explore Vieu-d'izenave's hidden gems in Ain, Rhône-Alpes

Hike to discover the vineyard and the cave. Distance : 13km - 4h30 - Slope : 633m

Along the Ain gorges, in the Oignin valley and passing through the Cerdon retreat, the Route de l'Eau takes you on a journey through the history of water... A walk against the current that will require some effort on the côte de Sonthonnax... Rafts have been used on the River Ain since prehistoric times to transport stone, wine from the hillsides and, above all, wood from the Jura. With the rise of the city of Lyon, traffic intensified and trade flourished from the 14th to the 18th century. Today, the river is used to generate electricity, as witnessed by the Cize-Bolozon and Allement dams. The same hydraulic power was used in Cerdon, where the Goy family set up a copperworks in 1854. The Ain cycling loops are currently being redesigned, and new signposting will follow.

Hiking itinerary that takes you to the discovery of the village of Cerdon, its landscapes of vineyards and limestone rocks with a view of the entire valley of Cerdon from the rock of Saint-Alban and its old church.

in the Combe du Val, the village Maillat has a particularity : the river that crosses the village. In Oisselaz there is an old oven for bread

Cycle routes cross Haut-Bugey it s recommended to amator of the nature, calm and big space.

a circuit that's just the ticket for a family with young kids. Springtime is the right time for enjoying the waterfalls here to their best. You can't go wrong finding them : just follow the blue signboards, some of them fish shaped. There's a superb panorama of the plateau from here. A roman bridge, a footbridge, a landmark table and a picnic area punctuate the 2 hour walk.

Hike to discover the Ain river gorges. Distance : 25km - Hours : 7 - Slope : 654m From 1st June to 30th September 2015, the Serrières-sur-Ain bridge will be closed for works. The hike can not be followed in totality : the round trip will be necessarly by the same bank.

The GR® de Pays "Tour de la Vallée de l'Ain au Pays du Cerdon" starts on the banks of the Ain, passes through Jujurieux and its thirteen châteaux, then visits the Cerdon wine-growing region. The GR® de Pays "Tour de la Vallée de l'Ain au Pays du Cerdon" offers a wide range of landscapes: banks of the Ain, vineyards, undergrowth, valleys and panoramic views. The route also reveals the region's rich past, with its barns in the vineyards, bread ovens, washhouses, watering places and stone fountains.

Cerdon Caves take you on a voyage back into prehistoric times ! Take the footpath to return to the shady park and have a good moment in this natural and unusual area and under the Lap tent. A little tourist train takes you to the entrance of the underground cave system where you continue on foot along the bed of the former rive. A mysterious and grandiose journey with full of surprises. At the Cerdon caves, the youngs, from 4 years' old, and the adults will discover the prehistoric people life : how to start a fire, how to hunt with assegais, discover the archeological remains... Organize your visit between animations and caves visit from the fixed visits schedule mentionned on our web site. Shady picnic areas - Snack - Shop Do not forget your sweat and good shoes.

Hike to discover the "Val d'Enfer"monument about the Second World War fighters. Distance : 13km - 4h30 - Slope : 430m.

Hike to discover the Mont Carmier virgin and a beautiful overview on Cerdon. Distance : 2,5km - 1 hour - Slope : 150m

Wood huts and lodges with an overview on the Ain river and the Chambod island in the middle of the forest. Situated on the heights of the Ain river, with a overview on the Chambod island, in the middle of the forest, 4 woods huts and 2 wood lodges totally equiped.

Welcome to "Camping de l'Ile Chambod" where you will be warmly welcomed by Floriane and Julien. A shady campsite, favourable to a quiet and restful stay in a family atmosphere, located near a river. The campsite is located near the river Ain, close to the Ile Chambod, in the commune of Hautecourt Romanèche. Come and spend your vacations on spacious pitches, in a mobile home, a converted tent, a lodge tent or a cyclo'tente. You will be able to recharge your batteries and take the time to live. It is also the perfect place for hiking or biking, fishing, swimming, gastronomy, visiting museums, abbeys, etc...

Hike to discover Poncin surroundings : la Colombière.

Hike to discover Poncin surroundings : Allement hamlet and its dam.

