Le Grand-Abergement: Cross-Country Skiing, Circular Trails and Architectural History

When looking for a hotel in Le Grand-Abergement, planned activities can provide a helpful guide. Cross-country ski trails and circular routes are the main attractions on the Plateau de Retord; the area’s architectural history includes the Chapelle de Retord and the Golet Belon farm. Details vary according to route length, activity type, trail marking and historical context. Considering these points separately can help you weigh up the options more carefully when planning your trip.

Cross-country skiing on the Plateau de Retord

The three access points to the Plateau de Retord are connected by more than 150 kilometres of marked cross-country ski trails; the Chapelle access point is part of this network. This figure describes the trail network across all three access points. Three trails are listed at the Porte de la Chapelle access point: a green trail measuring 4 kilometres, a blue trail measuring 7 kilometres and a black trail measuring 23 kilometres. The stated trail lengths therefore range from 4 to 23 kilometres, with the 7-kilometre trail in between.

Length and colour are two different points of reference for comparing the three trails. The distances in kilometres help you gauge the planned route, while the colour provides an additional classification. Check the trail configuration again before your trip, as it may change seasonally.

Circular routes and snowshoe hikes

There are 11 circular routes on the Plateau de Retord, including routes that start at the Chapelle access point. Snowshoe circuits are no longer marked at the Porte de la Chapelle access point. For planning, it is therefore worth considering the circular routes overall and the marking status at the specific access point separately. If you are planning a snowshoe hike, check on site which routes are marked; marking policies may change.

The circular route to the Chapelle de Retord is rated very easy for hiking and easy for snowshoeing. The rating was updated on 23 December 2024. The assessment differs between the two activity types. So when comparing a hike with a snowshoe hike, refer to the rating for the activity you plan to do.

Chapelle de Retord and the Golet Belon farm

The present-day Chapelle de Retord was built in 1852. It is also the destination of a circular route whose ratings vary depending on the activity. This means that, alongside the construction date, there is also specific information to help plan a hike or snowshoe hike.

The Golet Belon farm is located in Le Grand-Abergement at an altitude of 1,150 metres. It was originally called “Sur l'avallaz”. In spring 2014, the farm’s roof and its “dreffia” were restored. The altitude, original name and restoration date offer different insights into the farm’s history. Together with the chapel’s construction date, these details provide a cultural point of interest alongside the plateau’s ski trails and circular routes. When choosing a destination, you can weigh up whether to focus mainly on cross-country skiing and tours, or also on the region’s architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Ambérieux-en-Dombes, Chanay, Ferney-Voltaire, Malafretaz, Pont-De-Vaux, Ornex, Échallon, Artemare.

For the broader travel overview: Ain.