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.

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).

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.

The great tour of the village which will take you from the banks of the Rhône to a viewpoint on the river, to the Rocher de la Cra, passing by the charming chapel of St-Léger. The daring will go through the meanders of the Rhône, the old bed of the river.

From Point-Vert, follow the Rhône upstream, heading south. Cross the La Pernaz river. We then arrive at the confluence of the Rhône with another river, La Brivaz. Take before this confluence, on the left, a small paved road which goes towards the hamlet of Les Granges. Follow it for about 250 meters then turn left on a stony path towards Serrières. When you reach the "rue du Verger", turn right to the D19, then left. Cross the village of Serrières towards the North until the junction with the D32 which leads to Bénonces. In the bend of the D32, take on the left the stony path of the Cra until the EDF pylon (viewpoint on the blue valley and the Green Point).



Turn around and come back the same way for about 700 meters. Take a path on the right in the undergrowth bordered by walls with small stairs witnessing old vines. Follow this path until the D19. Follow it north for 200 meters then turn left on a flat path towards the Rhône.



Pass at the foot of the ruins of the Chapelle St-Léger located on a promontory (this chapel was formerly on the opposite bank of the Rhône) then reach Point-Vert by the dike on the edge of the Rhône.



On the way back, it is possible to cross by the meanders of the Rhône, educational trails dedicated to the fauna and flora of this former bed of the river. NB: no markings in connection with the Serrière tour hike, only explanatory panels along the way.

A hike for regulars starting from the banks of the Rhône to climb to the cliffs overlooking Villebois, with stops at the Virgin of Chateland for the panoramic view and the rocks of the Cra (cliffs, caution).

From the Green Point, go up the Rhône towards the south for about 500 m. Take a sandy path to the left. Go under high voltage lines. At the crossroads with a paved road, turn left and go up towards the village by rue du Dauphiné and rue du Center to the town hall.

Cross the RD19 and take the rue du Canal to the church (1964th-32th century, restored in XNUMX), walk along the building by the road which goes up to the RDXNUMX, cross it and take a path which goes up to right of the water tank.
Go past old quarries and continue to climb. Take a path in the undergrowth on the left which goes to the Virgin of Chateland (panoramic view).

After about 200 m, turn right, follow the path that climbs and winds up to the plateau on the Cra rocks.
In this sector, pay attention to the rock faults: do not leave the path.

By a pasture (close the fence), you reach a wide path, turn left to point C where you leave on the right the marked path of the rock of Cuny. The markup turns green. After about a hundred meters of a fairly steep descent, take a very steep path to the left (steps carved into the earth), descend through the woods, pass near a spring, then follow the stony path to the hamlet of la Carria where we find the blue markup.
Take a path on the left which descends to the paved road, follow left for 200 m, then take the path on the right to the Rhône (Pompière farm). Go up the river to the Green Point.

Forest, panorama at the Croix de Cuny under the Rock of the same name, a route dotted with natural points of interest. The opportunity to enjoy the view of the Monts du Bugey and learn more thanks to the orientation table. On the way !

Take rue du Canal then walk along the 1964th-32th century church restored in XNUMX, up to the DXNUMX road.
Cross it and take the path that goes up to the right of the water tank. Pass in front of old quarries, continue to climb, leaving on the left the path which goes up to the Virgin of Chateland. Higher up, turn right (blue and yellow markings) on a flat path that passes under the cross and rock of Cuny. Follow it to the village of Bénonces.

Shortly after entering the village, turn left at a right angle on a path that climbs through woods and pastures. Then leave the blue and yellow markings which go to the right, continue straight for 100 meters. (Attention no markup).

Turn left and follow the green markings on a wide stony path then left again on a forest path. A path on the left leads (75 m) to the Rocher de Cuny. Panoramic view, cross and orientation table.
Back on the main path, take it to the left and follow the green markings.

At this point, leave the green markings on the right (which goes towards Villebois) and take the path marked in blue on the left. It brings back to Serrières.

The circuit leads you around a pretty wood and takes you under the Grotte de Souhait, habitat and burial place in prehistory and antiquity. Many viewpoints mark out the walk, ending with a crossing of the flowery village of Montagnieu.

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

A beautiful loop, with a small detour via the Luizet waterfall, which flows through the bottom of a superb green valley. The part in the undergrowth brings freshness and the tour of the wild river of Tréfond is most pleasant. The ideal ride!

