Discover the natural beauty of Brenod, Ain, Rhône-Alpes

a circuit that's just the ticket for a family with young kids. Springtime is the right time for enjoying the waterfalls here to their best. You can't go wrong finding them : just follow the blue signboards, some of them fish shaped. There's a superb panorama of the plateau from here. A roman bridge, a footbridge, a landmark table and a picnic area punctuate the 2 hour walk.

For the 2025-2026 season, the salle hors sac will only be open to school groups on weekdays. Capacity of 120 seats by reservation

Rental of cross-country skis, sledges, snowshoes, skating equipment, traditional equipment

The Montagnard de Lachat Ski Centre on the Retord Plateau offers 50km of cross-country skiing pistes. These include circuits to suit all abilities with green, blue, red and black pistes available that range in length from 2.5km to 17km. The Montagnard de Lachat Ski Centre invites you to come and enjoy the fresh air while partaking in the range of winter sports on offer. The centre has ample car parking space available and it is possible to rent equipment at the centre’s office. Additionally the centre provides somewhere to chill out after your efforts. There are wide choices of cross-country skiing circuits available that are suitable for both traditional and skating styles. As well as Nordic skiing there are snowshoe circuits and pistes for sledging. These winter activities are great fun and can be enjoyed by families or amongst friends.

Group gîte sleeping 50 in the heart of the Plateau de Retord. Welcomes groups of riders, cyclists, hikers, trail runners, sports training courses, seminars, school groups, etc.

In a Finnish postcard setting, this gîte offers an ideal location, close to the resort of Les Plans d'Hotonnes. Located in a protected area (Natura 2000), you will find an exceptional setting for a total escape. This old 17th century farmhouse, completely renovated, welcomes you with a large common room, dining room, open kitchen (semi-professional equipped), living room and library corner with a fireplace. Perfect for family game nights. The gîte also has a veranda which opens onto a large south-facing terrace. On the first floor, the sleeping arrangements are divided into 4 bedrooms with bathrooms. A "spring" room with 5 full-size beds, a "summer" room with a double bed, an "autumn" room with 6 bunk beds and a "winter" room with 4 full-size beds. Around the gîte you can enjoy several facilities: a large meadow, a vegetable garden, a playground (football, volleyball), a swing, a cabin and a sauna. There are also rooms for storing skis, snowshoes and bicycles. The building is equipped with a shared washing machine. This location is ideal for direct access to the cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails and toboggan or downhill ski trails in the resort of Les Plans d'Hotonnes. In the heart of the resort you will find a ski school (ESF) to learn or improve your winter and summer skills. Direct access to the GTJ pedestrian, equestrian, mountain bike and road bike routes. And also to the GR9 and GRP.

Specialised in rental and repair since 1995, Sports 360 rent 100 bicycles, including more than 40 electrically-assisted bicycles or mountain bikes. Located in Les Plans d'Hotonnes, at the start of the FFC-AIN-FORESTIERE mountain bike trails on the Plateau de Retord, and in the heart of the legendary Bugey mountain passes. The SPORTS 360 shop (formerly Servi'Nature) offers a wide choice of bikes for all abilities and all ages. - Electrically assisted mountain bikes - Full-suspension (electric-assist) mountain bikes, more comfortable, powerful and offering long range. - Carbon or electric-assist road bikes - Country and touring mountain bikes - 2 Quadrix all-terrain wheelchairs for people with disabilities. - And many accessories for hire, 3rd wheel, trailer, luggage rack, etc... You'll also find all the equipment you need for cycling, hiking, wheel-skiing, rollerblading and pedal go-karting. In winter, you can take advantage of a wide choice of ski equipment from this Nordic specialist (skating, classic, snowshoeing, Nordic walking), as well as alpine skis, sledges and all the clothing you need for your outing on the Plateau de Retord. A little extra in the shop: local products and souvenirs from the Plateau de Retord.

