Corbonod offers striking views from high elevations and trails with a variety of focuses, from the 360-degree panorama at the Grand Colombier to loop trails leading to a waterfall or viewpoints. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether you’d like to focus on summit views, exploring the plateau, a playful treasure hunt or local history.
Grand Colombier and Sur Lyand
The Grand Colombier reaches an elevation of 1,534 metres. From its summit, the view extends in every direction, and the mountain is accessible by car or bicycle. There are numerous hiking options, and the GR9 also crosses the Grand Colombier. Hiking, horse riding and cycling are among the activities mentioned there. In 2017, the Ain Department designated the Grand Colombier as an ENS (Sensitive Natural Area).
Sur Lyand is on the right bank of the RhĂ´ne, in the southern part of the Grand Colombier massif. There are opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Winter activities depend on snow conditions. From Sur Lyand, panoramic views extend to the Alps, Mont Blanc and three lakes. The scenery is therefore a highlight in its own right, alongside the opportunity to experience the landscape through a range of activities.
Viewpoints and trails
The Boucle des Platières offers numerous panoramic viewpoints. From the ridges of Sur-Lyand near the Griffe du Diable, views extend to the three Alpine lakes of Annecy, du Bourget and Léman. This moderately difficult loop passes through forests, over ridges and across the pastures of the Sur-Lyand / Grand Colombier Nordic area. Check current trail information for route details before setting out.
Another trail idea has a specific destination: the Cascade d’Eilloux loop leads to a waterfall in the hamlet of Eilloux and passes through the vineyards of Corbonod. The Sentier des Chevaliers de l’Altesse, on the other hand, is all about a treasure hunt. It runs through the vineyards of Corbonod and the towns of Seyssel in the departments of Ain and Haute-Savoie. With a booklet, you search for markers, solve riddles and decipher a code. Check in advance whether the booklet is available.
Playful discoveries on the plateau
Sur la piste d’envol des dinosaures is a playful orienteering course on the Sur Lyand plateau, particularly suited to children. The task is to answer questions and find checkpoints, allowing participants to discover the plateau’s distinctive features. As materials available on site may change, it’s a good idea to check their availability before your visit.
The family-friendly Croix Famban loop starts at the Sur-Lyand cross-country ski centre and crosses the plateau and its pastures. Unlike the treasure hunt, the focus here is on the route through the landscape and its scenery. Trail conditions may vary by season, so take this into account when planning your trip.
Church and traces of the past
The church of Corbonod was built in the Gothic style. Its bell tower originally stood above the choir; in 1721, it was moved and rebuilt in front of the entrance. Most of the many gilded wooden statues are in the choir, including a statue of Saint Maurice, the church’s patron saint. Its architecture, renovation history and works of art offer different ways to explore the area’s heritage.
The area also bears traces of its ancient history: Gallo-Roman remains have been discovered at several sites within the municipality. Together with the church, these finds provide a cultural counterpoint to the landscape experiences. When choosing where to stay, you can therefore balance nature trails, viewpoints and history according to your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Villars-Les-Dombes, Échenevex, Neuville-Sur-Ain, Montmerle-Sur-Saône, Loyettes, Civrieux, Saint-Maurice-De-Beynost, Jujurieux.
For the broader travel overview: Ain.
