From Perouges to Bugey

Portes calvary hike

A circuit that offers one of the most spectacular views of Bugey and the Chartreuse de Portes (not open to visitors). A must to discover with friends, lovers of long hikes. Beautiful viewpoints and ruins along the way.

Distance : 21 km

Duration : 6h

Level : Difficult

Elevation : 794 D +

Walking

Portes calvary hike

Distance : 21 km

Duration : 6h

Level : Difficult

Elevation : 794 D +

Walking

Download the circuit

Departure: Ordonnaz

Loop

Earth, Not suitable for pushchairs

Pet Friendly

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Download the circuit: GPX Roadmap

A demanding route offering a succession of viewpoints over the Bugey mountains. The highlight of the show being the Calvary of Portes and its orientation table with a view of almost 360°C to dazzle your eyes. Along the way, some vestiges of old churches and above all, the very beautiful Chartreuse de Portes, still inhabited today by Carthusian monks (no visit possible). In Ordonnaz, on the outward or return journey, don't miss the Romanesque church and its contemporary stained glass windows. On the forecourt, a splendid Sully lime tree marks the attachment of Bugey to France. For those with a sweet tooth, a stop at the fruitière in the village is a must: fresh cheeses and local groceries await you for a picnic with authentic flavours! If you have time, the day can end with a visit to the mini Comté museum, adjoining the fruitière.

It is possible to browse the sections independently. If you want to do only the part from Ordonnaz to Calvaire, in about 2 hours, follow the red and white markings of the GR59 in the other direction. The Calvary of Portes is accessible by road by car.

Your itinerary

Departure Ordonnaz

Getting to the starting point

Ordonnaz - D73 (1h15')

Step not located on the map

From the town hall, go straight on route de la Charrière. At the junction with rue de la Cure, take the left path (yellow markings) which climbs steadily to the ridge line (after passing under a power line). Follow the ridge line north. It lowers little by little and you find a path that you take to the left to go down to the tarmac road (D73) that you cross near a barn (yellow markings).

D73 - Trolley (1h15')

Step not located on the map

Through meadows and woods, join the GR59 (white and red markings) at Creux du Cerisier. Continue to the right until Pré Pallier. Leave the GR59, turn right and follow the green markings to Chariot.

Trolley - La Correrie (1h)

Step not located on the map

On leaving the village, last house, turn left (blue markings), up to the pylon, then take the GR59 up to the pass (878m). At this point, we find the yellow markings on the road which descends in the direction of Bénonces. Leave the road after 200 m to take the path below to the right. It goes down to La Correrie, the original location of the Chartreuse de Portes. To see: ruins of a XNUMXth century church.

La Correrie - Calvary (1h)

Step not located on the map

About 500 m from La Correrie, at the intersection, carefully follow the yellow markings which lead back to the road to the Janvais farm (DO NOT take the road towards Villebois on the right). Follow the path for a few meters and take the climb to the left which crosses woods and plantations, leading to the D99, then to the Calvaire de Portes. (1029m)

Calvary - Ordonnaz (2h)

Step not located on the map

Follow the white and red markings of the GR59, many viewpoints are available to you.

Learn more

Advice from the Office

A little detour to the fruit d'Ordonnaz will allow you to stock up on good local products. The cheesemaker will be happy to give you a comment on the adjoining mini Comté museum.

Located at the top of a pass and oriented NW, the light is most favorable at the end of the afternoon. But misty early autumn mornings can be a more original choice.

Tips for photographers

Located at the top of a pass and oriented NW, the light is most favorable at the end of the afternoon. But misty early autumn mornings can be a more original choice.

History, culture and heritage

The Carthusians of Portes was a very important religious community in the Middle Ages. They owned the current vineyards of Bugey and thus boosted the culture of wine in the region.