Three signposted circular hiking trails begin in Chanay at the Salle des fêtes; a map is displayed in the car park. Chanay is also served several times a day by the A33 Bellegarde/Seyssel bus route.
If you want to find accommodations in Chanay, making a specific selection is part of your personal travel planning.
Hiking and trails
The themed trail Au fil de la Dorche sauvage uses interpretation panels to provide information about the Dorche River and presents it as a wild river. From its starting point at the Salle des fêtes in the village of Chanay, allow around 45 minutes' walking time each way to a developed viewpoint above the Cascade de la Dorche. The trail leads as far as the Château de la Dorches; its surroundings are private and strictly closed to the public because of dangerous ruins and the risk of collapse. The Cascade de la Dorche can be viewed from the viewpoint, but descending to the foot of the waterfall is strictly prohibited.
The Sentier des Charbonniers passes through a beech forest and offers views of the Alps. In spring, daffodils and narcissi grow in the hollows; former, partially restored farms bear witness there to earlier settlement and land use. The Sentier de Saint Pierre offers the opportunity to observe numerous mountain animals on the trails in the south of Michaille.
Nature
Chanay is part of the continental ZNIEFF type 2 natural area “Ensemble formed by the Retord plateau and the Grand Colombier mountain range”, covering an area of 23,977.05 hectares. The area includes wooded ridges, secluded hollows and an extensive pasture plateau.
Culture and history
The remains of the Château de la Dorches are listed as a historic monument and designated as an archaeological site. They are located in the Dorches locality of Chanay and date back to the main construction phase of the 12th century.
The present appearance of the Château de Chanay is based on construction phases from the early and the second half of the 18th century, as well as interior alterations and changes to the façade openings in the 19th century. The Church of Saint-Victor-et-Saint-Urs in Chanay consists of a single-nave body with four bays, a western bell-tower portal and a flat-ended choir; its orientation was reversed in 1732.
More local pages: Chézery-Forens, Hauteville-Lompnes, Châtillon-En-Michaille, Cormaranche-En-Bugey, Crozet, Divonne-Les-Bains, Versonnex, Thoiry.
