate to continue the walk.

Straight up to the fork in the woods.


At the fork of the Pavilion (totem mark), turn left towards Bramafan (follow the small sign - X Leave direction St Sorlin on the right)

Follow the yellow markings to the "Pressandre" totem


At "Pressandre" turn right as indicated.

From there the markup is red and white (GR®59) direction Bramafan 1km and St Sorlin Bessey 3.5km


At the "Embarcade" totem two choices:

1/ turn right according to the indication "Croix de Bramafan" (10 min)

Raidillon a little slippery depending on the season (optional option, access to the panorama and orientation table)

Then go back down to the pier totem and continue


2/Follow the markings without going up to the panorama

At the pier totem follow the white and red markings, always in the direction of Bessey


Once you have arrived at the Bessey farm (very beautiful private Renaissance farm), the markings turn yellow and red (FF de pays GR® de pays Beaujolais Bugey par la Dombes), descend to the right by the small path.


Once you get to the road, be careful when crossing it to take the opposite road.


At the next totem turn right towards St Sorlin 1km.


You arrive above the church along the ruins of the Château de Cuchet (XNUMXth century), follow the markings and cross the village by climbing up the church (you go along the cemetery, on the right facing the gate, public WCs open from spring to fall).


We pass along the church then in front of the house of the fresco of St Christopher (XNUMXth century)


At the bakery/town hall, turn right to the Collonges washhouse (explanatory plaque for this beautiful historic monument).


At the washhouse, turn right on rue de Pallières - follow the signs to the route de la Chartreuse D60b


Turn left along the road for 600m (be careful passing vehicles but wide lane)


Turn right onto the greenway (cycle path on the right)

Follow her to the end


Then turn left onto Chemin des Roches (follow the bike signage on the ground for 200m) to Grande rue de Bulliez, to the right, to the starting point (600m).

The points of historical interest of the free route through the town of Lagnieu, to discover its heritage.


In the church, you will take the time to observe the stained glass windows, the statues from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as the imposing 15th century altarpiece.


The Plastre de la Croix chapel, in the cemetery, dates from the 15th century and had a funerary pediment added for the de la Verpillère family in the 19th century, as well as a pretty bell tower made of glazed tiles. It was in this chapel, located in the 15th century cemetery of plague victims, that the altarpiece was located which is today visible in the church of Lagnieu.


The 14th century St Roch chapel in the hamlet of Posafol has beautiful stonework and an openwork bell tower, reminiscent of campaniles, which are most charming.


The St Hilaire chapel in the hamlet of Proulieu is a 19th century building. Located near the Roy d'Aval restaurant, it will offer you the excuse for a pleasant break under the trees on the terrace. Continuing straight ahead, your steps will arrive at the edge of the Rhône. Why not take a few steps on the old towpath to digest?


The Biaune dovecote is a perfect example, restored in 1995 by the town of Lagnieu, of a 16th century dovecote. It was built, after agreement with Charlotte d'Orléans, by Pierre Guinet, a bourgeois of the city, who became Lord of Montgrillet by marriage.


The Bramafan orientation table offers a breathtaking view of Lagnieu, the Ain plain and the Bugey mountains. However, the reward is deserved (500 m altitude). Remember to equip yourself with good shoes and sufficient water.

A natural curiosity of Ain, in the heart of Bugey, the Buizin vats are more or less deep pots. On the trail, a series of waterfalls makes this hike in the undergrowth pleasant. To be done in mid-season to take advantage of the water basins.

A hike almost entirely in the undergrowth, ideal for the spring and autumn periods. A perfect trail to enjoy the coolness of the forest, wild flowers along the way and especially a walk along the water. Beautiful light, pretty landscapes pierced through the foliage and above all perfect tranquillity. Only the birds and the breeze will accompany you to the tanks and their waterfall...


A rather easy walk, although some steep slopes and river crossings. Ideal to enjoy it with friends without very young children and hikers in good physical shape.


On the way back, a gourmet break is a must in the village of Vaux-en-Bugey to taste the wines made on site.