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.

IGN map

Aerial photos / IGN

Slope map (IGN plan)

Map 1950 / IGN

Map of the General Staff (1820-1866)

Open Street Map

Circuit of the 4 communes from Ambronay
Circuit crossing 4 towns: Ambronay, l'Abergement-de-Varey, Dover and the hamlet of Brey de vent (Ambérieu-en-Bugey). The trail includes the Wolf of Dover and Lost Chapel of St. Barnard walks.
A circuit for regular walkers, which gives pride of place to small local heritage in the form of wash houses, crosses, fountains and ordinary ovens. Also worth seeing is the unmissable Ambronay Abbey, natural sites such as the Pisse loup waterfall (swimming prohibited) and historical sites such as a glimpse of the Château des Allymes (visitable all year round) or the Tower of Dover.
In its variant starting from Dover the trail is 17 km long with a difference in altitude of 690 m, or around 5 hours.

The balconies of Souclin
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.

Portes calvary hike
A trail that offers one of the most spectacular panoramas in the Bugey region. A must-see for those who love hiking and exploring with friends. Beautiful viewpoints and ruins are dotted along the way.
A challenging route offering a succession of viewpoints over the Bugey mountains. The highlight is the Calvary of Portes and its orientation table with a nearly 360° view for a truly breathtaking view. In Ordonnaz, a visit is recommended due to the Romanesque church and its contemporary stained-glass windows. On the square, a splendid Sully lime tree marks Bugey's annexation to France. For foodies, a stop at the village fruit shop is a must: fresh cheeses and local groceries await you for a picnic with authentic flavors! If you have time, you can request a visit to the mini-Comté museum, adjoining the fruit shop.

Hike from the village in the round
A sporty hike that will offer you an exceptional view of the listed village of Oncieu, nicknamed the "Diamond of Bugey" due to its unusual shape. Spectacular landscapes and panoramas await you.
The hike will suit lovers of hiking as well as architectural and natural heritage. The village of Oncieu, classified as a natural site in Ain, has a particularity, since it is organized around a circular plan. The most beautiful point of view is at the level of the Evosges cross, which is along the route and allows you to take original shots.
The path also passes through Evosges, a pretty bugiste village, then descends to Argis along the rocks of Narse, a place where rock climbing is practiced, and crossing the vines, where you can admire barns.
Finally, in Argis, the starting and finishing point of the hike, you will find the Albarine, a river dear to trout fishermen.

The Lead Circuit
A circuit crossing typical villages of Bugey and offering pretty views all along the route.
Access to the start in Argis: from the D1504, take the bridge over the Albarine and reach the car park, rue des cités.
Points of interest: views of the Albarine valley and the rocks of Evosges.

Loop Château de Chazey - Sainte Julie
This pretty flat loop invites you to take a contemplative stroll in the heart of simple, rural nature. Starting from the imposing Château de Chazey, the path passes between the fields and the villages of Rignieu le Désert and Sainte Julie. Calm and pleasant.
Departure point: public car park at the Château de Chazey/Ain (access via rue du Château).
In the park, turn left, down the path, following the red markings.
Then follow the yellow and red markings from the first signposts.
Points of interest: Castles of Chazey-sur-Ain and Sainte-Julie.
The castles are not open to visitors. Only the Château de Chazey park is accessible and has a travel book box.
Mountain bike cyclists only. Narrow path to descend from the Château de Chazey castle then passage between 2 rocks at the bottom (carry the bike to pass). No difficulty afterwards.

