Grande Traversée du Jura on foot: From Culoz to La Borne au Lion

Right in the heart of the nature, at 1 062m of altitude, enjoy the benefits of quietness and calm, facing the beautiful panorama of the Alps all year long.

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.

Located to the south of the Jura Massif and Bugey’s highest point (1531 m), with over 100 km of marked hiking trails (GR9, LWG, GR) and panoramic views on the Alps (Belledonne and Mont Blanc), Bugey, Rhone, lake Bourget and Lake Annecy and Leman. There is the opportunity to discover various sites and landscapes: forests, grasslands, grangeons (temporary accommodation for winemakers) the Chartreuse Arvières ruins, ridge roads and panoramic views on the Alps.The summit of the Grand Colombier offers exceptional views of the Belledonne and Mont-Blanc massifs, the Bugey region, the Rhône, Lac du Bourget, Lac d'Annecy and Lac du Léman. The "giant of Bugey" offers a variety of sites and landscapes to admire: forests, meadows, barns, the ruins of the Chartreuse d'Arvières and panoramic views of the Alps. Two orientation tables: - "le Fenestrez" (Altitude: 1,150 m): from Culoz, follow the RD120, then at the Sapette crossroads, the D120b on the left. - La Croix" (altitude 1,525 m): from Culoz, follow the RD120 towards Col du Grand Colombier. Parking lot nearby. This massif has all the characteristics of the Jurassic era: firstly, alternating mountains and valleys: the mountain is surrounded to the west by the Valromey depression and to the east by the Lavours and Chautagne marshes. It reappears as a "mollard" at Lavours and Vions. The limestone rock, carved out by heavy rains, has given rise to picturesque sites such as the Thurignin gorges in Valromey, the Cerveyrieu waterfall near Artemare, the Groin canyon, etc... You can drive through the massif on the D120 from Culoz (where the climb is particularly spectacular), Anglefort, Virieu-le-Petit or Lochieu. There is a parking lot near the Iron Cross overlooking the massif.

A vast Jurassic plateau with gentle landscapes which change with the seasons.

An easy walk along the river banks from the town centre to the place known as "Les Pertes de la Valserine", where the river disappears into a bottomless pit, before reappearing beyond a labyrinth of limestone canyons.The Valserine is the first French river to have been awarded the ‘Rivières Sauvages’ label. This guarantees its high purity. Trout spawn here and are protected in certain areas by reserves. At Valserhône, the river disappears only to reappear a little further on... These are the Pertes de la Valserine! From the car park along the D1084, take a path that descends for about 20 minutes to the Pertes de la Valserine, where the river's waters disappear into a bottomless chasm, only to reappear beyond a labyrinth of limestone canyons. The Valserine contributed to the industrial and commercial development of Bellegarde, and was also a border on several occasions: between France and Savoy (1601-1760), then a free zone (1815-1923) and a demarcation line during the Second World War (free zone located on the right bank). Other possible starting points for the walk: - from the Voie du Tram car park, at a place called Rougeland - from Bellegarde town centre, taking the detour via the Voie du Tram and then the GR9.

