Hikes along the waterfalls

The Clairefontaine waterfall

Hike to discover the historic center of Virieu-le-Grand by going up the Arène River to the majestic Clairefontaine waterfall located in the forest. Unlike some other waterfalls, the flow of Clairefontaine never stops, even during periods of drought.

Hike of the Clairefontaine waterfall

To make the most of it

Accessible by train, the Virieu-le-Grand station is on the Lyon – Geneva railroad line.
The Clairefontaine waterfall flows all year round, even during dry summer months.
Access to an orientation table with a view of the southern Bugey, the Grand Colombier massif and the Alps.

Find more ideas of places to visit during your stay in the region!

Visit

Enjoy a refreshing moment at the lake of Virieu-le-Grand after your walk.
The lake of Virieu offers a large beach, games for children, a food-truck and many picnic areas in the shade of trees. Swimming is supervised in July and August. Swimming is prohibited in the Clairefontaine waterfall.

©Summer 2025|Thibault Collin - CC Bugey Sud

Lake Virieu le Grand

Gorges de Thurignin

Waterfall, gorges, vineyard, forest and limestone massif, this hike at the foot of the Grand Colombier impresses by the diversity of its landscapes.

Hike: Gorges de Thurignin

To make the most of it

Impressive Cerveyrieu waterfall and its landscaped viewpoint.
Panorama from the Vierge du Fierloz.
Canyon of Thurignin.
Various atypical hamlets in the commune of Valromey-sur-Séran.
Wine-growing hillsides of Massignieu de Belmont.

Wine tasting at the cellar Claude Collomb!

Wine Cellar Claude Collomb

Enjoy local gastronomy at the foot of the Grand Colombier!

Restaurant "Les Caudalies"

Restaurant Le Séran

Sentier de l'eau

Water has shaped our natural environments over time. Rare in limestone mountain country, it seeps down to the Rhone plain where its abundance fills us with benefits. The water trail plays with its capricious path and also allows us to discover the imprints of human activity linked to water.

Trail along the water (Sentier de l'eau)

©Cascade de Glandieu|Philippe Meunier - Saint Thomas TV

©Panorama depuis le Sentier de l'eau à Bréngnier-Cordon|Maxime Ballet

To make the most of it!

The majestic waterfall of Glandieu.
The various panoramas on the Rhone and the north of the Isère.
The path weaving between the course of the Glandieu river and the Glandieu cave.
The charming village of Brégnier Cordon.
The waterskiing lift nearby!
The Bistrot de la cascade right in front of it to eat a delicious meal with a view!

Waterskiing lift Exo 3D

At a stone’s throw from the Glandieu waterfall, this store offers you a wide choice of local products: fruit juices, cider, beer, oils and vinegar, flours, coffee, herbal teas and teas, spices, honey, saffron, foie gras, terrines, cheeses, charcuteries.

Groceries, ice creams, drinks and coffee are available to take away or to consume on the spot, on the terrace in front of the store.

Quand on sème - local products store

Le Bistrot de la Cascade

Golet au loup

Hiking circuit of 7,6 km in the South Bugey, following the course of the river Séran go through:

The Fierloz massif.
The Cerveyrieu waterfall

Hike: Golet au loup

©Massif De Fierloz © Philippe Meunier Saint Thomas Tv (4)|Philippe Meunier

To make the most of it!

Fierloz, a 74-hectare limestone plateau with lapiaz formed 140 million years ago.
A panorama from the Virgin of the Fierloz massif.
Cerveyrieu waterfall, a spectacular waterfall with a point of view.
Courses and initiations to basketry nearby at the workshop La Grisette d’Osier.

15Mar31Dec

Workshop La Grisette d'osier

In addition to the various restaurants in Artemare, the start of this hike is located near the Vaugrais campsite, a comfortable campsite located near the mythical Grand Colombier. Composed of large pitches and comfortable accommodation, the managers welcome you to enjoy the swimming pool as well as many services to spend a pleasant holiday during the summer: snack bar, takeaway meals, ice cream…