Ain walks

Overlooking the Gorges de l'Albarine: Lacoux - Nantuy

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En surplomb des Gorges de l'Albarine : Lacoux - Nantuy

Departure from Hauteville-Lompnes (Ain)

This hike takes you on a loop through the heart of the Bugey region around Hauteville-Lompnes, on the edge of the plateau overlooking the Gorges de l'Albarine, with relatively little elevation gain.

The ridge loop at Innimond

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La boucle des crêtes à Innimond

Departure from Innimond (Ain)

Passing over the Cols du Grand and Petit Pertuis, you'll be amazed by this route along the ridges, which offers 360° views of the Alps, Massif Central and Jura. An easy hike for regular walkers.

Overview of Nantua

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Tour d'horizon à Nantua

Departure from Nantua (Ain)

A panoramic walk overlooking the town of Nantua and its famous lake, in an exceptional environment that alternates between countryside and coniferous forest. The mountainous route retains a good sporting aspect.

Brive circuit from Cerin

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Circuit de la Brive depuis Cerin

Departure from Marchamp (Ain)

Starting from Cerin, this mainly wooded marked trail takes you through several valleys with streams offering several waterfall passages. After rainy weather, the waterfalls are magnificent but the ground is then more slippery.

Tour of the Cerdon heights

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Tour sur les hauteurs du Cerdon

Departure from Cerdon (Ain)

The aim of the route is to complete a beautiful loop overlooking the Cerdon: after crossing the vineyards overlooking the valley, the route continues on the plateaus of Saint-Alban and Labalme, returning to the starting point via the Combe Cugnat and a slight detour via Mont Carmier.

Around Oignin

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Autour de l'Oignin

Departure from Izernore (Ain)

The route follows the course of the Oignin river on the edge of the Gorges de l'Enfer, then goes around the Lac de l'Oignin, all with some pretty nice scenery!

Grand Colombier cross

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Departure from Corbonod (Ain)

A summit and vistas in a site dominated by pastures.

Plateau des Charmilles, Grotte de la Jaquette

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Plateau des Charmilles, Grotte de la Jaquette

Departure from Lompnas (Ain)

A beautiful hike, fairly well marked in blue with directional signs (sometimes a little faded), between 630 and 900 metres above sea level, easy, mostly on good, well-shaded paths. On very clear days, there are views of the snow-capped Alps and the villages of Marchand and Cerin. For flower lovers, between May and July, there are martagon lilies, orchids, snowdrops and erythronium. And for those who like the cool air, they can go to the Grotte de la Jaquette cave near the path.

Water Trail in Brégnier-Cordon

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Sentier de l'Eau à Brégnier-Cordon

Departure from Brégnier-Cordon (Ain)

A marked trail allows you to explore several water-related areas (hillside, stream, marsh) around Glandieu and its waterfall. Some paths are not maintained, see notices.

Crêt de la Neige

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Crêt de la Neige

Departure from Lélex (Ain)

The Crêt de la Neige, the highest point in the Jura at 1,720 metres, offers an exceptional view of Lake Geneva and the Alps, with Mont Blanc as a bonus.

The Crêt du Nu / Retord Plateau

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Le Crêt du Nu et le Plateau du Retord

Departure from Hotonnes (Ain)

An easy loop along Retord Plateau taking you past the "Gouffre de la Bauche" sinkhole and the "Crêt du Nu" viewpoint.

Ponds and Notre Dame des Dombes Abbey

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Étangs et Abbaye de Notre Dame des Dombes

Departure from Le Plantay (Ain)

I had wanted to walk through this flat countryside with its multitude of ponds for a long time. I suggest this route, which starts at Notre-Dame des Dombes Abbey. It will take you past some beautiful ponds and local farms. Depending on the season, you will be accompanied by the songs of a multitude of birds. Frogs will jump out of the water as you pass by and curious cows will come to meet you.

Mont de Cordon from La Bruyère

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Departure from Brégnier-Cordon (Ain)

A lovely walk starting from the banks of the Rhône, leading to the Mont de Cordon viewpoint (altitude 400 m) and offering a beautiful panorama of the Rhône and the Izieu mountain. During the climb, you pass a beautiful private castle and on the way back, you can see three caves that were inhabited during prehistoric times: the Bonne Femme cave, an unnamed cave and the Liévrin cave.