Circuit of the Luizet waterfall and Tour du Tréfond (full version)
This is an itinerary that will satisfy the most athletic as well as the simply curious. A walk on the sandstone of the water with a departure near the Rhône to reach the Luizet waterfall, then bypass the beautiful wild river of Tréfond. A must in Bugey!
(1) Serrières - Gambetta Bridge (1h)
Take the rue du Canal then walk along the church (1964th-32th century, restored in XNUMX) as far as the RDXNUMX (paved road), cross it, follow the path that goes up to the right of the water tank.
At the level of the old quarries, take a path on the right which crosses, by a small descent, another old quarry. Continue through vineyards and pastures, cross the RD32 (paved road), take the wide path opposite which descends and crosses the river by the Gambetta bridge.
(2) Bridge - Onglas car park (45')
Follow the path through the vineyards that goes up to the hamlet of Onglas (typical houses of Bugey). The paved road crosses the village, turn right at the crossroads towards Seillonnaz. At the exit of the agglomeration, towards a cross, turn left.
(3) Onglas - Waterfall car park (45')
Leave the car park on the left and take the path on the right that goes to the Luizet waterfall.
(4) Waterfall - D32 (45')
From the waterfall, take the path as if to return to the Onglas car park. At the fork on the way out, after about 2.5km take a path at an acute angle to the right (N/NO). Continue on this path, then a path until you cross the Tréfond river and cross it. Go up on the D32.
(5) D32 - East Onglas (1h)
Take the D32 downhill, then at the 1st crossroads go up on the right (D99a)
We arrive at the "Golet du Mur", the highest point of the walk. Then take the path on the left going down to Bénonces (south). Go through the village towards Seillonnaz (D84c). After 100 m turn right on a stony path which crosses the stream and ends in Onglas (fountain).
Return: continue straight on leaving the village (after Croix du Clos on the left) and join the outward route, shortly before the Gambetta bridge. back to the starting point

Loop of the Abergement de Varey via the Château de Varey
The loop alternates paths that warm the calves a little and flat paths to admire the landscape. Starting from the pretty village of Abergement, the path passes from a hamlet to the peaceful Bois de Varice overlooking the superb Château de Varey.
This green loop is conducive to rejuvenation. We hear the birds, the sounds of nature like the creaking of the trees, the branches which undulate gently in the wind or the flow of the brook at the bottom of the valley. The trail is clean, marked, accessible to occasional hikers who want a bit of relief.
A moment of tranquility and deep connection to the generous nature of this remote and charming village.

Between ruins and vineyards: From Montagnieu to Briord
A pedestrian circuit between culture and viticulture. The path connects Gallo-Roman curiosities, like the underground aqueduct of Briord and strolls in the vineyards of Montagnieu. A whole program that will delight lovers of history and good wine.
Throughout the walk, the Gallo-Roman history of Briord is revealed to the attentive eye. From the discreet remains of an early Christian necropolis to the preserved tunnel of an underground aqueduct, the first part of the walk will delight the souls of archaeologists. While some will dream of Indiana Jones, others will be delighted by the view of the Brive valley and the vineyards of Bugey, before taking a path between the vineyards of Montagnieu.
On arrival in the village, the walk can end on a refreshing and friendly note by stopping at one of the village winegrowers. Fans will enjoy tasting a few bubbles of sparkling white wine from Montagnieu or a glass of Mondeuse, a typical red wine from Bugey.
The return descent is via an amazing flight of stairs across the hill. Unusual to the end...

The ridge circuit by Ordonnaz (full route)
The emblematic route of the Monts du Bugey, with a passage through the highest point of Mollard-de-Don. The ridges offer exceptional panoramas of the Alps and sometimes, if you are lucky, Mont-Blanc! But beware, demanding route.
From the charming village of Innimond, an uphill hiking trail leads to the highest point of Mount Pela. The rest of the pedestrian route follows the ridges between the Col du Perthuis and Ordonnaz, along the Tantanet. A clear passage, with a view of Bugey, gradually revealing the Alps in the distance. The chef's surprise comes on the descent to the Col du Petit Perthuis. Facing the paragliding decor, Mont-Blanc takes shape for the lucky ones, on beautiful clear days but not too hot.
An orientation table teaches curious hikers more about the surrounding peaks. Following the old sports route, the hike ends at the Innimond cross, offering a 360°C panorama of the Bugey mountains, its champion the Grand Colombier in the distance, and a glimpse of the Ambléon lake (not authorized bathing). The final descent is to be followed with caution until the return to the village.