From Perouges to Bugey

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.

Distance : 14.5 km

Duration : 5h

Level : quite difficult

Elevation : 593 D +

Walking

The balconies of Souclin

Distance : 14.5 km

Duration : 5h

Level : quite difficult

Elevation : 593 D +

Walking

Download the circuit

Departure: Villebois

Loop

Pet Friendly

Download the circuit: GPX Roadmap

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.

Your itinerary

Departure Villebois

Getting to the starting point

The start

Step not located on the map

Parking on Place Hély-Vivet, at the southern entrance to the hamlet. Cross the hamlet of Bouis and continue towards Souclin for 600 m. Overtake two old quarries

Towards the Gattet farm

Step not located on the map

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 to the right. It returns to another road which leads to the right at a crossroads (route de Brenaz). Climb the path to the right to find the D99, follow it to the right for 200m. View of the Rhone Valley

Towards the Col de Fay

Step not located on the map

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.

Summit of the Rochettes

Step not located on the map

Take the path to the right on GR®59 until the D99c. At Col de Fay cross the road to continue left. Access to the summit of Les Rochettes (765m): take the path to the right then the small road to the left (view of the Rhône valley)

GR®59

Step not located on the map

Continue on the GR®59 for 1,7km.

To Sudan

Step not located on the map

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.

Back to Bouis

Step not located on the map

On a small square, take the street to the left for 400m, then the wide path to the right. Having become a path, it dominates the valley and, after a short steep descent, reaches a valley. Cross the often dry stream. Cross it, turn right, return to Bouis and the starting point

Learn more

Advice from the Office

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.

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.

Tips for photographers

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.