Hike to discover Poncin surroundings : Chenavel, Neuville-sur-Ain

Hike to discover Poncin castle and its hamlet Avrillat

Hike to discover Poncin surroundings and its hamlets : Breignes and Mérignat

Monument and cemetery set up as a memory of the maquis of Ain and Haut Jura Erected next to the main road, this memorial, carved by Charles Machet, is in memory of the 700 dead men in the Ain and Jura maquis during the 2nd world war.

Point of view in Labalme. In order to access the panorama that offers the village on the Cerdon “reculée”, the Ain plains and the Lyonnais Mounts, as to discover its splendid little church of the 15th century or its archeological remains, you will have to take your pilgrim’s staff… Your adventurer soul will be filled by a trip into the Caves of Cerdon : did you know what treasures are hided under your feet ? Travel, as Jules Verne, at the centre of earth, through the time, at the Caves of Cerdon… Horse lover ? Go with your mount and roam one of the many hiking pathways that will permit you to move at top speed and for many hours. You could also practice western horse riding. To be seen : Church from the 15th – Vistas and points of view.

Cerdon Caves take you on a voyage back into prehistoric times ! Take the footpath to return to the shady park and have a good moment in this natural and unusual area and under the Lap tent. A little tourist train takes you to the entrance of the underground cave system where you continue on foot along the bed of the former rive. A mysterious and grandiose journey with full of surprises. At the Cerdon caves, the youngs, from 4 years' old, and the adults will discover the prehistoric people life : how to start a fire, how to hunt with assegais, discover the archeological remains... Organize your visit between animations and caves visit from the fixed visits schedule mentionned on our web site. Shady picnic areas - Snack - Shop Do not forget your sweat and good shoes.

Panorama of the Cerdon village and its vineyard, from the restaurant "le Panoramique" on the D1084 rood

A beautiful waterfall by rainy weather but which gets lost as soon as the drought arrives. The brook of Culaz feeds the Veyron in the village.

"Lèche", a type of grass commonly found in marshes, is what probably gave the name to this marsh in a small combe in the hills of Monts Berthiand, not far from the hamlet of Etables. With its walkways and information panels, the marsh is a haven of peace where you can enjoy finding out about about the fauna and flora.

For an enjoyable break, discover Mérignat, typical vineyard village between the hills covered of vineyards, gardens, orchards and wooded plateaus lined with steep rocks. All roads lead to Mérignat ! At departure from neighboring villages, take the marked out pathways. Do you see a tower far away ? Remains of a feudal castle erected in 1302 by Humbert de Chatard, it is an emblem that raise on the heights of the village : when you are at its foot, open wide your eyes, a magnificent panorama on the Cerdon “reculée” is waiting for you. And your eyes are going to be dazzle again : follow the signs in direction of the point of view. You are climbing through the hills that surrounds the Ain plains, or at the heart of green and flowered meadows, discover an original nature that Men has been able to preserve. Mérignat, it’s also and especially a typical village, by its wine-making reputation, with its vineyard stone houses, composed of a barn with a vault, stairs leading to the habitation, a cellar, and for some of them a pig “soue” under the stairs. Discover also its two conventional houses with their adjoining parks. Mérignat, it’s a preserved village, a human place. Take the time to stroll in the little streets of the village and to discover its church, of gothic style (15th) with its bell tower boasting 3 bells of which the littlest one is one of the oldest of the region (1547). To be seen : Church of gothic style (15th) – panoramas and points of view.

The Château de Champdor is located a few kilometers drive north of Hauteville-Lompnes. The building dates from 1743 and has 2 tall towers and several outbuildings. Please note that it is not possible to visit the inside of the château. The Château de Champdor comprises of 14 rooms and has a traditional pigeon house within its grounds. It is not possible to visit the interior of the château except during certain dates during July and August when art exhibitions are held there.

What's more fun than spending a nice day with family or friends at the water's edge? Chambod Island, a haven of peace in the countryside, on the banks of the Ain river, in the heart of the Gorges de l'Ain. Chambod Island is clear water between the mountains, an island of 20 hectares with breathtaking scenery, activities for all. On the program: natural swimming in the Gorges de l'Ain, between the mountains, and gourmet break (s) on the terrace! It is also a waterway navigable over 15 km, a beach equipped with supervised swimming and pontoons for water sports (windsurfing, canoeing, paddle boat, paddle ...) or departures of walks or of hikes. The river Ain is divided into two arms around an expanse of land called Chambod Island. Located between the limestone cliffs of Balvay and Jarbonnet, this body of water was born from the construction of the dam Allement.

