4.3
(64)
3,581
runners
178
runs
Jogging around Brénod, a village situated at 850 meters above sea level in the Haut Bugey region of Ain, France, offers diverse natural landscapes for running. The area is characterized by the dense Forest of Brénod, providing shaded routes, and the nearby Plateau de Retord, which features a mix of open spaces and wooded areas. Numerous marked trails, including those leading to the Three Waterfalls of Brénod, are suitable for various running experiences.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
46
runners
15.7km
02:02
400m
400m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
runners
17.8km
02:16
530m
530m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Sign up for free
9
runners
4.83km
00:37
130m
130m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
7.19km
00:51
130m
130m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
runners
12.2km
01:28
310m
310m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Nice little town with a beautiful church, the town hall is also beautiful.
2
0
Having passed there many times, especially by bike, I did not know the history of the brown ponds. Thank you for these explanations !
1
0
Brénod is located 850 meters above sea level, in the upper Bugey, south of the Jura massif. The town has a historical heritage, as well as a unique and completely preserved natural setting for peaceful, outdoor holidays.
1
0
The Marron ponds have been labeled “Sensitive Natural Spaces” since 2015. They take their name from a family from Brénod. They were created around 1120 and once served as a water and fishing reserve for the monks of Meyriat Abbey.
1
0
Brénod offers a wide selection of running routes, with over 180 trails available for exploration. These routes cater to various preferences, from easy jogs to more challenging runs.
The running routes in Brénod offer a good mix of difficulty levels. You'll find about 15 easy routes, 88 moderate routes, and 79 difficult routes, ensuring options for all fitness levels and preferences.
Yes, Brénod has approximately 15 easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed jog. These trails typically feature less elevation gain and shorter distances, making them accessible for a gentle introduction to the area's beautiful landscapes.
The jogging trails around Brénod are characterized by diverse natural landscapes. You can expect to run through the dense Forest of Brénod, offering shaded paths, and across the nearby Plateau de Retord, which features a mix of open spaces and wooded areas. Many trails are marked and lead through varied terrain, including paths to natural features like waterfalls.
The running routes in Brénod are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.3 stars from over 50 reviews. More than 3,500 runners have used komoot to explore Brénod's varied terrain, often praising the scenic beauty and well-maintained paths.
Yes, Brénod is known for its picturesque waterfalls. You can find marked trails that lead to the Three Waterfalls of Brénod (Sautoux, Crêt Naillot, and Versoud), offering a refreshing and scenic destination for a run. For more information, you can visit hautbugey-tourisme.com.
Absolutely. Many of the running routes in Brénod are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Brénod loop from Brénod is a moderate 7.2 km (4.5 miles) path that takes about 50 minutes to complete, offering a great circular option.
Yes, the region offers stunning scenic viewpoints. The nearby Plateau de Retord provides breathtaking views, including glimpses of Mont Blanc on clear days. Additionally, you might encounter highlights such as View over Lake Nantua along some routes, offering beautiful vistas of the glacial lake.
Many of Brénod's trails are suitable for families, especially the easier and moderate routes. The marked trails through the Forest of Brénod and around areas like the Maron Ponds offer pleasant and safe environments for family outings. It's always a good idea to check the specific route's difficulty and length to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.
Generally, dogs are welcome on the natural trails around Brénod. However, it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially in forested areas or near wildlife, and to respect local regulations. Ensure you carry water for your dog and clean up after them.
Brénod, being a rural village, typically offers parking options within the village center or at designated trailheads. Given the area's focus on outdoor activities, you'll often find convenient parking close to the start of popular running routes, making access straightforward.
Beyond the trails themselves, you can explore several interesting natural attractions. The Lake Nantua, known for its striking colors, is a beautiful spot nearby. The Plateau de Retord offers expansive landscapes, and the Maron Ponds provide a serene setting. You might also encounter highlights like the Col de Bérentin or Cuvéry Pass.
Brénod offers great running opportunities throughout the year, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer provides shaded routes in the forest, while winter can offer unique snowy landscapes, though some trails might require appropriate gear or be less accessible.
Yes, Brénod is known for 'Le Trail de Brénod,' a competitive pedestrian sports event that highlights the area's suitability for running. This event underscores the quality of the local trails. For details on upcoming events, you can check resources like ain-tourisme.com.
Brénod offers several challenging routes for experienced runners. For instance, the Brown Ponds loop from Brénod is a difficult 17.8 km (11.0 miles) trail with significant elevation gain, taking over 2 hours to complete. Another demanding option is the Bief de Valey – Bief du Molard Ravaux loop from Brénod, a 12.2 km (7.6 miles) difficult route.


Browse the best Running Trails & Routes in other regions.