recommended route
Hike of the Clairefontaine waterfall
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Randonnée Cascade Clairefontaine Virieu le GrandPhoto: Maxime Ballet
Hike starting from Virieu-le-Grand leading to the impressive Clairefontiane waterfall.
Open
easy
Distance 6.9 km
2:00 h
316 m
316 m
568 m
267 m
Hike to discover the historic center of Virieu-le-Grand by going up the Arène river to the majestic Clairefontaine waterfall located in the forest. Unlike some other waterfalls, the flow of Clairefontaine never stops, even during periods of drought.
From the centre of Virieu-le-Grand, follow Route d'Hauteville to the Chemin de Clairefontaine. You can cut the hairpins that wind up to the foot of the waterfall. The circuit then crosses the Chanille bridge before splitting into two more or less direct return options.
This hike can be downloaded on the free app Ain Outdoor.
From the centre of Virieu-le-Grand, follow Route d'Hauteville to the Chemin de Clairefontaine. You can cut the hairpins that wind up to the foot of the waterfall. The circuit then crosses the Chanille bridge before splitting into two more or less direct return options.
This hike can be downloaded on the free app Ain Outdoor.
Author’s recommendation
Pleasant hike starting from the lovely village of Virieu-le-Grand and climbing on the side of the Arène river up to its two waterfalls.
The Clairefontaine waterfall, unlike its neighbors of Cerveyrieu and Pain de Sucre, flows continuously all year round.
In clear weather, the orientation table located a little higher offers a very beautiful view on the Alps.
It is possible to shorten the hike by parking your car in the bends of the D53 road towards the Plateau d'Hauteville.
Difficulty
easy
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
568 m
Lowest point
267 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Lake Virieu-Le-GrandRestaurant L'Auberge de Contrevoz
Restaurant Le Séran
Restaurant "Les Caudalies"
Hotel-restaurant Les Caudalies
Safety information
The surroundings of the waterfall can be slippery and the access path is steep in places.Tips and hints
APIDAE tourism data updated on 24/10/2022 by "Office de Tourisme Bugey Sud Grand Colombier".Spotted an error? Write to direction@bugeysud-tourisme.fr with the following information:
File name: Randonnée pédestre : Circuit de la cascade de Clairefontaine | Record identifier: 5366559 | URL (link) for this Outdooractive page.
Start
Place Honoré d'Urfé - Virieu-le-Grand (267 m)
Coordinates:
DD
45.847982, 5.651587
DMS
45°50'52.7"N 5°39'05.7"E
UTM
31T 705878 5080576
w3w
///averts.thesaurus.proficiency
Destination
Place Honoré d'Urfé - Virieu-le-Grand
Turn-by-turn directions
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Getting there
Parking
Coordinates
DD
45.847982, 5.651587
DMS
45°50'52.7"N 5°39'05.7"E
UTM
31T 705878 5080576
w3w
///averts.thesaurus.proficiency
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendations for this region:
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Equipment
Status
Open
Reviews
Difficulty
easy
Distance
6.9 km
Duration
2:00 h
Ascent
316 m
Descent
316 m
Highest point
568 m
Lowest point
267 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 10 Waypoints
- 10 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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Rating
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