Mont Rignat and the springs of the Reyssouze

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Le Mont Rignat et les sources de la Reyssouze

Departure from Journans (Ain)

A beautiful loop passing through a small, easy, unobstructed peak offering a wide panorama of the Bugey, the Bresse plain, the Beaujolais mountains and the Lyon region. The springs of the Reyssouze reward us at the end of the hike.

Sharp limestone pavement, waterfall, resurgence and canyons around Artemare

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Lapiaz, cascade, résurgence et canyons autour d'Artemare

Departure from Artemare (Ain)

This loop allows you to visit several characteristic sites in this area where the folds of the Jura meet the alluvial plain: the sharp limestone pavement of Fierloz, the Cerveyrieu waterfall, the Turignin Gorges on the Séran, the sources of the Groin and the chasms it forms. In high water, the route can be slippery but it is impressive.

Roche d'Au-Delà

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Roche d'Au-Delà

Departure from Nantua (Ain)

A beautiful, moderately difficult hike with panoramic views overlooking Lake Nantua and the Autoroute des Titans. At the summit, weather permitting, you can see Mont Blanc.

Overhangs of the Ain Gorges: Bolozon - Balvay - Solomiat - Napt

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Surplombs des Gorges de l'Ain : Bolozon - Balvay - Solomiat - Napt

Departure from Bolozon (Ain)

This is a circular route from Bolozon, passing through pretty villages (Balvay, Solomiat and Napt) and overlooking the Gorges de l'Ain. This is a "classic" route (often suggested in the opposite direction) that does not present any major difficulties.

The Jarbonnet Rocks

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Les rochers de Jarbonnet

Departure from Grand-Corent (Ain)

After an initial wooded section, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Ain river valley from the top of the Jarbonnet rocks. The river winds its way through the valley below. The summit is not very popular and is mainly known to climbers who enjoy the routes offered by the cliff.

Fort l'écluse loop via the Belvédère de Léaz

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Boucle Fort l'écluse par le Belvédère de Léaz

Departure from Léaz (Ain)

Fort l'Ecluse, a fortified military structure dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Léaz viewpoint. Panoramic view of the Rhône valley.

A walk on the Retord plateau

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Une balade sur le plateau de Retord

Departure from Hotonnes (Ain)

A gentle walk on the Retord plateau.

Lake Barterand

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Lac de Barterand

Departure from Cressin-Rochefort (Ain)

A peaceful hike on the border between Ain and Savoie. From the start, there is a beautiful view of the Rhône riverbed. Further on, you will see Lac de Barterand, bordered by unexpected sculptures in the rock. A short climb towards the flag reveals a beautiful view of the lake.

The Grand Montrond

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Le Grand Montrond

Departure from Mijoux (Ain)

Offers an unforgettable view of Lake Geneva, Geneva and its water jet, and Mont Blanc in the background.

Crêt de la Goutte via Le Sac and Varambon

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Crêt de la Goutte par Le Sac et Varambon

Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)

Tour of the chalets of the Col du Sac and Varambon via the Crêtes du Sorgia - 360° view at the Crêt de la Goutte with orientation table to discover the Monts d'Ain, Lake Geneva and its water jet, the start of the Jura mountain range, the Swiss and French Alps including the Matterhorn in good weather and the majestic Mont Blanc.

The Golet d'Ars

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Departure from Cleyzieu (Ain)

Perfect for hot days as it is very shady under beautiful high-altitude coniferous and deciduous forests (between 625 and 920 metres above sea level), on trails and good forest paths through the beautiful landscapes of the Bugey, offering a wide panorama of the cliff. In autumn, you can pick blackberries, hazelnuts and walnuts along the way.

La Faucille - Colomby de Gex - Mont Rond

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La Faucille - Colomby de Gex - Mont Rond

Departure from Gex (Ain)

Je vous propose de réaliser un parcours en boucle au départ des environs du Col de la Faucille (parking du Pailly) afin d’accéder au Colomby de Gex : à l'aller le tracé évolue sous les Monts Jura et au retour sur ses crêtes avec une succession de montées et descentes. Certaines parties du parcours sont situées en zones de quiétude de la faune sauvage et il ne sera ainsi pas possible de le parcourir du 15/12 au 15/05 (à lire ci dessous)

Loop trail around the Jargoy plateau

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Departure from Argis (Ain)

Steep hike offering superb views of the Jargoy plateau and the village of Oncieu.

