The Crêt de la Neige gives Thoiry a striking connection to the Jura Mountains: the summit lies on the municipal boundary between Thoiry and Lélex and reaches 1,720 metres. This makes it the highest peak in the Jura Mountains in the Ain department. It is also located within the Haute-Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Three specific aspects therefore come together in describing the summit: its position on the boundary, its elevation within the department and its protected-area status.
A summit in a protected landscape
The elevation identifies the Crêt de la Neige's standing in the Jura Mountains and in the Ain department; its position on the boundary specifies its association with Thoiry and Lélex. Its protected status is another distinct aspect of its location. If you choose Thoiry for its landscape, the summit offers a clear focal point: a named municipal boundary, the highest point in the Jura Mountains within the department, and a national nature reserve all come together here. These details describe different features and should not be confused with a specific route.
Circular walks with different highlights
The Balade Les Chênes is a short circular walk along a path through fields near a farm. Its distinctive feature is the many oak trees along the route, including the oldest oak on the trail. The walk's description is thus paired with a specific natural feature: fields shape the route, while the oaks give it a theme of its own. Those looking for a short walk will find here a different kind of hiking experience from the Marais de Fenières.
The Balade le Marais also passes through fields and around farms, but follows quiet roads and paths. Its route also goes around the wetland and along the Ruisseau de Fenières. The two walks therefore differ in more than their names: Les Chênes focuses on the trees along a short circular route, while the Balade le Marais links fields, farms, a wetland and a stream.
Information panels at the Marais de Fenières explain the role the wetland plays in retaining water, natural purification and regulating water flow. The panels add specific information to the walk: they draw attention to the wetland's functions rather than simply describing its location along the route. Their content may be updated.
A former railway line for walking and cycling
The Voie verte de Thoiry is a shared walking and cycling route that runs south of Thoiry. It follows a former railway line that has been converted for sustainable transport. This adds another way to get around to the circular walks described here: the route is designated for walking and cycling, while the Balades are described as walks. Its former use as a railway line is a distinct part of the route's history and shapes how the Voie verte is understood.
Sheep's milk products from Bergerie de Baisenaz
Sheep's milk products are the focus at Bergerie de Baisenaz. They make fresh sheep's cheese, sheep's cheese with herbs and Tomme du berger. The range also includes plain yoghurts and yoghurts flavoured with vanilla, orange, lemon, forest fruits, caramel or mocha. There are also flans: vanilla, caramel, and vanilla with a caramel topping. The range therefore extends from various cheeses to yoghurt and flan. The selection may change over time.
When choosing a hotel in Thoiry, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: would you like to make the short oak walk the centrepiece, include the Marais de Fenières with its stream and information panels, or is the Voie verte for walking and cycling your main interest? The Crêt de la Neige offers its own landscape focus. These different themes can help you plan your trip around your interests without setting a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Sainte-Julie, Artemare, Loyettes, Châtillon-En-Michaille, Châtillon-Sur-Chalaronne, Attignat, Jujurieux, Misérieux.
For the wider travel overview: Ain.
