The Source de l’Ain lies between the villages of Conte and La Favière at an altitude of 681 metres and is ideal for walks and relaxing in nature. The trail at the Source was completely redesigned in 2021 and is listed as hiking route no. 43 in the Topo pédestre Champagnole Nozeroy Jura. If you enjoy walking, you can use this numbered route to make the connection with nature. The location details vary in precision: the Source lies between Conte and La Favière; the Ferme des Coucous is in La Favière.
Hiking at the Source de l’Ain
Features of the hiking trail include two footbridges, one of them a suspension bridge; it also highlights the Cascade du Moulinet. The complete redesign in 2021 and these named features give the route a distinctive character. The route number helps you identify this particular trail in the Topo pédestre Champagnole Nozeroy Jura. This is a useful distinction when choosing a route: the number identifies the hike, while the footbridges and Cascade describe its highlighted features. This makes it easier to identify the route than a general walk in nature.
Interpretive trail and river nature
On the interpretive trail, you can discover the Saut des Maillys and the remains of the Moulin du Saut. These add other named points of interest, with a different focus from the bridges and Cascade du Moulinet on the hiking trail. If you base your choice on specific themes, you can consider the numbered hike and the discoveries along the interpretive trail separately.
The Ain also offers its own connection with nature and local activities. It is a first-category river with abundant fish; species caught there include brown trout, grayling, pike, whitefish and perch. Numerous birds as well as beavers, wild boar, roe deer and otters live along the banks of the Ain. This brings fishing and riverside wildlife together as two distinct aspects of the river. It adds another perspective on nature to the walks at the Source and the features of the trails.
Directions to the starting point
To reach the starting point of the trail at the Source de l’Ain, follow the D17 between Conte and La Favière. There is a car park at the starting point next to the information board. Check local conditions before travelling.
Accommodation in La Favière
The Ferme des Coucous in La Favière is a guesthouse with guest rooms and a table d’hôtes. It also offers a farm visit with miniature goats and donkeys. If you plan to take part in this visit, confirm with the provider in advance. This allows you to distinguish the accommodation, with its guest rooms and table d’hôtes, from this separate farm visit.
Discover more destinations: Offlanges, Thoirette, Conte, Prémanon, Maisod, Le Larderet, Graye-Et-Charnay, Fort Du Plasne
For the broader travel overview: Jura.
