The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Plateau de Chamoise
4.4
(427)
3,238
hikers
56
hikes
Hiking around Plateau de Chamoise offers diverse landscapes, featuring the Monts d'Ain which reach 1127 meters and provide expansive views, sometimes including Mont Blanc. The region is characterized by dense forests, open meadows, and notable geological formations like the Roche du Bois Don. Panoramic viewpoints overlook Lac de Nantua, a significant natural feature with varying water colors. The terrain includes both gentle paths and sections with steeper ascents, providing varied experiences for hikers.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Plateau de Chamoise
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is View of Lake Nantua – Lake Nantua loop from Nantua, a 6.7 miles (10.8 km) trail that takes 3 hours 26 minutes to complete. This route offers views of Lac de Nantua.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Tour des Fècles, a moderate 6.1 miles (9.8 km) path. This trail traverses varied terrain, including forests and meadows.
- Local hikers also love the Lake Nantua – Lac de Nantua loop from Nantua, a 5.1 miles (8.2 km) trail leading through areas with views of Lac de Nantua, often completed in about 2 hours 10 minutes.
- Hiking around Plateau de Chamoise is defined by the Monts d'Ain, panoramic views of Lac de Nantua, and varied terrain including forests and meadows. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy walks to more challenging ascents.
- The routes in Plateau de Chamoise are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 380 reviews. More than 3,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Plateau de Chamoise's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.5
(2)
9
hikers
10.5km
03:21
370m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.3
(41)
325
hikers
9.85km
03:52
440m
440m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.4
(18)
143
hikers
13.9km
04:40
630m
630m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.5
(8)
35
hikers
13.6km
05:02
560m
560m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(5)
15
hikers
18.8km
06:13
750m
750m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Tips from the Community
The Lac de Nantua is a superb body of water of 141 hectares. In the heart of the Jura, it offers an ideal setting for practicing a multitude of sports. It is even possible to swim in its waters.
1
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Beautiful varied hike, with 4 viewpoints from different directions.
0
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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
1
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Still tracks but very nice route with a nice climb
1
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A small church in Nantua worth seeing. Unfortunately, the town suffers greatly from the traffic on the D1084. The nearby motorway costs money.
3
0
The Chemin des Fècles offers a superb route. As you follow this path which passes from deep woods to steep cliffs, be extremely careful not to go too far to the edge of the void. Above all, respect the safety instructions.
1
0
Impressive rock above Mantua
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Plateau de Chamoise?
Our guide features over 50 family-friendly hiking trails around Plateau de Chamoise. These range from easy strolls perfect for young children to more moderate routes for active families, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Plateau de Chamoise?
The trails around Plateau de Chamoise offer a diverse experience, traversing dense forests, open meadows, and sometimes featuring steep or slippery sections. You'll encounter interesting geological formations and enjoy varied landscapes throughout your hike.
Are there any easy, shorter loop trails suitable for families with young children?
Yes, for families seeking a gentler option, the Lake Nantua – Lac de Nantua loop from Nantua is a great choice. It's approximately 8.2 km with minimal elevation gain, offering a pleasant walk around the beautiful lake.
What are the best viewpoints or natural features to look out for on family hikes?
Families will love the panoramic views of the stunning Lac de Nantua, often described as a 'natural jewel' with its shifting blue and green waters. Key viewpoints like the 'Doigts du Diable' offer exceptional perspectives. On clear days, from the Monts d'Ain, you might even catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Plateau de Chamoise?
The komoot community highly rates the trails in this region, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the beautiful scenery, the variety of routes, and the opportunity to enjoy nature with their families.
Are there any longer, moderate routes for families looking for more of a challenge?
For families seeking a longer, more challenging adventure, the View of Lake Nantua – Lake Nantua loop from Nantua is a fantastic option. This moderate route covers about 10.8 km with a significant elevation gain, offering rewarding views and a good workout.
Can we find circular routes that bring us back to our starting point?
Absolutely! Many of the family-friendly trails in Plateau de Chamoise are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Tour des Fècles is a moderate circular hike that offers a comprehensive exploration of the area.
What is the best time of year for family hiking in Plateau de Chamoise?
The Plateau de Chamoise is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to autumn. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, but it's always wise to check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any specific attractions or historical sites along the family trails?
While hiking, you might discover points of interest such as the ruins of the Grange de l'Ours and the Vierge des Monts d'Ain, which provides another beautiful viewpoint. These add a touch of history and culture to your outdoor adventure.
Where can we find more information about the wider outdoor activities available in the Ain region?
Beyond hiking, the Ain region offers a wide array of outdoor pursuits throughout the year, including cycling, snowshoeing, paragliding, and various water sports. For more details on these activities, you can visit the official Ain Tourism website: ain-tourisme.com.
Are there any trails that offer extensive views over Lac de Nantua?
Yes, several trails provide breathtaking views of Lac de Nantua. The Lake Nantua – View of Lake Nantua loop from Nantua is a moderate route specifically designed to showcase these stunning lake panoramas, offering many opportunities for memorable family photos.
Most popular routes around Plateau de Chamoise
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