Hiking on the ridge paths of the Grand Colombier

The ridges of Sur Lyand

Facing the Mont Blanc, this hike of moderate difficulty starting from Col de la Biche offers many panoramas on the Alps.

Hiking in Bugey: Crêtes de Sur Lyand

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Vue depuis le Chalet d'Arvières dans le massif du Grand Colombier
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Philippe Meunier - Saint Thomas TV

To make the most of it

Numerous panoramas of the Alps, the Grand Colombier and the Valromey.
Low elevation gain.
Fields of wild flowers in Spring.
Coolness in the summer.
Impressive trails on the ridge line.

To discover nearby: the Sugar Loaf waterfall!

The Sugar Loaf in Valromey

The trails of this hike go through the exceptional natural site of Arvière located in the heart of Grand Colombier.
Appreciated by hikers wishing to eat or spend the night at the Chalet d’Arvières, the site is also composed of Carthusian monastery ruins of the same name (classified as a historical monument) as well as a garden with a view that can be visited freely.
Wild and preserved space, the site is part of the Sensitive Natural Area of the Grand Colombier, its eponymous river is labeled wild river and part of its state forest is classified since 2017 Integral Biological Reserve.

Not to be missed nearby: dairy in Valromey to try the tastiest cheese! And do not miss the restaurant Chalet d’Arviere.

"Fruitière du Valromey": production of Comté cheese

Restaurant du Chalet d'Arvières

The ridge loop

of Grand Colombier

Starting at Grand Colombier top, this very aerial hike gets you to enjoy several viewpoints along the way.

Hike: on the ridge of the Grand Colombier (circuit des crêtes)

To make the most of it

360-degree panoramas from the summit of the Grand Colombier.
A bird’s eye view of Lac du Bourget from the Roche de Chanduraz.
Access to the Grand Colombier orientation table.
Mountain pure fresh air with cooler temperatures even in the middle of summer.

To see nearby: the natural reserve and its museum in Lavours!

The Lavours Natural Reserve

The ridges of Hergues

Another hike on the side of the Col de la Biche, this circuit running through the undergrowth of the Arvière forest rises to the Hergues ridges to offer a remarkable view of the entire Alps chain before reaching the Arvière site, a privileged spot in the heart of the Massif du Grand Colombier.

Hike in Bugey: Les crêtes d'Hergues

To make the most of it

Panorama on the Alps and the Grand Colombier.
Cool hike in the heart of summer.
Halt possible at the chalet of Arvières.
Far from the crowded hikes, enjoy the calm of the Arvière forest.
Possible detour up to the Grand Colombier for the most adventurous ones.

Top tip nearby: canoe kayak outings, family bike rides, seminars, water sports base, stand up paddle, canyoning… get your fill of activities in Seyssel at the foot of the Col de la Biche.

Prolynx Sports

In the heart of the Arvières forest and Grand Colombier, the Arvière site is a place of exceptional tranquility.
As isolated from the rest of the world, it is not difficult to imagine why this place was chosen to erect a monastery by the Carthusian monks in the 12th century.

Fill up on activities: canyoning, biathlon, via ferrata, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, all-terrain e-scooters, etc. Make the most of your stay by booking your fun and nature moment with professionals!

Activities with your local guide

Circuit des Scioux

This loop starting from parking lot at La Sapette is composed of two parts:

A first easy part in the wild coomb.
More aerial and demanding trails on the ridge line offering beautiful views of the Alps.

Hike: Le circuit des Scioux

To make the most of it

Aerial passages from the Charbemènes pass to the summit of Grand Colombier via the orientation table.
A 360° panorama on the whole second part of the hike.
A less difficult walk than the climbs starting from Culoz or Munet.
The possibility of get some food and water along the way at La Pause du Grand Colombier located at the top of the pass.

At the foot of the Grand Colombier, discover the many places of historic interest in Culoz-Béon!

Culoz and the castle of Montveran

Located at its lowest point at 1220 meters above sea level, this hike between underbrush, coombs and ridges offers the opportunity to enjoy the fresh mountain air, even when temperatures are very high in the summer.

To discover nearby:
Mini-farm visit, restaurant, direct sale of farm products, taste what Bugey has best to offer at La Ferme du Marais!

Swamp mini-farm

Grand Colombier from Munet

This difficult loop from Valromey will seduce you with the variety of landscapes encountered. You will discover during the ascent of the Grand Colombier:

An ascent to the coolness of the undergrowth circulating by going up a stream of Brançon by the Vierge de la Combe.
A 360° panorama which is revealed at the top of Grand Colombier.
A specatcular view on lake Bourget and the south of Bugey from the rock of Chanduraz.

Hike of the Grand Colombier starting from Munet

To make the most of it

Departing from the town of Arvière-en-Valromey, this hike is a stone’s throw from the Fruitière du Valromey and the restaurant Ô Saisons.
La Fruitière du Valromey has a visit area explaining how Comté cheese is made, an exhibition room and a shop. It sells Comté, tomme, raclette, butter, cream and fromage blanc.
The Ô Saisons restaurant welcomes you to Virieu-le-Petit at the foot of the Grand Colombier for an original meal only made with local products!