Hike: Gorges de Thurignin

Le Vaugrais campsite, located in the heart of the Grand Colombier massif, offers an idyllic setting for family vacations. Hélène and Pierre offer spacious pitches and comfortable accommodation, perfect for a relaxing break.Fancy a break in the fresh air in the heart of the mountains? You will be seduced by the beauty of the landscapes and the numerous sporting and cultural activities to do around the campsite. Chalets and mobile homes with a wooden terrace will allow you to spend a pleasant holiday. You will find wifi throughout the campsite so you can stay connected with your friends and family during your stay. In high season, the campsite offers many activities for families, especially for young children. During this period: snack bar, take-away food, ice cream

Impressive waterfall about sixty meters high overlooking the hamlet of Cerveyrieu in the town of Artemare.Pots, basins, canyon and impressive waterfall make up this diverse site. The Cerveyrieu Waterfall is one of the "geological curiosities of Valromey" located along the "Séran" stream, labeled Sensitive area by the Department of Ain in 2017 along with the Gorges de Thurignin, and the canyon of Cerveyrieu , Real natural and landscape jewels of the Department of Ain. The waterfall offers a very beautiful view of the Colombier and the Alps. To admire it from above, take the D31, “sous Chassin” (between Champagne and Don). The turbulent waters of the Séran, a river classified as the first category for trout fishing, above the village of Artemare. It is forbidden to bathe in the bed of the Séran and to picnic on the banks of the Séran. Animals accepted on leash only. Please note that the flow of the Séran river varies greatly over the seasons, it happens that the waterfall can be dry during the summer.

An unspoiled site nearly half a kilometre in length, where the Séran has hewn out a succession of potholes linked by deep, narrow clefts in the rock down which roaring water cascades.This site is part of 32 sites labeled Sensitive area in the Ain department. A stone pavement forms a bridge over one deep pothole, providing access to the path to the former railway station of Vieu. The gorges are located close to the hamlet of Belmont, and are part of a hiking trail named Les gorges de Thurignin. It is forbidden to bathe in the bed of the Séran and to picnic on the banks of the Séran. Animals accepted on leash only. Please note that the flow of the Séran river varies greatly over the seasons, it happens that the gorges can be dry during the summer.

Le Plateau du Fierloz depuis Massignieu jusqu'à Artemare offre toutes les particularités d'un plateau karstique: les lapiaz (fissures profondes creusées par les infiltrations d'eau) Une belle promenade dans les buis et les pins...Au départ de Massignieu sur la commune de Belmont-Luthézieu : elle commence dans les vignes et se poursuit sur les hauteurs du plateau. Ce site fait partie des 32 sites labellisés "Espaces Naturels Sensibles" (ENS) dans le département de l'Ain. Dans le cadre du "Schéma départemental des espaces naturels sensibles" (SDENS 2012-2017), ces milieux sont destinés à être préservés, valorisés et ouverts au public, offrant ainsi des supports exceptionnels pour la promotion du département.

Karstic plateau covering several hectares, vast slabs criss-crossed by deep fissures carved out by seeping water. A beautiful walk through box and maritime pine.This pleasant place of walk, occupied since the year 58, is constituted of many lapiaz, dug by the infiltrations of water and shelters more than 200 species of plants. From la Vierge, in the middle of the maritime pines and the box trees, a very beautiful sight is offered to you. The statue was erected in 1896 to commemorate the 14th centenary of the baptism of Clovis. This site is one of 32 sites labelled "Espaces Naturels Sensibles" (ENS) in the department of Ain. Within the framework of the "Schéma départemental des espaces naturels sensibles" (SDENS 2012-2017), these environments are intended to be preserved, enhanced and open to the public, thus offering exceptional support for the promotion of the department. Geology : Limestones are more or less impure lime carbonates. They are soluble in water containing carbonic acid. It penetrates easily into the cracked limestone layers. This phenomenon characterizes the karstic relief. The lapiaz: as a result of climate change, erosion and human activities, limestone dissolves according to its purity, forming dissolution slits (grikes). They separate tables of lapiés (clints) whose shape and surface are related to the degree of cracking. On this site, these lapiaz form steps. They are called "structural benches". The flora : Crustaceous lichens colonize the bare or calcareous surface more or less flat. Then follow the black gelatinous lichens. Perennial lawn of limestone slabs: crassulent plants (orpines and basophilic plants). Dry grass: erect bromine, orchids and other protected plants. Calcareous blood geranium hems. The stable xerophilous saskatoon buxaie with oval leaves and boxwood. Wildlife : The site is home to exceptional wildlife. 21 species of birds nest on the massif, such as the Nightjar, the reptile-loving Circaète Jean Le Blanc and the red partridge. Protected species populate the site such as the red squirrel, 8 species of bats, 40 insects, reptiles and amphibians. Bring hiking boots to walk around the site Recall all fires are prohibited.