Our stay begins at Hostiaz, in the southern part of the Jura Mountains. Here, unfurling like an enormous limestone ribbon that reaches high above the forest, the cliff face is equipped with an impressive via ferrata trail known as the Guinguette.
Listed in the "fairly difficult" category, the route remains accessible to anyone who has already completed a via ferrata trail with a professional guide. If you don't have the necessary equipment, head for the Gîte La Fora in Hostiaz where you can rent a kit which includes harness, ropes and helmet.
We're off for our first adventure, a dizzying experience 200 metres above the ground!
We access the rock face by going down a ladder, staying focused and resisting the call of the void and the immensity of the landscape before us! With our lifelines safely attached and feet placed firmly on the metal bars, we make our way across the face. It's hard work on the arms, but we feel more and more at ease and even pluck up enough courage to look down at the Cluse des Hôpitaux valley. After our adventure, we feel relieved to be back on firm ground but also happy to have defied the void!
Via Ferrata Baume du Verneau
ShutterstockThe Gîte La Fora that provides the equipment is also a country restaurant. Light and delicious, the menu gives pride of place to seasonal ingredients and local producers. After this welcome break on the sunny terrace, it's time for us to pursue our adventures.
More details about this restaurant
We head for Hauteville-Lompnes, stopping on the way for a glimpse of the Charabotte waterfall which can be seen from a roadside viewpoint.
This afternoon, we're off to La Praille for an encounter of a different kind, with our four-legged partners. Sibérie's Husky & Co organises dog hiking excursions. Attached by an elastic lead to a dog, the walk turns out to be quite an energetic one. Whether it's the call of the forest or a need to stretch their legs, these dogs have energy to spare! The activity ends in a long session of cuddles.
After an action-packed day, we just want to unwind. And what better way than a romantic Nordic evening? Imagine immersing yourself in the warm water of a Nordic bath in the great outdoors. Not forgetting the drinks sipped in the bath, before enjoying a delicious fondue in the inviting atmosphere of the Auberge de La Praille.
The next day, we decide to take advantage of the mountain E-bike rentals at the campsite. The varying contours of Upper Bugey make it choice terrain for mountain bikers of all levels. Gentle rides, long excursions, downhill challenges and enduro trails can all be enjoyed at the Cormaranche-en-Bugey Bike Park.
We chose a bucolic ride around Lesines Lake, a site reserved for fishing
It's time to get back on the road and head for Nantua. The lake looks like a lagoon nestled between the mountains and instantly catches our eye. We stop for lunch at the Belle Rive restaurant which has a lovely lakeside conservatory.
Between small fried fish from the lake, the essential pike quenelles with Nantua sauce, and sweetbreads, it's difficult to choose.
We could not leave Nantua without venturing onto the lake. With kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, catamaran or dinghy sailing and even dug-outs, the Nantua sailing club has a wide range of options. Thanks to the afternoon winds, we go out on a catamaran in the company of a skipper. Before long we know all about jibing, tacking, luffing, bearing away and other sailing manoeuvres.
More details about catamaran excursions
We finish the day with a little tour of the narrow streets of Nantua. This ancient fortified town still shows traces of its historic past, starting with the Abbey Church of St. Michael. This understated building of Romanesque style is home to a few gems, including a painting by Eugène Delacroix and a colossal church organ.
From the church, we wander around the Pierre district with its well-preserved houses and medieval shops. We walk up to the source of the Doye, one of the three rivers that flow through Nantua. The tanners used to work here. Plunging their hides into the water, they attracted crayfish which ended up in the cooking pot and eventually became a feature in the local culinary heritage thanks to the famous Nantua sauce
Abbatiale et lac de Nantua de nuit
Aurélien Billois - BFC Tourisme
Logo Montagnes du Jura
Via Ferrata Baume du Verneau
Shutterstock
Abbatiale et lac de Nantua de nuit
Aurélien Billois - BFC Tourisme