The water ridges

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Les crets d'eau

Departure from Bellegarde-sur-Valserine (Ain)

Plateau of the Jura mountain range, overlooking the valleys of Bellegarde sur Valserine and Fort l'écluse. The highest point of the Crêt de la Goutte offers a 360° panorama of the Jura Natural Park and Lake Geneva on the Geneva side, with a horizon dominated by the Alps, including Mont Blanc.

La Roche de l'Église via Souclin

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La Roche de l'Église par Souclin

Departure from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey (Ain)

A very pleasant trail from Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey leads first to the old village of Souclin and then to the Roche de l'Église, which overlooks it. This hike will appeal to lovers of old stones: old villages and paths often lined with timeless stone walls. This route has few paved roads and offers many panoramic views of the Rhône between Bouvesse and Vertrieu, the north of the Isère and, in good weather, even Lyon.

Château des Allymes and Mont Luisandre

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Château des Allymes et Mont Luisandre

Departure from Ambérieu-en-Bugey (Ain)

A beautiful hike from the Château des Allymes, mostly in the forest, on little-used paths. Passes by Mont Luisandre and the ruins of its14th-century castle. Beautiful view of Allymes Castle and the Ambérieu plain. Of course, you can visit Allymes Castle at the end of the hike.

Circuit of the 11 lakes in the Dombes

Circuit des 11 étangs dans la Dombes

Departure from Saint-Nizier-le-Désert (Ain)

This walk takes you through typical Dombes landscapes such as ponds, fields and copses. There are many ponds to see, making this route particularly interesting. Remember to bring your binoculars.

Semine Valley

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Vallée de la Semine

Departure from Saint-Germain-de-Joux (Ain)

A refreshing short hike with multiple panoramic views.

From Saint-Maurice d'Echazeaux to Montdidier Castle

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De Saint-Maurice d'Echazeaux vers le Château de Montdidier

Departure from Corveissiat (Ain)

A pleasant, easy circular walk, mainly through woodland. The charming church of Saint-Maurice-d'Échazeaux (or des Chasaux), which overlooks the confluence of the Valouse and Ain rivers, and the ruins of Montdidier Castle are worth exploring.

Loop around Saint-Éloi

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Boucle autour de Saint-Éloi

Departure from Saint-Éloi (Ain)

This easy circuit around the commune of Saint-Éloi in the Ain department will give you a glimpse of the Dombes region. It also offers plenty of geocaching opportunities for enthusiasts.

On the heights of Saint-Benoît

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Sur les hauteurs de Saint-Benoît

Departure from Saint-Benoît (Ain)

This is a very beautiful hike, especially after a few days of rain, which feeds the many streams. The first part up to (1) is not very steep but quite long, so it is best to be in good shape.

Les hauts sommets du massif du Jura depuis Lélex

Les hauts sommets du massif du Jura depuis Lélex

Departure from Lélex (Ain)

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions This tour offers a varied and challenging route, from the banks of the Valserine to the highest peaks of the Jura, with sublime views of the Alps, Lake Geneva and the Jura mountains. Starting from Lélex, the path runs alongside the Valserine and its peat bog before beginning the ascent of the Reculet (1,719 m) and the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif at 1,720 m. On the way back down to Lélex, note the remains of old buildings, evidence of the alpine farming tradition of the Jura Mountains.

The Mountain of Parves

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La Montagne de Parves

Departure from Parves (Ain)

Parves and a few other villages are nestled between the old Rhône and the canal (actually the canalised Rhône): you could say that this area forms an island. The suggested walk takes place at low altitude through woods, forests, agricultural landscapes, villages and hamlets that have preserved or enhanced the typical buildings of the Bugey region. There is also a beautiful view of the Savoyard foothills.