Hire and sale of winter sports equipment, Nordic and Alpine skis, snowshoes, sledges, wheel skis, sportswear and accessories, in the heart of the Plans d'Hotonnes resort. Since 1996 SPORTS 360 (formerly Servi'Nature) has been renting equipment for your outdoor leisure activities. Reserve your equipment (skis, boots, poles, snowshoes, sleds, etc.). The store and rental is located in the heart of the Plans d'Hotonnes resort near the Nordic and Alpine departures, opposite the biathlon stadium and the sledding slopes. Find a local products section in the store with what you need to regain your strength after the effort or a souvenir from the Retord plateau. WINTER rental equipment from children to adults. - Alpine skiing (downhill/piste skiing), telemark, snowboard. - Nordic skiing: skate, classic, scales, classic with skin, Nordic touring skiing (back country), snowshoeing. - Sleds: 1-seater, 2-seater, yooner, snow hiking boots. SUMMER rental equipment from children to adults. - eMTB. - Full suspension eMTB all suspension + comfort + fun. - Semi-rigid mountain bikes. - Carbon road bikes. - eRoad bikes. - Classic and skate rollerskis. - Roller skates and pedal karts. - Hiking shoes. *Half-day rental: (morning 9am-1pm/afternoon 12:30pm-5pm) *Possibility to rent for the day, 2 days, several days, for the season. *Group reception (school, CE, social centers, etc.) Reservations possible, quotes, invoicing. Maintenance of your skis possible all year round.

Several kilometers of tracks offer a fun space that will satisfy both beginners and the most experienced: 6 slopes from easy to very difficult levels. Its technicality will be appreciated by athletes with bends and hills. In summer, the stadium is the favorite place for rollerski trainings, local clubs and national / international teams regularly come to improve their skills at the Stade des Plans d'Hotonnes. Practice rollerskiing / rollerblading (…): - The biathlon stadium is also open to the simple practice of roller skiing (without shooting), rollerblading, pedal karts, cycling (subject to availability, reservation required). Equipment rental (roller skis, rollerblades, bicycles, go-karts) is possible at the Sports 360 store located opposite the stadium. The ESF (ski school) Plans d'Hotonnes also offers beginners and advanced classes on rollerskis all year round by reservation. Club practice, sports training: - The biathlon stadium is an area dedicated to future athletes and biathletes, for this reason, our athletes will have a privileged place in the Plans d'Hotonnes biathlon stadium. Plan your visit to the ski slopes by sending us an SMS / WhatsApp to 06 98 78 45 64. Access to the shooting range must be booked 48 hours in advance by emailing clients@plateauderetord.fr / calling 04 79 87 59 67 / 06 98 78 45 64

The Round Earth Ski Centre provides some fantastic downhill skiing in a great family atmosphere with pistes to suit all levels of experience and ages. The centre is located just outside of Hauteville-Lompnes at an altitude of between 900m and 1,200m. The Round Earth Ski Centre has 10 of well cared for downhill pistes which are made up of 3 green slopes, 2 blue, 4 red and 1 black. The centre has 4 drag lifts and it is possible to rent skis, snowboards, sleds, snowshoes, helmets, snow blades and surfing binders. There is also a 2km snowshoeing circuit (in conjunction with Praile Cross-Country Centre). At the bottom of the pistes after a great day's skiing you will find a snack bar.

Alone or in small groups, and as quickly as possible, locate the elements of the terrain, discover the markers and punch your map on one of the 2 permanent orientaeering courses starting from the Biathlon Stadium at Les Plans d'Hotonnes Maps can be downloaded and printed. Also available at the Tourist Info Points in les Plans d'Hotonnes and Champagne en Valromey. > 1 green course with 13 markers > 1 blue course with 11 markers

The Château de Champdor is located a few kilometers drive north of Hauteville-Lompnes. The building dates from 1743 and has 2 tall towers and several outbuildings. Please note that it is not possible to visit the inside of the château. The Château de Champdor comprises of 14 rooms and has a traditional pigeon house within its grounds. It is not possible to visit the interior of the château except during certain dates during July and August when art exhibitions are held there.

Monument and cemetery set up as a memory of the maquis of Ain and Haut Jura Erected next to the main road, this memorial, carved by Charles Machet, is in memory of the 700 dead men in the Ain and Jura maquis during the 2nd world war.

Le Pont des Tines (The Tines bridge) is a geological feature located between the villages of Haut-Valromey and Ruffieu. This small canyon covered with green moss reveals the extent of its beauty during snowmelt or heavy rainfall. The waters of the Seran have dug into the rock and created this surprising natural arch. "Tines" means tub in the local former dialect, these are the names given to these strange cavities carved into the rock by the force of the current. Accessible by the hiking trails from Songieu, Ruffieu, or from the D54 road. Not to be confused with the Puit des Tines located a few kilometres downstream of the Séran river.

