The Grangeons Loop 2026

At the Grangeons Loop, you’re welcome no matter your shape—triangular, hexagonal, or even round... ⭕ Everyone will find the right fit at the largest race in the department! 😁

The start of your odyssey takes place in Ambérieu-en-Bugey, in the Ain, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region ⛰️. Just a few kilometers from Lyon 🦁, you’ll discover the beauty and richness of the foothills of the Bas-Bugey. Your journey will be eventful and a dilemma will present itself to you: walk or die trail 🤷. In the trail category, several distances are available: the "Express Loop" of 10 km, the "Grangeons Loop" of 16 km or the "Ramequin Loop" of 35 km. You can also run with a loved one in the relay 🤝. So you know the way to complete the loop! 😂 The festive hike will let you watch the runners of the "Grangeons Loop" go by, which is one of the event’s special features 💫. Cheer them on with all your might for a crazy atmosphere over more than 15 km 🥳. At the beginning of September 🍂, the weather is generally nice and warm 🌞, ideal for running in the great outdoors 🌳. It’s the perfect race to start the school year in style! 🎒

So you’ll set off in the town of Ambérieu-en-Bugey, in pursuit of its rich heritage and its abundant nature. Located at the foot of the Jura massif, in the Bugey, you’ll have the chance to admire a multitude of landscapes on your loop 😍, starting with the must-see of the route: the vineyards 🍇. Along the way, you’ll spot the hillsides and renowned vineyards such as Bugey or Roussette du Bugey 🍷. Feel like tasting? Wait until the end of the race to enjoy them—but be careful, always in moderation ⚠️ .

By the way, do you know why the race is called the "Grangeons Loop"? No? Enlighten us, Jamy! 💡 Well, in the Bugey, grangeons are small buildings erected in vineyard plots where grapes were pressed 🛞. They were also used as gathering places during the harvest. Thanks, Jamy! 🤓 Beyond the wine-growing heritage, you’ll also be able to discover the joys of the mountains, with climbs 📈 and descents 📉 of all kinds through woods and fir forests 🌲. The terrain can be tricky, so watch out for the various traps it has in store for you : scree slopes, rocks 🪨, false flats... 😯 To learn more, we explain each distance below 👇.

If you choose trail running 👟, you’ll be able to enjoy the panorama offered by the various viewpoints along the route 😍, starting with the Cross of the Monks ✝️, over the Cluse des Hôpitaux 🏨 (yes, yes, that really is the name of a valley 😆). Climbing a bit higher, you’ll reach the Cross of Luisandre which will offer you, weather permitting 🌦️, a superb view 👀 of Mont Blanc 🏔️. A little lower down, you won’t miss the spectacular Château des Allymes 🏰, a historic 14th-century building that overlooks the town of Ambérieu. Another memorable point along the route is the Blue Lake 🌊, which you can admire on both the trail and walking routes. It’s famous for its colors that change with the light 🔆—you’d almost think you were in the Maldives when the turquoise blue stands out from the body of water 🏝️. But the Maldives have nothing on the Grangeons Loop, which dazzles with the diversity of its landscapes and routes 🥰. As for the atmosphere, you’ll enjoy the warm, good-natured vibe that reigns here. And it has nothing to envy Ibiza—there are even some things in common: a hyped-up crowd, a festive atmosphere, music groups and David Guetta... 🎵 Well, we’re not sure about him yet! 😅 And for the younger ones who would also like to try their hand at fun trails, it’s time for the "Kids Loops" of 500 m, 1 km and 2 km 🤪.

.After giving your body a good "Bugey" workout to the rhythm of the music and the course, you can go unwind by visiting the village of Pérouges for a total immersion in medieval times 🤺. For more calm and to cool off, you can take a tour of the prehistoric caves of La Balme 🐾, which are stunning. On the gastronomy side 🍽️, once you’ve crossed the finish line, you can enjoy the pork-and-cheese galette and cervelle de canut, local specialties from Ambérieu 😋.

To run just a stone’s throw from Lyon, there’s nothing better than Ambérieu! 🏃‍♂️