Escape with your partner for a short break, not far from home but offering a real change of scene, in the heart of South Bugey. You'll be overwhelmed by the beauty of this region's outstanding natural sites, such as the Lavours Marsh and the Grand Colombier mountain. Check out these suggestions for exploring on foot or by bike, our top tips and recommendations of places to stay overnight and favourite restaurants at the best locations. Take inspiration from this lovely little region of the Jura Mountains and, above all... let go!
DAY 1 - MORNING
Switch off completely in the Lavours Marsh
Wow effect guaranteed for this first morning in South Bugey!
Head for the Lavours Marsh, a 'Natural Site of France' and a must-see of the Jura Mountains.
Here, keep your eyes and ears wide open! Listen to the frogs croaking, observe the birds of prey hunting for grass snakes, watch the ballet of dragnoflies and migratory birds, spot beaver tracks and much more…
In this incredible national nature reserve at the foot of the Grand Colombier, go exploring along a stilted walkway equipped with information panels to learn all about the remarkable fauna and flora. You'll discover rare plants, amphibians, reptiles and over 200 species of birds and mammals.
A walk in the Lavours Marsh at the foot of the Grand Colombier
Marika Godin / BFC Tourisme
Follow the stilted walkway for 1.5 km
Marika Godin / BFC Tourisme
A site of amazing biodiversity and a certified 'Sensitive Natural Area'
Want to know more about the Lavours Marsh?
Office de Tourisme Bugey SudMaison du marais de Lavours
Round off your walk with a visit to the Lavours Marsh visitor centre and find out all there is to know about the wildlife and vegetation of this Natural Site of France, as well as its incredible history.
Admission is free to this modern, interactive centre of 320 m², which regularly hosts workshops, activities, conferences and various nature walks that you'll find both amusing and highly educational.
Here's a pleasant place to walk off your meal, just 15 minutes from the Lavours Marsh. Following the path along the riverbank and into the forest,you'll be rewarded with a succession of lovely little waterfalls.
Choose from two walks starting at Culoz, depending on your preference... and how energetic you're feeling:
- A 2.5-km walk of about one hour with a few natural curiosities along the way, including two caves, the Gouffre des Gentianes and the Creux des Neiges.
- A more challenging loop itinerary of approximately 4 hours (11.5 km and an elevation gain of 730 metres) featuring a superb panoramic view of the Grand Colombier, and even Lake Bourget when the weather is good.
Maud HUMBERT / BFC TourismeRandonnée aux cascades de la Magnine
Maud HUMBERT / BFC TourismeRandonnée aux cascades de la Magnine
Maud HUMBERT / BFC TourismeCascades de la Magnine
Day 1 - Evening
Night in a cosy cabin with private spa
Fancy an overnight 'glamping' experience? Between the Alps and the river Rhône, you can be at one with nature and still enjoy high-end hotel services and facilities, at Lodges de la ViaRhôna.
In the comfort of your eco-friendly cabin with spa, you can pull out all the stops for a romantic evening in a Nordic bath, watching the sun go down, enjoying drinks with a platter of local farm products, dinner for two with a stunning view and even a relaxing massage (book ahead)... Take a deep breath and enjoy!
Les Lodges de la ViaRhônaLes Lodges de la ViaRhôna
Les Lodges de la ViaRhônaLes Lodges de la ViaRhôna
Les Lodges de la ViaRhônaLes Lodges de la ViaRhôna
Cabins with spa
Maud HUMBERT / BFC TourismeCabanes-spa et tentes-lodges sur les bords du Rhône
Les Lodges de la ViaRhônaLes Lodges de la ViaRhôna
Les Lodges de la ViaRhôna
Services: packed lunches, bicycles, etc.
DR - ViaRhônaEntre Ain et Savoie - Pont de la Balme - ViaRhôna
Cycle touring along the Rhône
Day 2: cycling along the ViaRhôna
Hey presto! From your cabin you can reach the ViaRhôna in a flash! This 815-km cycling itinerary connects Lake Geneva (Switzerland) to the Mediterranean Sea (France), crossing the South Bugey region on a section of more than 50 km for a pleasant and gentle bike ride, the perfect way to begin your cycling adventure.
Day 2 - Morning - 21 km/1h10
Bike ride to the Glandieu waterfall!
Your second day's cycling couldn't be easier to plan! Not only does the itinerary go right past Lodges de la ViaRhôna, but you also have everything you need at your accommodation, including standard bikes on loan and E-bikes for rent.
Once equipped, you'll follow the itinerary partly along the banks of the Rhône, from Belley to Groslée, then head for the Glandieu waterfall, a protected natural site (Sensitive Natural Area) with a waterfall that's 60 metres high.
Maud HUMBERT / BFC TourismeVue sur le Grand Colombier depuis la Viarhôna
Day 2 - afternoon - 36 km/2h10
After recharging your batteries in your cabin and spa, cycle northwards along both banks of the Rhône, from Belley to Seyssel.
This bike ride covers a variety of terrain between the lakes and mountains of Bugey with views of the Grand Colombier. The route also features a few traditional towns such as Belley and Culoz.
If the weather is hot, take swimwear with you so that you can enjoy a dip along the way at Barterand lake where swimming is allowed.
Psst, here's a secret: at the risk of being disloyal to the Jura Mountains, we recommend you visit the nearby village of Chanaz, nicknamed the Venice of Savoie.
Maud HUMBERT / BFC TourismePanneau d'information "Bugey Côté fermes"
A few supplies in Belley...
Before reaching the ecolodge for your overnight stay, remember to prepare a picnic for the evening. Here are two recommended addresses on your cycling itinerary where you can purchase delicious products from the local region:
A farm shop run by the producers themselves, with no intermediaries, where you'll find a multitude of products from local farms, including fruit & veg, meat and cheese.
After visiting the waterfall, it's time to make the climb and enjoy panoramic views that will take your breath away. Head up theGrand Colombier, the highest point of the Bugey region (1,531 metres) and a Sensitive Natural Area.
From the top - which is easy to reach by car - you can admire a panoramic view of the Alps, Mont Blanc, Lake Bourget, Lake Annecy, Lake Geneva, the river Rhône and the Bugey region... Absolutely stunning!
You can then follow one of the many footpaths that cross this legendary mountain, taking your pick from the various durations and levels of difficulty.
Do you have any questions about this idea for a holiday?
The Tourist Office for this destination can answer all your questions. The team of holiday advisors is on-hand to advise you on the suggestions detailed in this idea for a holiday, and to help you plan a personalised holiday that takes all your needs into account.
A propos
À vélo sur la ViaRhonaThomas Garcia / OT Bugey Sud
Départ des Lodges de la ViaRhôna à véloLes Lodges de la ViaRhôna
Plan large de la Cascade de GlandieuEvgeny Schmulev