Restaurant situated in the heart of Cerdon village with a traditional cooking. Restaurant situated in the heart of Cerdon village with a traditional cooking. Specialities : frogs legs, snails with Bugey wines, foie gras.

Situated in the heart of Poncin, an old medieval village, discover a traditional cooking. Pizza area to eat in or take out. Only in the evening.

The Auberge Gîte de la Praille is a 20 bed guesthouse and restaurant located 5km from Hauteville-Lompnes at an altitude of 1,133m in the quiet and picturesque Col de la Rochette, which is a fantastic location for a wide variety of outdoor activities. The Auberge Gîte de la Praille guesthouse comprises of 20 beds located in 3 separate rooms. There is 1 room containing 4 beds another with 6 beds and a 3rd containing 10 beds. However, your reservation guarantees that you will be the sole occupant of the room no matter how many empty beds there are. The guesthouse also has a wonderful restaurant that is open from Wednesday to Sunday all year round which offers local charcuterie, fondues and fish. Being surrounded by nature, the Auberge Gîte de la Praille is great place for hiking, cycling and mountain biking in the summer time and has storage facilities available for bicycles. During the winter months the Hauteville Plateau becomes covered in snow and is renowned for cross country skiing and the auberge has all the skiing equipment you will need for hire.

Ain's temps loisirs is a multi-service structure: a bar-restaurant, a shop selling local products, crafts and souvenirs. There is also a rental area (skis, snowshoes, scooters, swincar) and a wellness area (massage). Small catering with local products only, to be found in the shop area. Area (Nordic bath, sauna) massage on reservation.

The Auberge de Ruffieu welcomes you all year round with traditional, home-cooked French cuisine! Mélissa et François vous accueillent dans leur bar restaurant hôtel situé dans le Valromey. Profitez du calme et des bons plats faits maison proposés par François, le chef. Fermeture pour congés annuels du 18 octobre au dimanche 3 novembre inclus.

Restaurant open all year round in the heart of the Plans d'Hotonnes resort, at the foot of the downhill ski slopes, 500 m from the cross-country ski area and from the hiking and mountain bike trails. In a mountain chalet atmosphere, Hervé offers a varied menu with raclette, tartiflette, fondue, brasserie menu, salads, pizza and a workers' menu. Vegetarian dishes available on request.

On the site of the Vendrolière lake, Angèle and Michel offer daily specials, pizzas, pancakes and salads of all kinds as well as drinks and ice creams to enjoy on the spot or to take away.

Market cuisine, fresh and seasonal products. The chef offers market cuisine in tune with the seasons. Restaurant with a pleasant terrace offering a sensational panoramic view!

Discover an unusual, intimate and cocooning place: the Finnish kota. The ideal place for a birthday party, an evening with friends or family.

Wood huts and lodges with an overview on the Ain river and the Chambod island in the middle of the forest. Situated on the heights of the Ain river, with a overview on the Chambod island, in the middle of the forest, 4 woods huts and 2 wood lodges totally equiped.

Welcome to "Camping de l'Ile Chambod" where you will be warmly welcomed by Floriane and Julien. A shady campsite, favourable to a quiet and restful stay in a family atmosphere, located near a river. The campsite is located near the river Ain, close to the Ile Chambod, in the commune of Hautecourt Romanèche. Come and spend your vacations on spacious pitches, in a mobile home, a converted tent, a lodge tent or a cyclo'tente. You will be able to recharge your batteries and take the time to live. It is also the perfect place for hiking or biking, fishing, swimming, gastronomy, visiting museums, abbeys, etc...

The Faisan Doré Hotel is a charming traditional establishment ran by the Sarvey family. Located in Neuville-sur-Ain on its own beautiful gardens the hotel comprises 14 rooms and offers the finest local cuisine in its restaurant. The hotel is situated five minutes drive from the A42 motorway (exit N°9) and there is ample parking available in the hotel’s garage. All of its 14 en suite rooms are equipped with television and have Wi-Fi access. There is also a swimming pool and games room available. The countryside around Neuville-sur-Ain is full of walking and cycling trails, an ideal way to take in the wonderful scenery and historical sites of the Ain Valley. The Restaurant Faison Doré offers some fantastic local specialities such as trout or zander, caught in the nearby River Ain.