Étang Chardonnet circuit in Sainte-Olive

Circuit de l'Étang Chardonnet à Sainte-Olive

Departure from Sainte-Olive (Ain)

A pleasant walk typical of the Dombes. Mainly on tarmac but with very little traffic; you are on secondary roads. Along the route there is a high concentration of ponds, which are full of water in 2020. The view of the ponds is unobstructed and you will encounter many different birds. The walk is punctuated by a variety of landscapes: ponds, fields, copses and even a view of the Beaujolais region.

Le Grand Colombier from the Arvière lodge

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Le Grand Colombier à partir du Gîte d'Arvière

Departure from Lochieu (Ain)

Hike from the Chalet d'Arvières with a gradual, shaded climb to the Col de Charbemènes. Then follow the marked trail, which will take you to the Grand Colombier at 1,525 m in about an hour. You will then have a magnificent view of the Alps, Mont Blanc, Lac du Bourget, the Rhône, and more.

Around Pérouges

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Departure from Pérouges (Ain)

This loop will take you out of the medieval town to discover the varied landscape of the region, with woods, crops, a few old houses and panoramic views. The 9 km route is easy to follow and well marked in orange.

Around L'Abergement-de-Varey

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Autour de l'Abergement-de-Varey

Departure from L'Abergement-de-Varey (Ain)

Walk in Bugey along the banks and heights of the Oiselon Valley, crossing wooded areas, meadows and a few vineyards.

Croix de Bramafan from Lagnieu

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Departure from Lagnieu (Ain)

From Lagnieu, climb up to the Croix de Bramafan to discover a wide panorama of the Rhône plain, the Ain plain, Île Crémieu and, on a clear day, as far as Lyon. A very pleasant hike on well-shaded forest paths and trails.

Lac Genin from Oyonnax

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Le Lac Genin à partir d'Oyonnax

Departure from Oyonnax (Ain)

The aim of this hike is to take you to Lac Genin from the centre of Oyonnax. The route is mainly a loop. Once you arrive at the lake, you are free to spend as much time there as you like.

Tour of the Hostiaz plateau

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Tour du plateau d'Hostiaz

Departure from Hostiaz (Ain)

Tour of the Hostiaz plateau and its viewpoints along the ridges and cliffs.

Mont Mourex

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Departure from Divonne-les-Bains (Ain)

Panoramic view of Lake Geneva, the Alps, the high Jura mountains and the Pays de Gex

The Belvédère du Turet from the Col de la Faucille

Le Belvédère du Turet depuis le Col de la Faucille

Departure from Mijoux (Ain)

Open from 1 December to 30 March A lovely walk through the forest in the nature reserve leading to a viewpoint offering views of the Alps, Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. Hiking in the nature reserve - Dogs not allowed - Most of the route is located in a wildlife quiet zone, so it is mandatory to follow the markings.

The Conzieu lake tour

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Departure from Conzieu (Ain)

Hike around the Conzieu Lakes, visible from the heights, and Lac de Crotel, which cannot be seen. The hike takes place on good paths and a few steep trails. Spring or autumn in dry weather is preferable, as the few difficult passages can become slippery.

Loop in the Montagne Noire starting from Revonnas

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Boucle en Montagne Noire au départ de Revonnas

Departure from Revonnas (Ain)

Walk in the Revermont between Revonnas and Ceyzériat via the Montagne Noire. Beautiful view of the plain and, to finish, a detour to the Ceyzériat waterfall.

Tour of the viewpoints in Giron

Le tour des belvédères de Giron

Departure from Giron (Ain)

In a typical Jura setting, this loop offers exceptional panoramic views, such as the Roche Fauconnière.

The Gorges and Pertes de la Valserine

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Les Gorges et les Pertes de la Valserine

Departure from Lancrans (Ain)

A pleasant walk along the Valserine Gorges, from Les Pertes to Bellegarde. Very popular in hot weather as much of the route is in the woods and always close to the river. Please note that a municipal by-law dated 11 April 2024 prohibits continuing the hike beyond point 5 along the banks of the Valsorine (footbridges closed)

Seyssel loop

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Boucle de Seyssel

Departure from Seyssel (Ain)

This loop allows you to enjoy the banks of the Rhône and its history linked to Seyssel. It takes you up high, through hamlets, vineyards and fields, where you can appreciate the beauty of the Rhône valley nestled between the Gros Foug mountain and Mont Colombier.

More walks in Ain

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