recommended route
Vareilles - Lac Bleu to St-Germain ruins hike
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Blue Lake in springPhoto: S.Megani
You learn that since 1344, the strength of the water was used by mills.
From the 18th century, many textile and cotton factories settled downstream of the lake's water retention.
It is this important past for the hamlet’s development that you can discover along the path by the Gardon stream.
Formerly called “Le Grand Foulon” or “L’Écluse”, the Gardon’s water retention is now called Lac Bleu, because of its sometimes turquoise color. It is a pleasant stop on the walk with picnic tables.
You just have to continue along the path to the ruins of St Germain castle. (Marked path starting at Lac Bleu, 1 hour return to the entrance of Rue de Vareilles).
On-site, very comprehensive panels tell you about the life and architecture of this old medieval village organized around the current remains of the castle. You will also learn more about the excavation and restoration work, still ongoing.
Amazing view of the Ambérieu plain behind the castle.
Picnic tables under the trees for a cool snack break.
Author’s recommendation
TOURIST OFFICE ADVICE
The Château de St-Germain and the Gardon neighborhood reveal their history through well-designed explanatory panels!
Picnic tables under the trees at Château de St-Germain for a cool snack break.
A wandering book box is located nearby if you want to enhance your breaks with a good read.
FROM PEROUGES TO BUGEY, TO GO FURTHER
The tourist office recommends the hike from Lac Bleu to St-Germain
We tested the Lac Bleu to St-Germain walk for you
Heritage path along the Gardon: from Vareilles to Lac Bleu
Mountain bike ride: Lac Bleu
All hikes from Pérouges Bugey Tourisme
All quick walks and easy hikes recommended by Pérouges Bugey Tourisme
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
No swimming or water activities allowed on Lac Bleu.
The climb to the castle is quite steep. Not recommended for very young children or people with health difficulties.
Nature is beautiful. It is our responsibility to respect it by taking our trash with us.
Please respect the peace of the residents and the wildlife.
Tips and suggestions
Public toilets are located near the pétanque courts. Swimming and water activities are prohibited on Lac Bleu. The climb to the castle is quite steep. Not recommended for very young children or people with health difficulties. A wandering book box is located nearby if you want to enhance your breaks with a good read!The route follows Rue de Vareilles and is dotted with explanatory panels about the history of the place. Starts at Château des Échelles and ends at Lac Bleu (swimming and water activities prohibited). Always straight ahead following the Gardon river, then follow the Château de St Germain signs.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Ter Lyon-Geneva, Ambérieu-en-Bugey station. Then municipal bus line TAM No. 1 "Gare-Les Echelles"
Directions
A42 Lyon-Geneva motorway, exit No. 8 Ambérieu-en-Bugey. Then direction Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey. At the locomotive roundabout, take direction Vareilles.Parking
Park at Château des Echelles. Parking for about 10 cars.
Do not drive up to Lac Bleu, no parking available there.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
Wear sturdy closed shoes.
Bring enough water (no water points on the route)
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
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