Point of view in Labalme. In order to access the panorama that offers the village on the Cerdon “reculée”, the Ain plains and the Lyonnais Mounts, as to discover its splendid little church of the 15th century or its archeological remains, you will have to take your pilgrim’s staff… Your adventurer soul will be filled by a trip into the Caves of Cerdon : did you know what treasures are hided under your feet ? Travel, as Jules Verne, at the centre of earth, through the time, at the Caves of Cerdon… Horse lover ? Go with your mount and roam one of the many hiking pathways that will permit you to move at top speed and for many hours. You could also practice western horse riding. To be seen : Church from the 15th – Vistas and points of view.

Constructed at the end of the 11th century on the site of a former Benedictine abbey, Saint Michael’s Abbey was declared a national monument in 1907. The abbey has several interesting architectural features and houses a painting by Delacroix. Saint Michael’s Abbey was home to the Cistercian order from its foundation until the French Revolution when it was badly damaged. It reopened during the 19th century as a parish church retaining some of its Cistercian features such as the 30m high bell tower which was reconstructed to resemble the bell tower in Cluny. One enters the abbey through an exquisite Romanesque doorway. Once inside you can marvel the gothic choir loft with its beautifully carved marble angles, magnificent vaulted ceiling and the renaissance styled Saint Anne’s Chapel. The abbey’s organ with its 2,800 pipes was built in 1845 by Nicolas-Antoine Lete and is classified as a historic monument in its own right. “Le Martyre de Saint-Sébastien” a painting by the famous French artist Eugène Delacroix also hangs in the abbey.

Panorama of the Cerdon village and its vineyard, from the restaurant "le Panoramique" on the D1084 rood

The Charabotte Waterfall is one of the tallest in France. This impressive 115-meter-high cascade can be seen between Chaley and the Hauteville Plateau, in the Albarine Valley, named after the river that plunges off the cliff. A viewpoint along the road from the Hauteville Plateau to Tenay allows for easy observation, with a small parking area available. As early as 1909, the site was classified as a “natural monument of artistic character,” highlighting its heritage value. Since 2002, the cliffs have been protected to preserve bird habitats, including ravens and peregrine falcons. More recently, in 2017, the site was designated a Sensitive Natural Area (ENS) by the Department of Ain. The modest river transforms into a powerful, ever-changing, poetic waterfall. The charming name “Charabotte” comes from a local legend: during a flood in Chaley, the legendary Cat with Seven-League Boots slipped and fell into the water-filled meadows. An old farmer exclaimed that the water was up to the cat’s boots, and from that day, the waterfall’s name, Charabotte, was born.

Different with each season, this large glacier-origin lake, surrounded by high limestone cliffs, offers a magnificent spot for relaxation and recreation. It can be enjoyed on foot or by bike along the lakeside trail and offers a variety of water activities. Whether by pedal boat, paddleboard, canoe, or sailboat, the scenery of Lake Nantua is constantly changing. Hike to the top of the cliffs for breathtaking panoramic views. This natural lake covers 141 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 43 meters. Protected since 1936, it can now be explored independently, with plenty of facilities to make your visit enjoyable: parking areas, picnic tables, and a grassy beach at Pré Gadgène in Montréal-la-Cluse or at Nantua. In 2018, Lake Nantua was designated a Sensitive Natural Area (ENS) by the Department of Ain. These protected sites are managed to preserve their rich biodiversity while allowing the public to enjoy their beauty safely. Activities abound: fishing, sailing, swimming, pedal boating, paddleboarding… and don’t forget to treat yourself at one of the charming local restaurants in town!

A beautiful waterfall by rainy weather but which gets lost as soon as the drought arrives. The brook of Culaz feeds the Veyron in the village.

The Charabotte waterfall is a 115-metre waterfall set in lush green surroundings. Whether it's revealed at its full height or hidden from view by vegetation, approaching it is always a breathtaking experience. This imposing site can be visited either from the bottom of the valley at Chaley, or from the Hauteville plateau. The reculée ends at the bottom of the valley with the Charabotte waterfall, one of the highest in France at over 110 metres. It marks the start of the Albarine Gorge, named after the river that feeds it and rises in Brénod. The water from the falls then flows through the Hauteville valley to the Golet du Thiou. The site has been listed as a "natural monument of artistic interest" since 1909. The Charabotte waterfall was awarded the "Espace Naturel Sensible" or "ENS" label by the Département de l'Ain in 2015. True natural and landscape jewels of the Département de l'Ain, these sites benefiting from the ENS label are on the one hand preserved thanks to local management and on the other hand made accessible to as many people as possible when the fragility of the site allows.