Located in Valromey sur Séran in the Bugey Sud, the Observatoire de la Lèbe is entirely dedicated to the discovery of astronomy for all.How about taking the time to observe the stars? A unique place in the Ain, the Observatoire de la Lèbe in Valromey sur Séran in the Bugey Sud offers you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the galaxies, stars and planets through fun and exciting astronomical activities. All year round, upon reservation, the Observatoire de la Lèbe offers you : Planetarium sessions: Come aboard the planetarium for a virtual trip with striking realism. Guided by our scientific mediator, discover constellations, planets, nebulae, galaxies and other unsuspected wonders of the deep sky. The session consists of a film followed by a presentation of the sky by the presenter. A dive into the heart of the starry sky comfortably installed in a in a recliner. Duration: 1 hour. Sessions from Monday to Saturday (summer and school holidays). Other dates possible on reservation. Planetarium films: >Blind with starry eyes >Lucia, the secret of shooting stars >Voyager, the endless journey >From the earth to the universe >The sun, our living star Find the screenings on the agenda of our website. To schedule a session outside the dates already programmed, please contact us. More information by phone or on our website. Sun observations: observe the surface of the sun live in a 120 mm telescope equipped with a professional solar filter. Observation evenings for all: >Observation evenings: discover the sky with the naked eye and telescopes... >Family evenings" experience the magic of shooting stars and constellations in the planetarium and continue with an observation with instruments. >Celestial legends" evenings: learn to recognise the constellations and be lulled by their mythological tales. >Evscope" evenings The digital telescope that has revolutionised sky observation in recent years. Information, reservation by phone and on the internet: www.observatoiredelalebe.fr/soirees-dobservation/ Free access: Rediscover the path of the stars and its booklet sold at the Observatory and at the OT Bugey Sud Grand Colombier and spend a great moment in family in total autonomy. and have a great time with your family in total autonomy. Available every day of the year. Our course The bestiary of the sky focuses on the constellations and the animal figures associated with them. The Observatory also offers courses for adults and children. It is open all year round for groups (schools, leisure activities, associations, works councils, families...). Programmes Specific programmes on request.

The Lavours Marsh is one of the last remaining giant marshlands in continental Western Europe. Located near Ceyzérieu in the shadow of the Grand Colombier the marsh covers an area of 500 hectares and is traversed by a wooden footbridge 1.2km long.The Lavours Marsh was declared a Nature Reserve in 1984 to protect the rich and diverse flora and fauna that exists there. Visitors can view this remarkable marshland from a 1.2km long wooden pathway on stilts that allows access right to the very heart of the marsh. All along this pathway there are signs in both French and English that give explanations about the various plants and animals that exist in the marsh. The pathway is accessible to wheelchair users and all the signs are available in Braille for the visually impaired. The only entrance to the Lavours Marsh is located in the hamlet of Aignoz, here you will find plenty of free parking and the Maison du Marais, an interpretative centre that explains the history and life of the marsh. Each year at the Maison du Marais between April and October a program of various events is scheduled that allows the public discover more about the marsh’s flora and fauna and heritage. To access to the swamp, a mandatory parking is at visitors disposal free of charge, at the entry of Aignoz hamlet. It is important de respect the natural reserve regulation: dogs and gathering forbidden. The stilt walk is accessible to people with reduced mobility with the help of an accompanying person.

With an area of 10 909 ha spread over 18 towns, the High Jura Nature National Reserve is among the largest in France. It shelters a wealthy heritage, to be discovered and protected.It stretches from the Franco-Swiss border in the north to the Rhône gap in the south, it is 580m to 1720m high, at the “Crêt de la Neige”. It hosts a wide biodiversity of flora, fauna, geology, landscape, architecture, ... By respecting the rules, you allow the protection of the natural environments and their hosts.

At La Valserine campsite, you're ideally placed to explore the Monts-Jura valley via its many signposted footpaths included GTJ, providing an ideal starting point for your outdoor adventures.This eco-friendly campsite, certified by the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, welcomes you to a green and shaded setting on the banks of the peaceful La Valserine river, certified as a wild river. Located at the entrance to the village of Chézery-Forens, in the commune of Monts-Jura, our establishment offers 44 high-quality pitches, as well as chalets, mobile homes and eco-lodges equipped for 2 to 6 people, canvas lodges for 4 people and bivouac cabins. Enjoy our new heated lagoon spa pool, open in summer, and the snack bar, and discover our eco-grazing animals such as Soay sheep, rabbits and chickens. Children can have fun in our play area equipped with swings and a slide. Our rentals are open from February, and we provide a charging station for electric vehicles (7 kW).

Le Chalet Jura welcomes you as a cottage, group stay or relaxing stay.. with a warm living-room fitted with a fire place and a room to do a lot of activities.. A marvelous environment in a wild and preserved nature. Possibility of special stay : sophrology, relaxation..

