In favor of autumn, the desire is strong to linger in places where nature and mysteries of the past intertwine. Nestled in the heart of Bugey, the Cerin quarry trail is one of those. More than one balade, it is a dive into the distant geological history of Bugey. A path where the imagination awakens, between fossil millions of years old and rocky landscapes. A path where old quarrymen still sometimes speak of the legend of a sleeping giant…
A sleeping giant under the Cerin quarry
From marchamp, a charming village near Lyon, begins an adventure for those who wander there. The stories and the inhabitants of this little corner tell that a giant, exhausted by centuries of travel, is said to have chosen this place to rest. Himself made of stones, he is said to have exclaimed: "Here is a very pretty garden for my rest!" Since then, his heart has continued to beat beneath the earth. Here is what the legend says: Delighted to find his paradise here, he began to dig into the cliff, creating a cozy nest of rock for himself. Pim, pim, pim! Ting, ting, ting and boom, crack, boom echoed for a long time in the valley.
Treasures of the past
During his work, the giant would have even brought to life other creatures, almost as fantastic as himself. Thus, giant tortoises, crocodiles, flying reptiles and other marine animals that had been extinct for millennia found themselves on the surface. The giant was delighted: all these fabulous fossils would keep him company !
A journey through the ages
After a long labor, the giant, satisfied with his work, would have then nestled in the hollow of the wall, half buried under the earth, thus finding warmth and freshness. And this is how he would have shaped the landscape of Cerin, leaving behind him the reliefs and formations that we know today.
To discover these landscapes, simply follow the Cerin quarry trail, a route of 2,2 km where each step brings the walker a little closer to the story of this sleeping giant. In addition, the spectacular view of the valley and the surrounding mountains invites you to take a contemplative break, as if to better grasp the imprint left by this legendary creature.
An archaeological wealth
The legend of the giant has endured over the centuries, feeding the imagination of locals and visitors. To dive into this fascinating world and better understand the geological history of Bugey, a visit to the Cerin museum is essential. Located very close to the trail, its permanent exhibition reveals the paleontological treasures unearthed from the quarry.
Cerin Quarry: Rejuvenation in the Heart of Nature
For several centuries, the places served as CAREER. Indeed, thanks to the giant's labor, it is said that the walls provided a fine limestone that was highly prized in all the surrounding regions! However, underground, the giant sometimes growled, disturbed in his rest by the activity of men. To keep them away, he thought of a trick.
He began to make the dull beats of his heart resonate in the rock, making the cliff vibrate and spreading threatening echoes. Bodom, bodom, bodom… This strange and deep noise soon aroused fear in the quarrymen, who imagined the cliff ready to collapse. Some even thought that the place was haunted. BODOM, BODOM, BODOM… the giant's heart resonated ever louder, sowing confusion and fear.
One day, the locals decided to close the quarry, leaving the valley to the legend of the sleeping giant. Since then, families have returned to explore the Cerin quarry trail, but in a completely different way: today, it is a place of discovery where children can track animal tracks and admire the diversity of plants. All along the route, educational panels and games arouse the curiosity of young and old alike. Thus, the only echo that now remains in Cerin is that of a legendary heart and the nature that surrounds it.
Cerin peat bog
For even more curiosity, extend the adventure by going to the belvedere* of the bog of Cerin, a few kilometers from the trail.
It is possible to look into the strange "Eye of Cerin". Some even say that the peat bog would be the'eye of the giant', watching over the surface to monitor the return of the quarrymen.
*To appreciate its astonishing shape, the peat bog can only be observed from above. A true natural sanctuary, it is forbidden to access.
Technical information
IGN MAP
AERIAL PHOTOS / IGN
SLOPES MAP (IGN MAP)
MAP 1950 / IGN
CARD OF THE STAFF (1820-1866)
OPEN STREET MAP
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Starting point
Author information
01800 Pérouges
An unmissable nature walk
Practical information can be found on the hiking sheet: the sensitive natural area of Cerin's career.
A reminder for explorers of the Cerin Quarry Trail. As nature-friendly adventurers, we must preserve the beauty of the trail.
- Take your waste with you: respect the environment leaving no trace of your passage.
- Stay on marked trails: protect flora and fauna by avoiding venturing off marked trails.
- Be discreet and respect wildlife: observe animals from a distance and avoid disturbing them. Do not feed wild animals, as this can disrupt their natural behavior and put them in danger.
- Be discreet in residential areas: respect the peace and quiet of residents by moderating the noise level.
