Chanay combines marked hiking trails, varied landscapes and architectural history dating from the 12th to the 19th century.

Hiking trails with different highlights

The three marked circular hiking trails start at the Salle des fêtes; a map is posted in the car park. The Sentier des Charbonniers runs through a beech forest and offers views of the Alps. In spring, daffodils and narcissi grow in the hollows, while former farmhouses, some of them restored, bear witness to earlier settlement and farming. Seasonal blooms and traces of historic farmsteads give this trail two distinct highlights. The Sentier de Saint Pierre has a different focus: on the trails south of Michaille, hikers have the opportunity to observe numerous mountain animals.

The Cascade de la Dorche and the route

The themed walking trail Au fil de la Dorche sauvage uses interpretation panels to provide information about the Dorche River and presents it as a wild river. From the starting point at the Salle des fêtes in the village, allow about 45 minutes each way to reach the Cascade de la Dorche. The waterfall can be viewed from a purpose-built viewpoint above it; descending to its base is strictly forbidden. The ground can be slippery when wet. The trail continues as far as the Château de la Dorches. Its grounds are private and strictly closed to the public because of dangerous ruins and the risk of collapse.

For planning your day, two useful reference points are available: the posted map at the Salle des fêtes and the walking time of about 45 minutes each way to the Cascade de la Dorche.

Chanay in a natural area

Chanay is part of the continental ZNIEFF type 2 natural area “Ensemble formé par le plateau de Retord et la chaîne du Grand Colombier”. Covering 23,977.05 hectares, the area includes wooded ridges, remote hollows and an extensive grazing plateau. Its size and varied terrain offer a broad view of Chanay’s natural setting.

Architectural history from the château to the church

The names of the two châteaux are similar, but their building histories differ. The remains of the Château de la Dorches in Chanay’s hamlet of Dorches date from its main construction phase in the 12th century. They are listed as a historic monument and designated as an archaeological site. The Château de Chanay has a different timeline: its present appearance reflects construction phases from the early and second half of the 18th century, with interior renovations and changes to the façade openings added in the 19th century.

The Church of Saint-Victor-et-Saint-Urs in Chanay has a single-nave layout divided into four bays, a western bell-tower entrance and a flat-ended choir. Its orientation was reversed in 1732.

Plan your journey

Bus route A33 Bellegarde/Seyssel serves Chanay several times a day. Check the timetable before travelling so you can plan your arrival time.

Discover more destinations: Lalleyriat, Civrieux, Sainte-Euphémie, Massignieu-De-Rives, Gex, Saint-Didier-De-Formans, Jassans-Riottier, Fareins

For the regional travel overview: Ain.