Chanay: Hiking, Nature and Architectural History

For your trip to Chanay, there are several options to choose from: signposted circular hiking trails, nature watching and historic architecture. You can decide whether to focus on the trails and landscape or on architecture from different centuries.

Hiking, Waterfall and Nature Watching

There are three signposted circular hiking trails starting in Chanay. They begin at the Salle des fêtes, where a map is posted in the car park. Having a shared starting point makes it easier to plan your route. The themed trail Au fil de la Dorche sauvage is dedicated to the Dorche River: interpretation panels provide information about the river and present it as a wild river. The trail leads as far as Château de la Dorches. The area around the château is private and strictly closed to the public because of dangerous ruins and the risk of collapse.

You can view the Cascade de la Dorche from a purpose-built viewpoint above the waterfall. Allow around 45 minutes each way from the starting point of the Au fil de la Dorche sauvage trail at the Salle des fêtes in the village of Chanay. The terrain can be slippery when wet.

The Sentier des Charbonniers passes through a beech forest and offers views of the Alps. In spring, daffodils and narcissi grow in hollows along the trail. Former farmhouses, some of them partly restored, bear witness to earlier settlement and farming. This route therefore combines landscape views with traces of past land use.

If you are particularly interested in wildlife watching, the Sentier de Saint Pierre offers a different focus: the trails south of Michaille provide opportunities to observe numerous animals of the mountain environment. Wildlife watching is therefore the main focus of this trail, while the Au fil de la Dorche sauvage focuses on information about the river.

Natural Area and Landscape

Chanay is part of the continental ZNIEFF Type 2 natural area «Ensemble formé par le plateau de Retord et la chaîne du Grand Colombier». The area covers 23,977.05 hectares of wooded ridges, secluded hollows and an extensive grazing plateau. These varied landscapes complement the specific themes of the trails: the Sentier des Charbonniers, for example, features a beech forest, views of the Alps and evidence of former farming practices.

Architectural History Spanning Several Centuries

The remains of Château de la Dorches in the hamlet of Dorches in Chanay date back to its main construction period in the 12th century. They are listed as a historic monument and designated as an archaeological site.

The present-day appearance of Château de Chanay reflects construction phases in the early and second half of the 18th century. Interior alterations and changes to the façade openings were added in the 19th century. These phases differ from the main construction period of the remains of Château de la Dorches.

The church of Saint-Victor-et-Saint-Urs in Chanay has a single-nave vessel with four bays, a western bell-tower entrance and a flat-ended choir. Its orientation was reversed in 1732. Together with the two châteaux, these buildings illustrate different aspects of local architectural history, from medieval remains to later alterations to buildings.

Bus Service

Chanay is served by bus route A33 Bellegarde/Seyssel. Check the timetables before travelling so you can plan your journey for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Monthieux, La Boisse, Le Grand-Abergement, Hautecourt-Romanèche, Aranc, Civrieux, Béligneux, Pérouges.

For the broader travel guide: Ain.