Multiday mountain biking loop : Mountainbiking on Grand Colombier and Retord Plateau - Espace FFC Ain Forestière

Follow the GTJ VTT waymarks

Waymarking in progress in spring 2024

It is strongly recommended to have water, food, a helmet, a mobile phone, and a repair kit.

This route does not include very technical sections.

However, the route crosses the alpine pastures of the Plateau de Retord, so great caution is advised when encountering a herd. Many herds are accompanied by guard dogs; in this case, it is strongly recommended not to cross the herd but to go around it. We thank you for keeping your dogs on a leash and for always closing the enclosures behind you.

Defective waymarking, incidents/safety, user conflicts, illegal dumping? : locate and share the problem on the national alert system via the SURICATE app or the site https://sentinelles.sportsdenature.fr/

APIDAE Tourism data updated on 22/04/2022 by "Aintourisme".
An error on this sheet? Write to the owner mentioning these references:
Sheet name: GTJ VTT Loop from Plateau de Retord to Grand Colombier | Sheet ID: 6043076 | URL (link) of this Outdooractive page.

Fully waymarked loop, it can be split into three, two, or done in one go for experts with nerves of steel. You will first need to climb the ridges separating Valromey from the Plateau d'Hauteville to gain some altitude. The route becomes much more undulating from the Lèbe Observatory up to the ascent of the Grand Colombier, the highest point of the journey.

This true tour of Valromey via the ridges ends with a descent of more than 1000 meters of elevation down to Culoz.

Restaurants along the route: La Ferme Guichard, L'Auberge de la Praille, L'Auberge du Plâne, Restaurant Berthet in Plans d'Hotonnes, and the Chalet d'Arvières. (Remember to book to avoid unpleasant surprises!).

VTT and e-bike rental available at Servi'Nature in Plans d'Hotonnes.

This route is part of the "Ain Outdoor" selection.