Group gîte sleeping 50 in the heart of the Plateau de Retord. Welcomes groups of riders, cyclists, hikers, trail runners, sports training courses, seminars, school groups, etc.

Located on the Plateau de Retord, at an altitude of 1050 m, the gîte n°1 of La Grange des Plans is a privileged place to recharge your batteries and discover the gentle activities offered by the Jura Mountains. This 95m2 gîte is located on the first floor of an old farmhouse with character, in the middle of nature. It includes 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a kitchenette, a living room, a mezzanine with a TV corner and a laundry room. Ideally located at the foot of the cross-country ski trails, hiking trails and mountain bike tracks, it offers a beautiful view of the Plans d'Hotonnes ski resort. The downhill ski lifts are 800m from the gîte. Les Plans d'Hotonnes is located 1h15 from Lyon, Bourg en Bresse, Chambéry, Annecy and Geneva. By combining the 2 gîtes of the Grange des Plans, the maximum capacity is 15 people.

Located on the Plateau de Retord, at an altitude of 1050 m, the lodge n°2 from La Grange des Plans is a privileged place to recharge your batteries and discover the gentle activities offered by the Jura Mountains. This 105m2 gîte is located on the first floor of an old farmhouse with character, in the middle of nature. It includes 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a kitchenette, a living room and a lounge. Ideally located at the foot of the cross-country ski trails, hiking trails and mountain bike trails, it offers a beautiful view of the ski resort of Les Plans d'Hotonnes. The downhill ski lifts are 800m from the gîte. Les Plans d'Hotonnes is located 1h15 from Lyon, Bourg en Bresse, Chambéry, Annecy and Geneva. By combining the 2 gîtes of the Grange des Plans, the maximum capacity is 15 people.

In a Finnish postcard setting, this gîte offers an ideal location, close to the resort of Les Plans d'Hotonnes. Located in a protected area (Natura 2000), you will find an exceptional setting for a total escape. This old 17th century farmhouse, completely renovated, welcomes you with a large common room, dining room, open kitchen (semi-professional equipped), living room and library corner with a fireplace. Perfect for family game nights. The gîte also has a veranda which opens onto a large south-facing terrace. On the first floor, the sleeping arrangements are divided into 4 bedrooms with bathrooms. A "spring" room with 5 full-size beds, a "summer" room with a double bed, an "autumn" room with 6 bunk beds and a "winter" room with 4 full-size beds. Around the gîte you can enjoy several facilities: a large meadow, a vegetable garden, a playground (football, volleyball), a swing, a cabin and a sauna. There are also rooms for storing skis, snowshoes and bicycles. The building is equipped with a shared washing machine. This location is ideal for direct access to the cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails and toboggan or downhill ski trails in the resort of Les Plans d'Hotonnes. In the heart of the resort you will find a ski school (ESF) to learn or improve your winter and summer skills. Direct access to the GTJ pedestrian, equestrian, mountain bike and road bike routes. And also to the GR9 and GRP.

In the heart of the resort of Les Plans d'Hotonnes, on the Plateau de Retord, you will find 8 tent sites for a holiday or a change of scenery. 1km from the GTJ by foot, horse or bicycle. On the resort, you can enjoy a good pizza or mountain specialities (raclette, tartiflette, fondue, etc.).

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.

In a renovated 19th century Bugist farmhouse, in the heart of Valromey, the owners offer 4 rooms for a capacity of 12 people. Norwegian breakfast. "Utsikten" is a typical old farmhouse of the Haut Valromey, renovated and located southwards with a breathtaking view of the Chartreuse and Vercors mountains. The three rooms are located in the old barn: two double rooms and a sleeping area in the mountain corner for two persons. Each room has a shower, washbasin and toilet. There is also a large room with a kitchen area, a dining area and a sitting area with a wood burning stove. The heating is underfloor heating in all rooms except the upstairs bedroom. Guests in the rooms will enjoy a hearty Scandinavian breakfast.