Retrouvance® : hiking tour in the Jura's montains

This Retrouvance® tour takes you through the hills and valleys of the Valromey, located in the Bugey region at the southern end of the Jura Mountains and whose highest point is the Grand Colombier at 1531 metres. This limestone territory, shaped by glaciers, is crossed by numerous rivers. Preserved from urbanisation, the Valromey has remained very rural. The route crosses a variety of landscapes: "black" forests, mountain pastures, coombs and hedgerows. Its prime location in front of the Alps offers surprising panoramas. This trip invites you to discover its preserved natural areas, its bucolic setting, its architectural and historical heritage.

During this easy hike, you will be accommodated in the heart of a village and in typical and warm stopover gîtes, all located in the middle of nature. There are two old forest houses, the Gîte de la Lèbe and the Chalet d'Arvières, with a guaranteed wild atmosphere. The basic accommodation is in dormitories, but three double or triple rooms are available in hotel formula (if you book early enough).

Difficulty: hiker level 2 out of 5: from 550 m to 780 m of difference in altitude, from 5 h to 5 h 30 of walking per day.
Group size: 6 to 13 people.
Supervision: state-qualified mountain guide, with a thorough knowledge of the massif.

The stages are divided as follows:

Day 1: Champagne en Valromey (532 m) - Gîte de la Lèbe (860 m).
Meeting point at 1.45 pm at the Virieu-le-Grand train station (transfer on reservation at registration) or in front of the Tourist Office of Champagne-en-Valromey at 2.30 pm. You must arrive at the meeting point, ready to go hiking, dressed with your backpack ready and your hiking shoes. Presentation of the trip by your guide.
Beginning of the trip through the Valromey countryside, discovery of the Gorges de Thurignin. Climb up to the Lèbe pass. Evening at the Observatoire de la Lèbe. Meal and night at the Lèbe forest gîte.

Difference in altitude: + 570 m, - 240 m, length: 11 km, duration: 3h30.

Day 02: Gîte de la Lèbe - Forêt domaniale de Gervais
This is a loop hike to discover the Gervais state forest, in a natural atmosphere, which awaits you. A real immersion in the heart of the Bugey mountains, discover alternating plateaus, forests and ridges. You will have access to panoramic views of the whole region.

Difference in altitude: + 400 m, - 400 m, length: 12 km, duration: 5h

Day 03: Gîte de la Lèbe - Les Plans d'Hotonnes (1117 m)
This day in a more open setting takes you to discover the villages and hamlets of the Valromey. A short transfer is organised during the day to reach the final stage.
A bucolic route through the Séran valley leads to Bassieu. After discovering the sites of the Fontaine d'Argent and Châteauneuf, the medieval capital of the Valromey, you pass the peaceful Alliettes pond before reaching the village of Hotonnes. Your real ascent begins and allows you to reach the Grange du Plat, nestled in its clearing. From clearing to clearing, you reach your highest point at 1,125m then the profile softens to reach Les Plans d'Hotonnes. Overnight in a gîte d'étape.

Difference in altitude: + 780 m, - 370 m, length: 19 km, duration: 5h30.

Day 4: Les Plans d'Hotonnes - Chalet d'Arvières (1174 m).
Today's hike links the Plateau de Retord to the Grand Colombier massif by a beautiful and long crossing along the Corniche du Valromey. Discover the panorama of the Mont-Blanc and all the Alps. Continuation to the Chalet d'Arvières, accommodation for the next two days. A technician from the Office National des Forêts will be present during the day.

Difference in altitude: + 430 m, - 390 m, length: 18 km, duration: 5h.

Day 5: Chalet d'Arvières - Loop trail - Chalet d'Arvières.
A loop hike that will take you over the open spaces of the Sur Lyand plateau and then up the Griffe du Diable. The route is much simpler than the name suggests. The route continues towards the Charbemènes pass and the summit of the Grand Colombier. You will be able to admire the spectacular 360° view of the Jura, the Mont-Blanc massif, the Aravis, the Bauges, the Chartreuse and sometimes even the Massif Central. Return to the chalet at Arvières.

Difference in altitude: + 650 m, - 650 m, length: 16 km, duration: 5h.

Day 06: Chalet d'Arvières - Champagne en Valromey (532 m)
Descent to the village of Lochieu. Visit the Bugey-Valromey departmental museum to learn about other aspects of the area and make you want to come back.
A wild trail along the Arvière leads to the spectacular Vauclusian Resurgence of the Groin. After passing through the village of Vieu, you come full circle.
End of the trip at around 4.30 pm in Champagne en Valromey or at 5.15 pm (transfer on reservation at registration) in Virieu Le Grand station.

Height difference: + 200 m, - 850 m, length: 17 km, duration: 4h30.

The timetables have been calculated for a pace of 300 metres per hour uphill, 500 metres per hour downhill and 4 km per hour on the flat, in order to be able to compare the different walks with the same base. They only concern the actual walk, all meal times, breaks and contemplation times are to be added.

The organiser of the trip and the guide may sometimes have to modify the itinerary indicated. These modifications are always made in your interest, for your safety and comfort.

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