A rather easy route, pleasant to do as a family with children accustomed to walking. It is possible to simply visit the Luizet waterfall in a round trip from the hamlet of Onglas (1h30). The Tréfond tour allows you to cross the beautiful wild river and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.

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 squirrel invites you into its woods! We discover the various trees that make up his house and those of his neighbors. Family games help to perfect his botanical knowledge. Here and there we also discover a bit of local history, in the shade!

This trail is cool, shaded and without difficulty.
Ideal for taking a few steps in an enchanted and wonderful wood where you can guess some well-hidden fairies and elves!
Playful and interesting, this squirrel path is ideal for taking a break in the heart of nature, a stone's throw from the village.

The squirrel trail parking lot with the trail map is located at Place du 1er mai. You will have to cross the road to find the entrance to the trail. All you have to do is follow the wooden panels engraved with a squirrel design.

The fruits of a street art festival initiated in 2021 - on the verge of becoming a biennial, Tenay's urban murals bring color back to the city, deserted in recent decades. In a colorful journey rich in styles, the frescoes beautify the city center thanks to the brushstrokes and magical sprays of graffiti artists.

An initiative led by the town hall of Tenay and the Khrôma Festival to rekindle the flame of yesteryear of this discreet village in the heart of the Albarine valley. Through the paintings, the industrial history of the village and the wild nature of Bugey which surrounds it are highlighted.

The start is along the Gardon at the entrance to Vareilles. The heritage trail explains the history of the district, up to the blue lake. The path continues to the remains of the castle and the old medieval town of Saint Germain. A family must!

The explanatory panels, at the level of the district of Vareilles, accompany you to the blue lake, whose name comes from its turquoise waters. (swimming and nautical activities prohibited)



We learn that from 1344, the force of water was used by mills.

From the XNUMXth century, many textile and cotton factories were set up downstream from the lake's water reservoir.

It is this important past for the development of the hamlet that it is proposed to discover along the path bordering the Gardon stream.



Formerly called "Le Grand Foulon" or "l'Écluse", the water reservoir of the Gardon is now called blue lake, because of its sometimes turquoise color. It is a pleasant stopping point for the walk with its picnic tables.



All that remains is to continue along the path to the ruins of the Château de St Germain. (marked path from the blue lake, 1 hour to return to the entrance of rue de Vareilles).



On the spot, very complete panels will tell you the life and the architecture of this old medieval borough organized around the current vestiges of the castle. You will also learn more about the excavation and restoration site, which is still in operation.

Breathtaking view of the plain of Ambérieu at the back of the castle.

Picnic tables under the trees for a cool snack break.

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 small shaded family walk is there, between undergrowth and ruined barns. A path full of poetry, pleasant, with little elevation.
On this path, we take advantage of the vestiges of the past, nature and the arrival at the blue lake, superb!

It is possible to continue your hike to the ruins of the Château de St Germain via the Vareilles district. Marked route.

It is also possible to complete the entire orange loop proposed on the sign at the start of the hike, from the barns to the blue lake 8,2 km for 3h30 of walking.

From the parking lot of Les Brosses, through the forest, a hike surrounded by greenery, under the coolness of the undergrowth. The well-shaded car park allows a nice cool break for a snack at the end of the ride!

Other hikes are possible from the Brushes car park. Refer to the sign of the footpaths on site, then follow the markings.

This shaded and refreshing path leads past a romantic ruined house, covered in ivy, at the foot of a pond where koi carp swim peacefully. Along the gurgling stream, the trees and their diversity can be seen right up to the banks of the Rhône and its old towpath.

An easy, family-friendly, peaceful walk, where you can listen to the singing of birds and the lapping of the water.
We pass from one small bridge to another, from a shrub to a tree where multiple forms of foliage, flowers, or branches are revealed.

Here and there small ponds invite you to contemplate fish or the statue recalling the story of Duke Philibert the Handsome.
We discover the old mill before crossing a field that leads straight to the ferry. From this place a splendid view opens up to you on the Rhône and its towpath.

Along the course, numerous benches, picnic tables or cleanliness facilities are all comfortable services for a serene walk.
We breathe, we admire, we marvel, we take a well-deserved break in the heart of nature, a stone's throw from the village.