Cascade de GlandieuCascade de Glandieu
©Cascade de Glandieu|Philippe Meunier - Saint Thomas TV

Hikes along the waterfalls

Natural treasures and spectacular landscapes of the Jura Massif, the waterfalls and wild rivers of Bugey Sud will surprise you along your hikes.

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.

     

    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!

    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.


    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.

    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!

    Enjoy local gastronomy at the foot of the Grand Colombier!


    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.

       

      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!

      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.


      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

        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.

        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…


        Magnine waterfalls in Culoz

        At your own pace, this sporty walk starting in the historic district of Culoz will take you up the Magnine waterfalls.

           

          To make the most of it
          • Treasures of the Culozian heritage: the castle of Montveran, the clos Poncet, the chapel and the remains of the Culoz aqueduct.
          • Succession of waterfalls up to the Magnine bridge.
          • Remarkable viewpoints on the Rhone river and the lake of Bourget.
          • The Colombier campsite nearby, their snack-bar and the little light blue lake right next to it!

          You can find near the circuit in Culoz:

          • The small light blue lake supervised in July-August to cool off after the hike.
          • The leisure center (pump track, mini golf, tennis courts, games, etc.).
          • The campsite snack bar.
          • Le Colombier campsite.
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