Motorcycle: the Albarine, from Allymes to Ambronay

121 km from Lyon, including 63 km in the mountains, with undergrowth cover. Perfect in the hot season or during the beautiful fall days. Allow 3 hours, without visits and walks. Day trip.

From Ambérieu, follow the directions for the Château des Allymes. Wide road in the undergrowth from the tree climbing (some scattered gravel). To warm up, there's nothing like the short climb to the castle (10 mins on foot), followed by a self-guided tour of the premises, with a free audio guide. The panoramic view at the foot of the dungeon alone is worth the detour (and the effort).

The descent to the valley of St-Rambert-en-Bugey is most picturesque. The narrow and winding road is a real pleasure. Caution, potholes and gravel are in the game.

At St-Rambert, two possible choices: direct climb to Montgriffon, or the road to Oncieu. We recommend the latter, for a more complete discovery.

Oncieu is an unusual village, built in a circle around an old orchard (panorama from the cross 2km above). The lunch break can be taken at the Auberge d'Oncieu. Terrace in summer, fireside in the cold season.

The continuation of the road offers a succession of green valleys. Turns and splendid landscapes on the program. Bonus: in a curve, it is possible to observe the Buire waterfall, falling from the Aranc cliff.

The hamlets of Montgriffon and Nivollet can be paused. The Nivollet wash house, with its fresh drinking water, is ideal for this. Panels tell stories and anecdotes about the place.

Then comes the time for a fun loop, from Morgelas to Lupieu, and back. The particularity: the first kilometer is on a road that looks like a groomed trail, under the cover of the forest. Don't worry, it's the right way (be careful with the less suitable motorcycles).

If you feel like it, on leaving the woods, climb up to the start of the Mont Luisandre walk. About a 30-minute walk leads to the superb panoramic view of Bugey and Allymes. In Morgelas, a comparative test of the two cheese farms is essential. Which of the Luisandre goats or the Bergerie de Morgelas will win the vote?

It's time to start the second pass towards Abergement de Varey. Friendly hamlet with beautiful residences. Another farm sells organic cheeses directly there (the Abergement goat farm).
Passing through Merland, a detour through the fields of Gaec Sur la Tour will perhaps offer the astonishing sight of Highland cows, with their bangs in their eyes! Sale of meat and charcuterie on site.

To end the day in style, why not enjoy the beautiful abbey of Ambronay? Unaccompanied and free visit of the church and the cloister all year round.

The circuit can very well be carried out in the other direction.

Visualize the plot here