Grande Traversée du Jura on foot: From Culoz to La Borne au Lion

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.

An unspoiled site nearly half a kilometre in length, where the Séran has hewn out a succession of potholes linked by deep, narrow clefts in the rock down which roaring water cascades.This site is part of 32 sites labeled Sensitive area in the Ain department. A stone pavement forms a bridge over one deep pothole, providing access to the path to the former railway station of Vieu. The gorges are located close to the hamlet of Belmont, and are part of a hiking trail named Les gorges de Thurignin. It is forbidden to bathe in the bed of the Séran and to picnic on the banks of the Séran. Animals accepted on leash only. Please note that the flow of the Séran river varies greatly over the seasons, it happens that the gorges can be dry during the summer.

Located to the south of the Jura Massif and Bugey’s highest point (1531 m), with over 100 km of marked hiking trails (GR9, LWG, GR) and panoramic views on the Alps (Belledonne and Mont Blanc), Bugey, Rhone, lake Bourget and Lake Annecy and Leman. There is the opportunity to discover various sites and landscapes: forests, grasslands, grangeons (temporary accommodation for winemakers) the Chartreuse Arvières ruins, ridge roads and panoramic views on the Alps.

A vast Jurassic plateau with gentle landscapes which change with the seasons.

An easy walk along the river banks from the town centre to the place known as "Les Pertes de la Valserine", where the river disappears into a bottomless pit, before reappearing beyond a labyrinth of limestone canyons.From the car park along the D1084, take a path for around 20 minutes down to the Pertes de la Valserine, where the waters of the river disappear into a bottomless abyss, only to reappear beyond a labyrinth of limestone canyons. The Valserine is the 1st French river to be awarded the "Rivières Sauvages" label. It offers the guarantee of its great purity. Trout spawn in its waters, and reserves protect them in certain places. The Valserine has contributed to the industrial and commercial development of Bellegarde, and has also served as a border on several occasions: between France and Savoie (1601-1760), then as a free zone (1815-1923) and as a demarcation line during the Second World War (free zone on the right bank). Other possible starting points for the walk: - from the Voie du Tram car park at Rougeland - from Bellegarde town centre, taking the bypass via the Voie du Tram and then the G9.

Located in Valromey sur Séran in the Bugey Sud, the Observatoire de la Lèbe is entirely dedicated to the discovery of astronomy for all.How about taking the time to observe the stars? A unique place in the Ain, the Observatoire de la Lèbe in Valromey sur Séran in the Bugey Sud offers you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the galaxies, stars and planets through fun and exciting astronomical activities. All year round, upon reservation, the Observatoire de la Lèbe offers you : Planetarium sessions: Come aboard the planetarium for a virtual trip with striking realism. Guided by our scientific mediator, discover constellations, planets, nebulae, galaxies and other unsuspected wonders of the deep sky. The session consists of a film followed by a presentation of the sky by the presenter. A dive into the heart of the starry sky comfortably installed in a in a recliner. Duration: 1 hour. Sessions from Monday to Saturday (summer and school holidays). Other dates possible on reservation. Planetarium films: >Blind with starry eyes >Lucia, the secret of shooting stars >Voyager, the endless journey >From the earth to the universe >The sun, our living star Find the screenings on the agenda of our website. To schedule a session outside the dates already programmed, please contact us. More information by phone or on our website. Sun observations: observe the surface of the sun live in a 120 mm telescope equipped with a professional solar filter. Observation evenings for all: >Observation evenings: discover the sky with the naked eye and telescopes... >Family evenings" experience the magic of shooting stars and constellations in the planetarium and continue with an observation with instruments. >Celestial legends" evenings: learn to recognise the constellations and be lulled by their mythological tales. >Evscope" evenings The digital telescope that has revolutionised sky observation in recent years. Information, reservation by phone and on the internet: www.observatoiredelalebe.fr/soirees-dobservation/ Free access: Rediscover the path of the stars and its booklet sold at the Observatory and at the OT Bugey Sud Grand Colombier and spend a great moment in family in total autonomy. and have a great time with your family in total autonomy. Available every day of the year. Our course The bestiary of the sky focuses on the constellations and the animal figures associated with them. The Observatory also offers courses for adults and children. It is open all year round for groups (schools, leisure activities, associations, works councils, families...). Programmes Specific programmes on request.

