On the trail of the dinosaurs

This fairly easy route starts with a steep climb. It is the perfect way to discover a world-renowned palaeontological site: the Loulle dinosaur footprints.

Before starting the hike, park next to the church in Ney. The first climb is steep and rocky, but there is a handrail to help you along. It leads to an initial viewpoint over Champagnole.

The next point of interest is the Lapiaz de Loulle. This is a huge, slightly sloping limestone slab, criss-crossed by faults and crevasses. Inside, succulents, grasses, bushes and conifers grow. The Surmont lookout then offers a splendid view of the upper Ain valley.

Obviously, the aim of this walk is to discover the 1,500 dinosaur footprints discovered in 2004. Sauropods and theropods passed through Loulle 157 million years ago, leaving traces of their hind legs up to a metre in diameter. A walkway allows visitors to step over the surfaces preserved in the open air and see the footprints up close.