The waterfalls
You are in a region where the waterfalls are numerous and all different with particular charms, and where the presence of water is influenced by the weather
The Tines well
The well of Tines, 11 km from the campsite, is located between the communes of Lompnieu and Champagne en Valromey. Its name comes from its particular geological shape in the form of a well at the foot of the waterfall. It is a waterfall crossed by the Séran. Its particularity is the presence of potholes at the top of the site.
This site is bordered by many rocks and slabs, which allows you to cross the river easily.The color of the blue-green water illuminates the site.
At the foot of the path, a huge, deep, narrow, pot-shaped hole has formed, which requires you to be careful not to slip.
It is very pleasant in summer to walk and swim. At the bottom of the “puits des tines”, crossing the river, you will find a path that allows you to reach a lesser known place: the Gouille Jean Pont. You can rest on the large limestone slabs on hot summer days because the river is very shallow.
It’s also a popular spot for fishermen.
The waterfall of Cerveyrieu
Located at the foot of the campsite, from the top of its 64 meters, this waterfall dominates the village of Artemare and the Fierloz massif.
This is a limestone cliff fed by the river Séran. During the cold winters, this waterfall is impressive and its water flow due to the snow on the Retord plateau makes this site incredibly beautiful. A dizzying hubbub comes crashing against the rock and flows at the foot of the castle (private property).
The river then flows peacefully along the campsite.
Sometimes you will see people crossing the top of the waterfall on a slack line, or rappelling down.
It is still impressive and you have to be careful when you are at the top with small children.
The Clairefontaine waterfall and the Niaz waterfall
Located 5 km from the campsite, it is situated in the village of Virieu le Grand . The river Arène runs through it.
There’s a lovely forest walk to discover it. The charm of this site is that the path is easily accessible for families. You will be able to observe the numerous plants of the undergrowth along the river such as the wood geranium, the ferns, the wild strawberries, the thistles, the lilacs. At the foot of the waterfall, you can dip your feet, but be careful not to slip due to the moss and stones.
Going up the riverbed, the path climbs a little at times. The forest will lead you to a second waterfall, different from the first.
The Glandieu waterfall
Situated 34 km from the campsite, this is a very spectacular site located in the commune of Brégnier Cordon, it has been classified as a sensitive natural area.
With a height of 60 meters, its particularity and its charm comes from the succession of 2 waterfalls, the water comes from the river Gland.
Opposite the waterfall, you will find an inn with a terrace shaded by a two hundred year old plane tree.
The Dards waterfall
Located 12km from the campsite, in Cheignieu La Balme, it includes 3 waterfalls.
The Roman stone bridge, the bridge of the fairies, this waterfall is just upstream and spans the river Furans.
The latter crosses a height of 32 meters and rushes into a collapse of the ground before falling into a basin sifted with spray.
The Charabotte waterfall
The Charabotte waterfall is located 31 km from the campsite and is of ecological, geological and landscape interest. Its impressive 115 m high cataract can be seen between Chaley and Plateau d’Hauteville, in the Albarine valley, named after the river that flows from the cliff.
The top of the waterfall is also a dream location. In the woods, the sound of water can be heard, and then the Albarine River becomes visible. The water is crystal clear. The rock is worn, smoothed by the friction of the water. It’s all curves and delicacy. Suddenly, the Bugey mountains stretch out in a green panorama. A quick glance to the left and it seems as if the river stops there… In reality, it boldly leaps into the void between the rocks. It’s magical!
The timid river transforms itself before our eyes into an impetuous waterfall: beautiful, strong, changing, poetic. In a word, feminine. By the way, where does this charming name “Charabotte” come from?
The waterfall of Pissieu
Situated 62 km from the campsite, this walk is accessible to all and refreshing in summer. You will reach a superb waterfall and the spring that feeds it. The goat farm located on the way will delight children looking for a break.
Access by car :
- from the bridge over the Nant d’Aillon, on the road between Attilly and Villaret,
- from the car park of the Pissieu waterfall, indicated from the bridge of the Nant d’Aillon.
Route: From the bridge of the Nant d’Aillon, the departure is indicated by a sign. A wide path goes up the valley, pass by a farm (old swift) and continue straight on to the waterfall (short descent).
Return by the same route (about 1h return).
The route passes near the Chèvrerie des tannes et Glacières, a mohair wool production site. It is possible to make a loop by returning by the water level of Chatelard.
The Pissieu waterfall is formed just downstream from a spring that drains most of the rain and snow melt water from the Margeriaz Plateau. It is a karstic exsurgence operating on the principle of “Vauclusian spring” (underground hydrological flow emerges from the basement).
Behind the porch of the spring, a drowned underground network plunges to a depth of 50 metres and then rises towards the Margeriaz plateau.
79 km of underground networks are known today under the Margeriaz plateau, including the Tanne du Cochon network which is 825 metres deep between its entrance on the plateau and the Pissieu exsurgence.
The Eilloux waterfall
Only 25 km from the campsite, for a refreshing walk, there is a footpath open to the whole family.
It crosses the vineyard of Seyssel.
This easy hike will make you discover the agricultural landscapes of the commune of Corbonod. With its 100 hectares, the vineyard of Seyssel (most of which is located on the right bank of the Rhône in Corbonod) is one of the smallest and oldest AOCs in France (1942).
Take advantage of this walk to taste (in moderation) the white wines of the Molette and Altesse varieties, typical of our region. You can also stop at the Eilloux waterfall to enjoy its freshness.
The Magnine waterfalls circuit
8.5 km from the campsite, this pretty 2.5 km trail will take you to the Magnine waterfalls in Culoz.
You are now parked in the car park of the church of Saint Martin.
A lovely fresco depicting the Serpollet brothers, pioneers of the motor car, has been painted on the wall of the house where they were born in 1858. You’ll pass a chapel, a reminder of the town’s past, before entering the forest.
Right from the start, the gradient is steep and you’ll be walking alongside the River Jourdan, a very pleasant walk in the summer when it’s hot, with the shade of the trees and the coolness of the water.
The many waterfalls are lovely, and sometimes you’ll be tempted to put your feet in the cool river water.
Once you have reached the waterfall, return to the car park.
You will pass by the château de Montvéran (19th century) and the aqueduct. This walk will require some effort from the outset, a nice change in altitude. But no difficulty . The route is well signposted, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost.
The Brive waterfall
Situated 27 km from the campsite, this waterfall is in the commune of Marchamps.
After parking at the cemetery car park in Marchamps, you drive through this village with its traditional slate-roofed houses.
After a 500-metre walk, you enter a pretty forest and the path is dotted with large caillox trees. I strongly advise you to wear hiking boots or good trainers as the gradient is gradual but you will descend to the waterfall.
A stream called “le gros Pertuis” flows between the rocks. It can form natural pools, and sometimes a waterfall, thanks to the gradual but slow gradient of the riverbed. It flows a little further into the Brive river,
A beautiful place for nature lovers where you can enjoy the shade of the trees and the coolness of the water in summer. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a meal with family and friends before heading back up the slope to the village.
The route to the waterfall is 4.100 km long and is a safe family walk.