The Lavours Marsh is one of the last remaining giant marshlands in continental Western Europe. Located near Ceyzérieu in the shadow of the Grand Colombier the marsh covers an area of 500 hectares and is traversed by a wooden footbridge 1.2km long.The Lavours Marsh was declared a Nature Reserve in 1984 to protect the rich and diverse flora and fauna that exists there. Visitors can view this remarkable marshland from a 1.2km long wooden pathway on stilts that allows access right to the very heart of the marsh. All along this pathway there are signs in both French and English that give explanations about the various plants and animals that exist in the marsh. The pathway is accessible to wheelchair users and all the signs are available in Braille for the visually impaired. The only entrance to the Lavours Marsh is located in the hamlet of Aignoz, here you will find plenty of free parking and the Maison du Marais, an interpretative centre that explains the history and life of the marsh. Each year at the Maison du Marais between April and October a program of various events is scheduled that allows the public discover more about the marsh’s flora and fauna and heritage. To access to the swamp, a mandatory parking is at visitors disposal free of charge, at the entry of Aignoz hamlet. It is important de respect the natural reserve regulation: dogs and gathering forbidden. The stilt walk is accessible to people with reduced mobility with the help of an accompanying person.

With an area of 10 909 ha spread over 18 towns, the High Jura Nature National Reserve is among the largest in France. It shelters a wealthy heritage, to be discovered and protected.It stretches from the Franco-Swiss border in the north to the Rhône gap in the south, it is 580m to 1720m high, at the “Crêt de la Neige”. It hosts a wide biodiversity of flora, fauna, geology, landscape, architecture, ... By respecting the rules, you allow the protection of the natural environments and their hosts.

At La Valserine campsite, you're ideally placed to explore the Monts-Jura valley via its many signposted footpaths included GTJ, providing an ideal starting point for your outdoor adventures.Our eco-responsible 3-star campsite, with the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Jura label, welcomes you to a green, shady setting on the banks of the peaceful La Valserine river, which has been awarded the wild river label. Located at the entrance to the village of Chézery-Forens, in the Monts-Jura region, our establishment offers 66 quality pitches, as well as 6 fully-equipped cottages and mobile homes for 2 to 6 people, canvas lodges for 4 people and bivouac cabins. Enjoy our heated swimming pool open in summer, our Snack-Bar, and discover our eco-pastured animals such as Soay sheep, rabbits and chickens. Children can have fun in our play area equipped with swings and slide. Our rentals are open from February, and we provide a charging point for electric vehicles (7 kW).

Le Chalet Jura welcomes you as a cottage, group stay or relaxing stay.. with a warm living-room fitted with a fire place and a room to do a lot of activities.. A marvelous environment in a wild and preserved nature. Possibility of special stay : sophrology, relaxation..

This refurbished former farmhouse is set at the foot of the slopes in the resort of Menthières, along hiking trails such as the Grande Traversée du Jura and at the gateway to the Haute-Chaîne du Jura nature reserve. 15 km from Bellegarde.You are greeted in 4 rooms with a capacity of 16 beds at the Menthières ski resort, at the departure of many walks. This is a tastefully renovated old farmhouse.

