La Balme-les-Grottes / Jons

At the Bugey area’s southern edge, this ViaRhôna stage distances itself slightly from the Rhône to head up to the Balconies on the Rhône, boasting traditional villages, castles and vineyards. At Anthon, the Ain River joins the Rhône, creating a remarkable natural site in stark contrast to Lyon’s sprawling metropolis not far off. Continue to Jons (a village on the edge of Greater Lyon), the Canal de Jonage and the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage. This provisional stage follows small roads.

The route 

Provisional route following unsignposted small roads. Steep slopes at Hières-sur-Amby. Before Saint-Romain de-Jalionas (on the D 65B road) keep your eyes peeled for the Peillard track on the right. Be careful of busy traffic along the D 55 road. Bypass Villette-d’Anthon via Mons, Pommier and Jons.

Alternative option

At the crossroads of the D55E and D55, take the rocky track you’ll see in front of you. 

Railway stations (SNCF) :

The nearest railway stations :

Montluel railway station : 7,3 km from Jons (on busy roads)

• TER (local services) Line 35 : Culoz > Ambérieu-en-Bugey > Montluel > Lyon

Ambérieu-en-Bugey railway station : 15 km from La Balme-Les-Grottes (on busy roads)

• TER (local services) Line 35 Chambéry > Culoz > Ambérieu-en-Bugey > Lyon
• TER (local services) Line4 Annecy > Aix-les-Bains > Saint-André-le-Gaz > Lyon Part Dieu > Ambérieu-en-Bugey
• TER (local services) Line 3 Saint-Gervais – Evian – Geneva > Bellegarde > Culoz > Ambérieu-en-Bugey > Lyon Part Dieu
• TER (local services) Line 30 Mâcon > Bourg-en-Bresse > Ambérieu-en-Bugey

>>Check TER timetables in Rhône-Alpes

Tourist Information Centre :

• Crémieu Tourist Office  Ph. 04 74 90 45 13

Don't miss:

Crémieu: a medieval town that has presereved its striking architecture, some going back to the 12th century. The town’s most iconic building is its huge, low covered market, which has remained unaltered, serving the same purpose, for over 500 years.

Hières-sur-Amby: Musée-Maison du Patrimoine (heritage museum) and archeological site at Larina.

Vernas: for the château du Cingle.

Jons: for the dam built around 1933 to increase the flow of water in the Canal de Jonage and to evacuate excess water into the former bed of the Rhône.