A former forester's house that has been completely restored as a gîte d'étape et de séjour, situated at an altitude of 1250m, on the GR9, the GTJ and the site of the former Carthusian monastery of Arvières.Rejuvenate in a peaceful natural setting, accessible on foot and snowshoes, and by car via a passable forest track. Accommodation for 14 people in 6 bedrooms. 2 triple rooms, 3 double rooms with single beds and 1 double room. Special offer: unlimited relaxation and wild plant cooking course using the traditional bread oven! Meals, half board Open from mid-May to mid-October, Tuesday to Sunday lunchtime, and from mid-December to mid-March, Wednesday to Sunday lunchtime.

Group/stop-over gîte in converted cheese dairy in village, 850 m. up, near Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, Accommodation on 3 levels.Ground floor: dining room, lounge (woodburner), games room (billiards, table football, etc.), fitted kitchen. 1st et 2nd floors: 11 bedrooms (2 to 8 beds). Private and shared facilities, washbasins et WCs in each room. Wood-fired central heating. 2 large adjoining rooms can be hired for functions (200 sq.m. ? 80 people). Terrace, parking nearby. Nearby: cross-country skiing, toboggan run, forest walks, lake. Nantua lake, Retord plateau. The ideal spot for a relaxing holiday

Located in the center of the city near the train station. This hotel offers 25 rooms including 1 room fitted out for disabled people and 1 family room.The Hotel Hermance is located in the center of Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, just two minutes from the TGV train station. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Bellegarde-sur-Valserine lies on the banks of the Valserine and Rhône rivers. The town is at the crossroads of the Ain and Haute-Savoie regions, and close to Switzerland. Within a 40km radius, you can discover Fort-L'Ecluse, Lake Annecy and its old town, Lake Leman, Geneva, the Haut-Jura mountains, and many other activities.

La Ferme de Retord is located in the heart of the Plateau de Retord, if you want a timeless adventure away from the crowds, this is the place! Accessible only on foot, by snowshoe or by ski, in about 45 minutes from the Col de Cuvéry.What a joy to arrive at this traditional farm after a little warm-up in winter or a long walk on the GR9 and GTJ route in summer, then to settle down near the huge fireplace for a good mountain meal and "house" by the fire.

It is a very nice and comfortable house located in the PNR of Haut-Jura and 1000 m high. It has been decorated and fitted out in a sophisticated and mountain style. It is perfect to relax in a very beautiful setting. There are a lot of activities to do all year round.5 character guest rooms, tasteful décor, on the 1st floor of a large village house in Haut Jura National Park. Separate entrance. 1 room (queen-size bed), 2 twin rooms, each with own bathroom (whirlpool bath). Double room, multi-jet shower. Family suite: double room, twin room, bathroom (whirlpool bath). Separate WC in each room. Sauna. Large library/lounge/ dining room (wood-burner).|Large wooden deck with fine open views, peaceful, available for meals/relaxing. Flower garden. Book ahead for evening table d'hôte meals. Guest kitchen available. No smoking in bedrooms. Lower rate for 2 or more nights. Pets are allowed with a surcharge.

Discover this unique gîte d'étape in a former 16th-century abbey, in the heart of the village and adjacent to the owners' inn.The second floor offers a spacious living room with kitchenette and sitting area, ideal for relaxing after a day of adventures. On the second floor, you'll find four quality bedrooms, each with a full en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, washbasin). The bedrooms vary, with one double, three large rooms each offering two distinct spaces (one with four single beds, two others with a bunk bed and three single beds). Nestled in the Parc Naturel du Haut Jura and close to the Pays de Gex, this is the perfect place for an extended stay or a stopover. Take advantage of the local hiking trail (GR), fish in the Valserine and discover the local cheese factory. Winter sports enthusiasts will love the alpine skiing and snowshoeing trails in the village of Lélex, just 12 km away.

In the heart of the Haute chaîne du Jura, the La Loge refuge welcomes you to an exceptional site!A summer and winter guarded mountain hut at 1436 m altitude, situated on the GR9 and close to the Lélex-Crozet ski area, enjoy an overnight stay, a break or a tasty meal during your getaway to the Crêt de la Neige, hosted by Cathy & Franck. Not far from the Haute Chaîne du Jura Nature Reserve, please respect its regulations.