Cormaranche-En-Bugey: Marais de Vaux and Hiking Trails

Natural attractions and hiking routes provide a clear framework for choosing where to go in Cormaranche-en-Bugey. Marais de Vaux, Belvédère de Planachat, and two routes of different lengths offer a variety of options. Other attractions include Cascades du Trou de la Marmite and the enduro trails at Bike Park de Cormaranche. Route length, duration, elevation gain, and seasonal access can help you decide which excursions fit your plans.

Marais de Vaux: Wetland and Boardwalk

The Marais de Vaux wetland lies within the communes of Cormaranche-en-Bugey and Hauteville-Lompnes and covers 132 hectares. Nearly 160 plant species have been recorded there. A 900-metre-long boardwalk on stilts allows you to cross the entire marsh all year round. The 132 hectares describe the extent of the wetland, while the boardwalk provides a clearly defined crossing. The number of plant species adds a botanical perspective to the area figure, while the boardwalk offers a specific route across the marsh.

Comparing the Hiking Routes

The Planachat–Ferme Guichard hiking route starts at the church car park in Cormaranche-en-Bugey. It is 10 km long, takes 3 hours 45 minutes, and includes 420 metres of ascent. It is open year-round when weather conditions are favourable and is free to access. Be sure to take weather conditions into account when planning your hike.

The Des Lésines–Planachat route passes through Vaux-Saint-Sulpice and reaches Cormaranche-en-Bugey at the Lavoir de Frêne. It is 18.5 km long, takes 6 hours 15 minutes, and includes 645 metres of ascent; it is also open every day throughout the year and is free to access. The route also heads towards the statue of the Vierge de Servoin. Compared with the Planachat–Ferme Guichard route, it is 8.5 km longer, takes 2 hours 30 minutes more, and includes an additional 225 metres of ascent. This lets you weigh up the time commitment and climb side by side.

Belvédère de Planachat

Belvédère de Planachat can be reached from the town centre via Route de Planachat, followed by a 250-metre path. The 250 metres refer to the final path, not the entire route from the centre. An orientation board helps you identify the surrounding peaks, valleys, and plateaus. The viewpoint is free to access year-round: on foot in summer and on snowshoes in winter.

Waterfall, Wood, and Other Activities

Cascades du Trou de la Marmite lies on the road to Col de la Rochette, near Croix du Grapillon and at the turn-off for the small road that descends to Cormaranche. Water plunges 45 metres through an opening in the rock. Sturdy footwear is recommended for your visit.

VisioBois was inaugurated in 2013 and showcases local wood species and the expertise of the regional forestry and timber industries. The Campus Régional du Bois is located in Cormaranche-en-Bugey. At the campus, FIBOIS 01 coordinates free visits for school pupils.

Bike Park de Cormaranche offers enduro trails. Cycling therefore adds a different type of activity to the options alongside the hiking routes.

Discover more destinations: Replonges, Trévoux, Aranc, Viriat, Bâgé-La-Ville, Montluel, Brégnier-Cordon, Chavannes-Sur-Suran

For the broader travel overview: Ain.