May 17, 2023 / Walks

The Buizin vats, water basins in the rock, are a natural curiosity of Ain. To discover in spring or autumn during a walk between undergrowth and waterfalls.

“Buizin”, just the name evokes the faint buzzing of bees in the flowery fields. Do you hear it? Bzzz, bzzz, bzzz… Then on top, the lisp of the birds: Ui, ui, ui… There, you have it? Close your eyes, imagine a shady forest in soft green tones, dotted with golden sunspots. Inhale. It's the smell offresh water. Listen, it's the crystal clear sound of a cascade on the rocks. Did this rural interlude do you the greatest good? Know that the tourist office has the soul of a good fairy who grants wishes. Pérouges Bugey Tourism takes you to bucolic walk on the trail of Buizin vats. A hike to make your dreams of tranquility a reality.

A preview of your ride to get you in the mood

The circuit of the Buizin vats

Go to Vaux: in Bugey or Févroux

  • Start date (optional): (1) Vaux-en-Bugey multipurpose room (green pin) OR (2) at the Vaux-Févroux laundry (orange star).
  • Duration : 3h30 (from departure 1)
  • Level : Easy-medium
  • Elevation : 250D+
Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - tracé

Let's walk in the woods of Bugey

For this time, the trio of walkers that we are has chosen to start in Vaux-Févroux. Charming hamlet in the hollow of the valley, crossed by the Buizin stream.

A pastoral atmosphere is announced from the direction of the “captured source” borrowed, towards the exit of the village. Panorama on the surrounding mountains, flower fields and their friendly biquettes, pleasant shaded cover of the green forest. The country dream has already begun. Shhh, break to enjoy the sun on the vast clearing at the end of the climb. Krrr, Krrr, reheated crickets do. Ui, ui, ui squawk the birds and the silence, which only the light breeze comes to fill.

Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - prairie

Did you know?

The name of the hamlet of Vaux-Févroux, means " the feverish valley ». Vaux derives from the word valley (a valley/valleys).

Févroux would come from an epidemic of fever in the 19th century during which the town served as a quarantine zone.

The perfect place to spread a tablecloth on the dry grass, with your choice of picnic or nap.
But hey, wouldn't it be a fox scampering through the thickets? After having greeted goupil, the walk resumes between shadow and light, on cool paths. Spring is the ideal season to enjoy this hike, that's without a doubt.

Cascading streams

Barely begun the descent to the hollow of the valley, that already a light runoff is heard. gurgle, at the small bridge over the Buizin – here at last – the clear water bounces happily on the gravel. New climb to discover the source of this perky stream.

After a short balancing act over the water, the noise intensifies. Below, at the foot of the moss-covered trees, it rumbles.

The current surges remain moderate but allow images of the uproar who must reign here when the snow melts. New crossing on the rocks. The goal is near.

Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - ruisseau

The Buizin vats, a curiosity

Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - cascade

Very close to an abandoned hut, a mini waterfall signals the arrival at the Buizin vats. The vats are basins dug in the stone by the waves. The light sparkles in large splash green-gold on water broths.

To enjoy it more closely, it is possible for the quickest to climb the rocks a few meters. Of course, to be carried out with caution, without damaging vegetation and moss, and to leave without leaving a trace. Just for the pleasure of observing clear waters with emerald hues in the pots. And the effects of the sun playing with reflections...

Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - cascade
Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - randonneurs
Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - cascade

From the tanks to the Buizin waterfall

After the steep stairs in the woods, the overhanging arrival of the tanks is a worthy reward. Last straight line (so to speak, since they are more of a zigzag) going up the course of the river. Then at the end of the world, at the foot of a valley with dark rock, a waterfall. Like a veil of lace that cascade between limestone strata and damp moss, overhung by soft green foliage.

Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - forêt
Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - cascade
Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - cascade

Like a desire to stay a while, enjoying the freshness and the powerful crackle of water.

A noise that is both pleasant and powerful, which deafens the thoughts to allow the body to feel.

La mist cold on the skin, the spongy dampness of the foam under the fingers. The sharp, slippery stone under the sole. The spiciness of droplets in the nape of the neck and on the eyelids… Inhale. You are not dreaming, you are here.

Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - cascade
Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - cascade
Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - cascade

Return to Vaux… of your choice

Back to golden hour*. A late afternoon bathed in gold, under the sign of the flowers that line the path. If you left Vaux-Févroux, you will soon be here. If your choice fell on Vaux-en-Bugey, your last steps will take you through the village. With a passage through the chapel of Nièvre and its view of the hamlet and its vines... Something to gently come back to reality.

(*Literally: the golden hours. Short period after sunrise or before sunset. The light is then conducive to photography.)

Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - ail des ours
Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - chemin
Balade des cuves du Buizin - Vaux-en-Bugey - randonneurs

Vaux-en-Bugey, a lively village

Ah, you don't want to go home? Come on, we told you that the tourism office was kind of a fairy godmother. Just for you, here are still lots of ideas for beautiful activities around Vaux-en-Bugey.

Vaux, wine village

Vaux en Bugey is historically a wine-growing village. Nowadays, two winegrowers perpetuate this tradition of wine. Chardonnay, Roussette and Mondeuse, in organic or natural wine version*, classic Bugey wines sometimes rub shoulders with more original ones.

(*wine without pesticides or pharmacopoeia)

Sparkling white, way Montagnieu, traditional method, or sparkling rosé, Cerdon. All tastes and delicacies are allowed (in moderation).

A mystery sound quest

Une quête sonore mystère à Vaux-en-Bugey

With friends, as a family with teenagers, drill the mystery of the Codex of Vaux-en-Bugey. This investigative walk will take you to the heart of the village.

solve them sound puzzles to find your way. From vineyards to chapel, are you ready to discover the secrets of Vaux en Bugey?

The other Buizin trails

And finally, always around the Buizin there is a network of trails starting from Vaux-en-Bugey, Ambutrix or St-Denis-en-Bugey.

The circuit can be done in both directions, entirety or by small boucle.

Tracés balades Vaux-en-Bugey

Sabrina Megani

Published by

Sabrina

Visitor services assistant

Old stones and pretty villages, she can't get enough of them. So much so that she moved to Pérouges, where she discovered a passion for gardening! Also likes to walk (but not run, never run) and take pictures. The rest of the time she prefers reading and eating cheese (with wine).

 

Special sign : collects tartan clothing.
Preferred country: Scotland (unless it's Italy).
Absolute fan of: tea !
Nature favorite: the blue lake.
Cultural favorite: the Ambronay festival.