Where to find accommodations on the GTJ?

-Whether it is the GTJ by mountain bike or on foot, several accommodations offer overnight stays on a half-board basis along the routes: in Les Plans d’Hotonnes, the Claie des Lys bed and breakfast, the Chalet Jean Macé, or the Chalet d’Arvières just a few minutes from the Grand Colombier. A natural camping area is also accessible at Les Plans d’Hotonnes. At the arrival of the GTJ, the Colombier campsite in Culoz also has many pitches and tents ready to camp.

Can I just put my tent anywhere along the way?

– Only the natural camping area in Les Plans d’Hotonnes and the Colombier campsite in Culoz are accessible for itinerants wishing to camp on the Plateau de Retord and the Grand Colombier, wild camping is not allowed.

Where to sleep in Culoz ?

– The Colombier campsite in Culoz has many pitches as well as tents ready to camp for hikers and cyclists. A few kilometers from Culoz, located in a bucolic setting the Auberge de la Paillère also welcomes itinerants at the end of their GTJ.

What can I see in Culoz ?

– Culoz, the final point of the GTJ located at the foot of the Grand Colombier and bordered by the Rhone Canal, has a rich historical heritage. Among the things to see, on the end of the GTJ route, the Castle of Montvéran (visits every Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Summer) the old aqueduct of Culoz, the Clos Poncet where the American writer Gertrude Stein stayed, the House of Heritage and the church of Saint Martin.

Where to eat in Plans d'Hotonnes and Culoz ?

Berthet restaurant in Plans d’Hotonnes welcomes you for lunch and dinner, offering mountain specialties all year round. (Reservation advised). In Culoz: – At the Campagnard Autrement and its traditional catering based on fresh products and homemade desserts. – At the restaurant Les Epicurieux in Culoz serving delicious and fresh food. – The Snack Bar of the Colombier campsite welcomes you every day under its shaded terrace from 7:30 am to 8 pm at the edge of the Culoz lake to taste tasty cocktails or treat yourself to delicious pizzas, salads, ice creams…

Multi day hikes

Go on an adventure! Cross the Jura mountains at the boarder between France and Switzerland by following the Grande Traversée du Jura, this multi day hike ends (or begins, depending on the direction you want to take) in the town of Culoz. From the Plateau de Retord to the Grand Colombier, the journey through the natural landscapes of the Jura mountains is full of fabulous landscapes and panoramas.

Our selection of itineraries

On foot, by bike and mountain bike

Grandes Traversées du Jura (GTJ) : Multi-days walk from Mandeure to Culoz

3 day-hike in Jura: hiking trails through Plateau de Retord and Grand Colombier

Grandes Traversées du Jura (GTJ) : Cycle route from Montbéliard to Culoz

Multi day mountain bike rides in the Eastern part of France

Cycling on the ViaRhôna cycle path

Our little tips!

Let us guide you

Promotional hiking map in Bugey

Download our map and daily and multi-day hike in the region.
Other more detailed maps can be found at the Tourist Office.

Download the promotional hiking map18MB

Ain-Outdoor,

the application for your outdoor sports outings

Download the free Ain-Outdoor app on your smartphone and discover the most beautiful hikes in Bugey and Ain department. Suitable for all levels, the proposed hikes are downloadable on the app, you will then just have to let yourself be guided by following the chosen route.
Find the hiking, trail and cycling routes on the app and the website ain-outdoor.com.

Download the app

Accommodation along the ViaRhôna cycling route

Accommodations on Plateau de Retord

The best accommodations for cyclists near the Grand Colombier and ViaRhona

All partner accommodations

Impulsion - Mountain guide

Lézard des Bois - Canyoning, Climbing, Hiking and Forest bathing

Our partner guides

FAQ

Where to find accommodations on the GTJ?
-Whether it is the GTJ by mountain bike or on foot, several accommodations offer overnight stays on a half-board basis along the routes: in Les Plans d’Hotonnes, the Claie des Lys bed and breakfast, the Chalet Jean Macé, or the Chalet d’Arvières just a few minutes from the Grand Colombier.
A natural camping area is also accessible at Les Plans d’Hotonnes.
At the arrival of the GTJ, the Colombier campsite in Culoz also has many pitches and tents ready to camp.
Can I just put my tent anywhere along the way?
Where to sleep in Culoz ?
What can I see in Culoz ?
– Culoz, the final point of the GTJ located at the foot of the Grand Colombier and bordered by the Rhone Canal, has a rich historical heritage.
Among the things to see, on the end of the GTJ route, the Castle of Montvéran (visits every Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Summer) the old aqueduct of Culoz, the Clos Poncet where the American writer Gertrude Stein stayed, the House of Heritage and the church of Saint Martin.
Where to eat in Plans d'Hotonnes and Culoz ?
Berthet restaurant in Plans d’Hotonnes welcomes you for lunch and dinner, offering mountain specialties all year round. (Reservation advised).
In Culoz:
– At the Campagnard Autrement and its traditional catering based on fresh products and homemade desserts.
– At the restaurant Les Epicurieux in Culoz serving delicious and fresh food.
– The Snack Bar of the Colombier campsite welcomes you every day under its shaded terrace from 7:30 am to 8 pm at the edge of the Culoz lake to taste tasty cocktails or treat yourself to delicious pizzas, salads, ice creams…