A former forester's house that has been completely restored as a gîte d'étape et de séjour, situated at an altitude of 1250m, on the GR9, the GTJ and the site of the former Carthusian monastery of Arvières.Rejuvenate in a peaceful natural setting, accessible on foot and snowshoes, and by car via a passable forest track. Accommodation for 14 people in 6 bedrooms. 2 triple rooms, 3 double rooms with single beds and 1 double room. Special offer: unlimited relaxation and wild plant cooking course using the traditional bread oven! Meals, half board Open from mid-May to mid-October, Tuesday to Sunday lunchtime, and from mid-December to mid-March, Wednesday to Sunday lunchtime.

Group/stop-over gîte in converted cheese dairy in village, 850 m. up, near Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, Accommodation on 3 levels.Ground floor: dining room, lounge (woodburner), games room (billiards, table football, etc.), fitted kitchen. 1st et 2nd floors: 11 bedrooms (2 to 8 beds). Private and shared facilities, washbasins et WCs in each room. Wood-fired central heating. 2 large adjoining rooms can be hired for functions (200 sq.m. ? 80 people). Terrace, parking nearby. Nearby: cross-country skiing, toboggan run, forest walks, lake. Nantua lake, Retord plateau. The ideal spot for a relaxing holiday

Located in the center of the city near the train station. This hotel offers 25 rooms including 1 room fitted out for disabled people and 1 family room.

Hotel-restaurant with 9 rooms in the heart of the resort of Les Plans d'Hotonnes on the Plateau de Retord at the foot of the ski slopes. Bar-restaurant with mountain specialities on the menu.

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.

It is a very nice and comfortable house located in the PNR of Haut-Jura and 1000 m high. It has been decorated and fitted out in a sophisticated and mountain style. It is perfect to relax in a very beautiful setting. There are a lot of activities to do all year round.5 character guest rooms, tasteful décor, on the 1st floor of a large village house in Haut Jura National Park. Separate entrance. 1 room (queen-size bed), 2 twin rooms, each with own bathroom (whirlpool bath). Double room, multi-jet shower. Family suite: double room, twin room, bathroom (whirlpool bath). Separate WC in each room. Sauna. Large library/lounge/ dining room (wood-burner).|Large wooden deck with fine open views, peaceful, available for meals/relaxing. Flower garden. Book ahead for evening table d'hôte meals. Guest kitchen available. No smoking in bedrooms. Lower rate for 2 or more nights. Pets are allowed with a surcharge.

Three guest rooms in lovely, large 18th century residence, tastefully restored and standing in grounds planted with trees hundreds of years old. Property faces Le Colombier at heart of Le Valromey. Guesthouse belongs to the 'Relais Découverte Energie' group, using renewable energy to provide guests with every comfort. 1st floor: 3 stylish rooms with own shower room/WC (2 rooms with queen-size bed, 1 with twin beds joined together) - comfortable, spacious, light et airy. Lounge/library open to guests. Book ahead for table d'hôte meals served in ground floor living room. No smoking in guesthouse.

Discover this unique gîte d'étape in a former 16th-century abbey, in the heart of the village and adjacent to the owners' inn.The second floor offers a spacious living room with kitchenette and sitting area, ideal for relaxing after a day of adventures. On the second floor, you'll find four quality bedrooms, each with a full en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, washbasin). The bedrooms vary, with one double, three large rooms each offering two distinct spaces (one with four single beds, two others with a bunk bed and three single beds). Nestled in the Parc Naturel du Haut Jura and close to the Pays de Gex, this is the perfect place for an extended stay or a stopover. Take advantage of the local hiking trail (GR), fish in the Valserine and discover the local cheese factory. Winter sports enthusiasts will love the alpine skiing and snowshoeing trails in the village of Lélex, just 12 km away.

In the heart of the Haute chaîne du Jura, the La Loge refuge welcomes you to an exceptional site!A summer and winter guarded mountain hut at 1436 m altitude, situated on the GR9 and close to the Lélex-Crozet ski area, enjoy an overnight stay, a break or a tasty meal during your getaway to the Crêt de la Neige, hosted by Cathy & Franck. Not far from the Haute Chaîne du Jura Nature Reserve, please respect its regulations.