Discover the eco-responsible store offered by Ain'sTempsLoisirs in the heart of Plans d’Hotonnes on the Plateau de Retord. Located at the starting point of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking trails, Ain's Temps Loisirs offers a souvenir shop and local products. Working in collaboration with local producers and artisans, the shop offers a wide range of products: cheeses, charcuterie, butter, jams, honey, syrup, beers, fruit juices, snails, soaps, skincare products, essential oils, hydrosols, herbal teas, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, neck warmers, books, postcards, maps, etc Ain's Temps Loisirs also offers: - A boutique dedicated to the sale of regional products, crafts, and thoughtful souvenirs. - A wellness area with a Norwegian hot tub, an outdoor sauna, as well as massages and reflexology treatments by reservation. - Winter sports equipment rentals: cross-country skis, snowshoes, and sleds, just steps from the slopes. - All-terrain electric scooter and Swincar rentals, ideal for completing the experience with a gourmet break. - A natural camping area.

The Auberge de Ruffieu welcomes you all year round with traditional, home-cooked French cuisine! Mélissa et François vous accueillent dans leur bar restaurant hôtel situé dans le Valromey. Profitez du calme et des bons plats faits maison proposés par François, le chef. Fermeture pour congés annuels du 18 octobre au dimanche 3 novembre inclus.

The Auberge Gîte de la Praille is a 20 bed guesthouse and restaurant located 5km from Hauteville-Lompnes at an altitude of 1,133m in the quiet and picturesque Col de la Rochette, which is a fantastic location for a wide variety of outdoor activities. The Auberge Gîte de la Praille guesthouse comprises of 20 beds located in 3 separate rooms. There is 1 room containing 4 beds another with 6 beds and a 3rd containing 10 beds. However, your reservation guarantees that you will be the sole occupant of the room no matter how many empty beds there are. The guesthouse also has a wonderful restaurant that is open from Wednesday to Sunday all year round which offers local charcuterie, fondues and fish. Being surrounded by nature, the Auberge Gîte de la Praille is great place for hiking, cycling and mountain biking in the summer time and has storage facilities available for bicycles. During the winter months the Hauteville Plateau becomes covered in snow and is renowned for cross country skiing and the auberge has all the skiing equipment you will need for hire.

Café restaurant in the heart of the Cormaranche en Bugey forest with south-facing terrace, warm welcome and local cuisine. Departure point for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Discover the Auberge de la Ferme Guichard, in the heart of the forests of Cormaranche-en-Bugey. You'll find a special charm for each season, and a cuisine in keeping with the seasons. Master restaurateur Fabrice offers you a warm, professional welcome. Walks on marked trails around the farm.

Restaurant situated in the heart of Cerdon village with a traditional cooking. Restaurant situated in the heart of Cerdon village with a traditional cooking. Specialities : frogs legs, snails with Bugey wines, foie gras.

Enjoy mountain dishes such as Jura fondue... We also sell artisanal products to take away. The restaurant offers traditional mountain cuisine. Local specialities and local wine, in a warm, friendly, family atmosphere.

Discover an unusual, intimate and cocooning place: the Finnish kota. The ideal place for a birthday party, an evening with friends or family. Kota Grill Menu - Kir Aperitif - Mixed salad - Assortment of grilled meats: Duck Breast, Marinated Chicken Fillet, Beef and Sauces - Potatoes in field dress with chive cream OR Grill assortment: Marinated Chicken Fillet, Beef, Salmon and Shrimps with Sauces - Field-dressed potatoes with chive cream - Choice of dessert: Entremet au Chocolat Maison or Tarte aux Pommes Maison (same dessert and same menu for all guests) - 1 coffee or 1 herbal tea - 1 bottle of Côtes du Rhône Rouge or Gamay du Bugey Rouge or Rosé for 4 (to be chosen in advance) - Sparkling and still mineral water (1 of each for 4 people)

With the colors of early market produce and local products, Muriel creates new seasonal dishes featuring Bresse poultry, frogs, crayfish... and a host of desserts. Moments of gourmet bliss!

Group gîte sleeping 50 in the heart of the Plateau de Retord. Welcomes groups of riders, cyclists, hikers, trail runners, sports training courses, seminars, school groups, etc.

