An easy walk along the river banks from the town centre to the place known as "Les Pertes de la Valserine", where the river disappears into a bottomless pit, before reappearing beyond a labyrinth of limestone canyons.
From the car park along the D1084, take a path for around 20 minutes down to the Pertes de la Valserine, where the waters of the river disappear into a bottomless abyss, only to reappear beyond a labyrinth of limestone canyons.
The Valserine is the 1st French river to be awarded the "Rivières Sauvages" label. It offers the guarantee of its great purity. Trout spawn in its waters, and reserves protect them in certain places.
The Valserine has contributed to the industrial and commercial development of Bellegarde, and has also served as a border on several occasions: between France and Savoie (1601-1760), then as a free zone (1815-1923) and as a demarcation line during the Second World War (free zone on the right bank).
Other possible starting points for the walk:
- from the Voie du Tram car park at Rougeland
- from Bellegarde town centre, taking the bypass via the Voie du Tram and then the GR9.
It's not accessible for disabled people nor strollers (a baby carrier is recommended).
We advise you to hold your children's hand.
The Valserine is the 1st French river to be awarded the "Rivières Sauvages" label. It offers the guarantee of its great purity. Trout spawn in its waters, and reserves protect them in certain places.
The Valserine has contributed to the industrial and commercial development of Bellegarde, and has also served as a border on several occasions: between France and Savoie (1601-1760), then as a free zone (1815-1923) and as a demarcation line during the Second World War (free zone on the right bank).
Other possible starting points for the walk:
- from the Voie du Tram car park at Rougeland
- from Bellegarde town centre, taking the bypass via the Voie du Tram and then the GR9.
It's not accessible for disabled people nor strollers (a baby carrier is recommended).
We advise you to hold your children's hand.
- TipsFree leaflet available at theTourist Office.
Rates
Rates
Free access.
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Openings
Openings
All year 2025 - Open everyday
Subject to favorable weather
Medias
Medias
vidéo youtube "balade aux pertes de la valserine"![vidéo youtube balade aux pertes de la valserine]()
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Location
Location
Environment
Environment
- Waterside
Access
Access
- 3 starting point : car park in the city center (Louis Dumont street, under the viaduct of the railway), car park at 3 km of the city center on 1084 Rad going to Lyon - Nantua, or car park of the Voie du Tram on 991 Road going to Lancrans.
