4.3
(77)
365
riders
69
rides
Mountain biking around Plateau de Chamoise offers diverse landscapes within the Jura massif in the Ain department of France. The plateau features significant elevation, rising over 350 meters above the town of Nantua and its lake. The terrain includes a mix of wooded areas, open plateaus, and limestone cliffs, providing varied environments for mountain bike trails.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
15.9km
02:05
700m
700m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.0
(1)
9
riders
12.8km
01:25
370m
370m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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7
riders
7.20km
00:49
260m
260m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4
riders
36.8km
02:07
290m
290m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
34
riders
61.6km
06:05
1,640m
1,640m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Beautiful, simple, easy walk; lots of traffic noise on the "road" section, a bit of a shame, but the color of the water is magical
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Natural jewel, sapphire blue or emerald green waters, nautical activities.
1
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Great view of the Lac from Belvedere.
2
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The northern part of the lake borders the village of Port.
2
1
At 300 meters, overlooking Lake Nantua, you can appreciate the colors of the water and the extent of its 41 hectares.
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This glacial lake backed by limestone cliffs is sometimes sapphire and sometimes emerald in color - Alexandre Dumas wrote in his book Impression de voyage in 1834: “This pretty little sapphire blue lake set like a jewel, which nature fears to lose. »
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Lake Nantua is of glacial origin and is 141 hectares. The limestone cliffs offer a magnificent contrast with the emerald or sapphire water, depending on the day. Alexandre Dumas described it in his books as “the pretty little sapphire blue lake held in like a jewel, which nature fears to lose”. Bathing enthusiasts, this will be your favorite site in the region!
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Plateau de Chamoise offers a diverse range of terrain, including wooded areas, open plateaus, and dramatic limestone cliffs. You'll find deep woods and steep sections, providing varied environments for mountain biking within the Jura massif.
There are over 60 mountain bike trails available around Plateau de Chamoise, catering to various skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes extensively, with over 350 mountain bikers using komoot to discover the area.
Yes, Plateau de Chamoise offers trails for all abilities. There are 12 easy mountain bike routes, perfect for those new to the sport or looking for a more relaxed ride.
For experienced riders, there are 21 difficult mountain bike trails around Plateau de Chamoise. Routes like the Mont Blanc view – View of the Monts d'Ain loop from Nantua offer significant elevation gain (nearly 700m) over 15.9 km, requiring good fitness and advanced skills.
Absolutely. The plateau's considerable altitude offers breathtaking 180-degree panoramas. On clear days, you can often see the majestic Alps and even Mont Blanc. Key viewpoints like the 'Doigts du Diable' (Devil's Fingers) and 'Roche d'Au-Delà' provide stunning perspectives over Lake Nantua and the surrounding valleys. The Mont Blanc view – View of the Monts d'Ain loop from Nantua is a great option for views.
Yes, Lake Nantua is a prominent feature, and several routes incorporate it. The Lake Nantua – Lac de Nantua loop from Nantua is a challenging 25.9 km trail that circles the lake, offering beautiful views of its sapphire or emerald waters.
The diverse landscapes of Plateau de Chamoise are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. While specific winter conditions vary, some trails may be accessible, but it's always advisable to check local weather and trail conditions, especially at higher elevations.
Yes, for those seeking a longer ride with a moderate challenge, the Cascade du Palin – Lake Nantua loop from Le Chateau is an excellent choice. This 37.4 km trail leads through varied terrain, passing Cascade du Palin and Lake Nantua, with an elevation gain of over 620m.
The mountain bike trails in Plateau de Chamoise are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 60 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the stunning views, and the well-maintained network of trails that cater to different skill levels.
If you're looking for a shorter but still demanding ride, the Lake Nantua – Maria Matre loop from Le Chateau is a difficult 13.0 km trail with over 370m of elevation gain, offering a good workout in a more compact distance.
Yes, the Lake Nantua – Lake Nantua loop from Le Chateau is a moderate 28.5 km route with over 300m of elevation gain. This trail provides a scenic ride around the lake without the extreme technical demands of some of the more difficult options.


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