Blow into your glass bubble and decorate it to your own taste!
Autumn weekend near Giron in Valserine Country
A touch of the autumn blues? Cheer up and follow Elodie, Marie and Martin on a weekend getaway to the Jura Mountains! In the southern part of the massif, barely an hour away from Lyon, the Valserine region is an immense playground bursting with colour. Nature lovers and gourmets in search of wide open spaces, away from the crowds, you've come to the right place.
Day 1 - morning
Pierce the secrets of the Atelier Anvi glass-makers
Head for the ANVI workshop where glass artists Anne Donzé and Vincent Chagnon invite you to discover their art.
Anne specialises in the glass paste technique, one of the oldest glassmaking methods for which the artist must first create a refractory plaster template.
Vincent, on the other hand, is a glass-blowing specialist, who employs the same technique as the glass-makers of Murano. With their creations exhibited across the planet, these two artists share their vision of the world and human relationships.
Anne and Vincent enjoy sharing their expertise, and propose glass-blowing workshops during which you can make your own Christmas bauble or springtime flower.
Discovery workshop
Day 1 - Afternoon
Hiking at the Valserine losing streams
Recognised as one of France's Wild Rivers, the Valserine flows in an unspoilt natural setting across the spectacular landscape of the Valserine Valley.
A hike of about 4 1/2 hours takes you exploring the valley's natural riches and cultural wealth:
>> the mixing of waters where the Valserine meets the Semine,
>> the Tram Line retracing the history of the tram that operated between Bellegarde and Chézery in the early 20th century,
>> the stone bridge,
>> and lastly, the highlight of your hike, the Valserine losing streams!
The river disappears into a bottomless chasm and re-emerges on the other side of a maze of limestone canyons that create a stunning scene.
Discover this natural site
Family-friendly version
Discover the losing streams on an easy walk of approximately 2 hours along the banks of the Valserine. Ideal for families and groups of friends.
Day 2 - morning
Mountain bike excursion around Giron
At an altitude of 1,000 metres, Giron is the highest village in Ain. In winter the village and surrounding area are a Nordic heaven, and are also ideal for other activities throughout the year. The majestic forests across the resort make the perfect playground.
With a mountain E-bike you don't have to worry about the uphill sections. The Tour des Belvédères trail takes you to see the exceptional panorama of the Roche Fauconnière, listed as a "Sensitive Natural Area". Adrenalin addicts can head for the bike park in the forest where you'll find four long downhill slopes of increasing levels of difficulty as well as a beginner zone with chicanes and jumps.
Other mountain biking, cycling and walking routes
Check out all trails for walkers, mountain bikers and cyclislts... on the Terre Valserine Tourist Office website.
Day 2 - Afternoon
Visit to Dinoplagne®
Share 3 minutes of the life of the titanosaur that walked the soils of Plagne some 150 Million years ago, and discover the world's longest footprint trail!
Uncovered in 2009, the Dinoplagne site now proposes a whole tour during which you'll discover a unique environment that's listed as a Sensitive Natural Area.
Follow the interpretative trail to discover the local fauna and flora and finish with a trip back to the time of Odysseus and Maxime, when Plagne was a tropical beach!
“An awesome experience of pure timelessness”
Discover Dinoplagne
Accommodation and eating out