In a Finnish postcard setting, this gîte offers an ideal location, close to the resort of Les Plans d'Hotonnes. Located in a protected area (Natura 2000), you will find an exceptional setting for a total escape. This old 17th century farmhouse, completely renovated, welcomes you with a large common room, dining room, open kitchen (semi-professional equipped), living room and library corner with a fireplace. Perfect for family game nights. The gîte also has a veranda which opens onto a large south-facing terrace. On the first floor, the sleeping arrangements are divided into 4 bedrooms with bathrooms. A "spring" room with 5 full-size beds, a "summer" room with a double bed, an "autumn" room with 6 bunk beds and a "winter" room with 4 full-size beds. Around the gîte you can enjoy several facilities: a large meadow, a vegetable garden, a playground (football, volleyball), a swing, a cabin and a sauna. There are also rooms for storing skis, snowshoes and bicycles. The building is equipped with a shared washing machine. This location is ideal for direct access to the cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails and toboggan or downhill ski trails in the resort of Les Plans d'Hotonnes. In the heart of the resort you will find a ski school (ESF) to learn or improve your winter and summer skills. Direct access to the GTJ pedestrian, equestrian, mountain bike and road bike routes. And also to the GR9 and GRP.

In the heart of the resort of Les Plans d'Hotonnes, on the Plateau de Retord, you'll find a place to spend a holiday or a night away from it all. Just 1km from the GTJ on foot, horseback or by bike. At the resort, you can enjoy a delicious tartiflette or blueberry tart.

In a renovated 19th century Bugist farmhouse, in the heart of Valromey, the owners offer 4 rooms for a capacity of 12 people. Norwegian breakfast. "Utsikten" is a typical old farmhouse of the Haut Valromey, renovated and located southwards with a breathtaking view of the Chartreuse and Vercors mountains. The three rooms are located in the old barn: two double rooms and a sleeping area in the mountain corner for two persons. Each room has a shower, washbasin and toilet. There is also a large room with a kitchen area, a dining area and a sitting area with a wood burning stove. The heating is underfloor heating in all rooms except the upstairs bedroom. Guests in the rooms will enjoy a hearty Scandinavian breakfast.

In a renovated 19th century Bugist farmhouse, in the heart of Valromey, the owners offer 4 rooms for a capacity of 12 people. Norwegian breakfast. "Utsikten" is a typical old farmhouse of the Haut Valromey, recently renovated, located southwards with a breathtaking view of the Chartreuse and Vercors mountains. In the old barn, the gîte has been fitted out: two bedrooms for two people and a sleeping area in the mountain for two people. Possibility of adding sleeping accommodation for children. Each room has a shower, washbasin and toilet. There is also a large room with a kitchenette, a dining room and a sitting area with a wood burning stove. The heating is underfloor heating in all rooms except the upstairs bedroom. The rooms in the gîte can be rented as guest rooms. Languages spoken: French, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish.

Situated at an altitude of 996m in the small hamlet of Les Bergonnes, just 3 minutes from the resort of Les Plans d'Hotonnes, this guest house (or group gîte) sleeps 15. This tourist accommodation offers a peaceful stay in a friendly, peaceful and welcoming environment. Each room has a private bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet. The common room invites to share moments of exchange in all simplicity. Meals are also served in the dining room, prepared with local and seasonal products. The balneotherapy room is equipped with a massage shower, a sauna and a hammam. The adjoining relaxation area has sun loungers, an elliptical and a bike located south where a large bay window floods the room with light and wonderful mountain scenery in all seasons. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation where nature will remind you how much it can fill you with energy. The conception of the place is based on welcome, harmony, sharing, conviviality, respect and love. In this space, we offer you various formulas in guest rooms or in group lodging: - Overnight stay, weekend, week - Balneo - relaxation - Energy medicine treatments (by appointment only) - Initiation courses in energetic medicine

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.

A simple stopover on the banks of the Albarine to enjoy nature activities or simply relax in the heart of the Bugey region: fishing, canyoning, hiking or just enjoy being a stone's throw away to admire the Charabotte waterfall (110m). Nearby there's a soccer pitch, a playground and a bowling alley. The ideal starting point for hiking trails and thrilling activities in the Albarine Valley. Light housing is available for rent, ideal for fishing enthusiasts or families on vacation.

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.

Close to the shops in Chanay (small grocery store, bakery, post office), this little parking lot offers : supply of fresh water, drain waste water and restrooms.