Lalleyriat: Lake, Hiking Trails and Cultural Heritage

Lalleyriat brings together a range of themes for planning a trip: the lake, with opportunities for swimming and fishing; hiking trails on the Plateau de Retord; a ski and snowshoe link; and local traditions. Depending on whether you want to spend time by the water, on a hike or exploring the town’s cultural heritage, different activities can take centre stage.

The lake: swimming, fishing and paths along the shore

The Lake of Lalleyriat combines several distinct uses. The swimming area covers 200 m² and is supervised in summer. A path accessible to everyone, with benches, runs around the lake. People with reduced mobility can access the water using an adapted seat and an access mat. Anglers can reach their fishing spots via purpose-built jetties around the shore. The lake is also considered a year-round destination for nature-based leisure activities. For planning purposes, this means swimming is specifically associated with the summer season, while the circular path, fishing jetties and water access are distinct features of the site.

Hikes with different highlights

The hike “Le tour de la Grande Montagne” takes you into the wide hollows of the Plateau de Retord and along a ridge with views of the Monts du Jura and the Mont Blanc range. The route also leads to Lake Lalleyriat. The trail “Le Rocher – Parcours de trail n°28” takes a different route: it runs around the centre of Lalleyriat and the lake. At over 10 km long, with almost 400 m of elevation gain, the trail provides specific information about its distance and elevation profile. The Vierge de Lalleyriat, a named place of devotion, lies along the trail. Comparing the routes helps distinguish them: the Grande Montagne hike leads across the plateau to the lake, while the trail passes through the town centre and around the lake. The trail also offers views of the Haut-Bugey and the haute chaîne du Jura.

Winter link and high-altitude launch site

Winter activities are also among the leisure options described here. A ski and snowshoe link runs from the Lake of Lalleyriat to the “porte de Cuvéry” access point and the Chapelle de Retord. These are two specific destinations on this route. The “POIZAT-LALLEYRIAT – L'ANGLETON” launch site is different: it is located in Lalleyriat at an altitude of 1,163 m and is used for paragliding and hang gliding. These two examples offer a different focus from the hiking trails and show the variety of activities available in Lalleyriat.

Local heritage and the Ronde des Fours

The Ronde des Fours is a traditional event celebrating local heritage, held around the oven in Lalleyriat. The programme includes three marked hiking routes of 6, 8 and 14 km, where you can discover the communal ovens. Four ovens were used during the event to serve almost 500 guests bread, cakes, gratins and roasts, as well as lasagne and pizzas. The event thus combines hiking routes with the ovens and their role in local heritage.

Other points of interest that reflect the town’s cultural character include the Church of Lalleyriat, built in 1840, and the Vierge de Lalleyriat along the “Le Rocher” trail. Historic buildings and a place of devotion sit alongside themes of water, hiking and winter sports, without needing to be combined into a single route. When planning your stay, you can focus on the specific activities you want it to revolve around.

For an overview of the wider travel destination: Ain.