Le Creux de l’Envers in Gex

The walk starts in Gex at the car park on Place du Perthemps.

(S/E) With your back to the square, cross the Route du Col de la Faucille. At the small square opposite, turn right onto a small road, the Chemin des Combes.

(1) Follow this path as it descends towards a mill.

(2) Walk past the mill and continue. At the end of the tarmac road, take a path on the left, leading to a three-way junction.

(3) Turn left and follow the signposts towards Haut des Galas until you reach the path of the same name.

(4) Turn right, following a wide track and then a tarmac road at the next junction.

(5) At the junction, take a sharp right-hand bend, cross the stream and make sure you don’t miss the path leading downhill at the side of the road. Discover the wooden sculpture of the woodcutter. The path then climbs up a series of steps (waterfall platforms) to the track.

(6) Turn right onto the track. Continue straight on until you reach the start of the downhill path.

(7) Head down to the right, to the bottom of the valley, until you reach the crossroads.

(8) Turn right towards the Portes Sarrazines.

(9) Take in the views, then return to the previous junction via the same route.

(8) Turn right and keep to the left all the way to the junction you passed on the way out.

(3) Continue to the left and return to the starting point via the reverse route of the outward journey (S/E).

1. Safety instructions:

Part of this route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve; please respect its regulations.
https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/

Among these rules: Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead!

1. Before setting off:

- Check the general and local weather forecast to ensure there is no rain

- Find out about the approach walk, the altitude of the route, the walking time and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.)

- Assess potential risks by consulting mountain professionals, mountain huts and lodges

- Inform a friend or family member of your plans and contact them again if there are any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person’s telephone number, vehicle(s), car park.

- Avoid setting off alone; use equipment suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, including a head torch, a fully stocked first-aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.

In the event of an emergency, call 112 (the European emergency number).

The Saracen Gates: a legend dating from the 19th century tells that the people of Gessi took refuge beyond these stone gates during the Saracen invasions of the 7th and 9th centuries.