The walk descends the Hérisson ('hedgehog') River with its series of rapids and waterfalls, then returns via Bonlieu, passing through the Dame Blanche viewpoint, with a panoramic view over lakes Val and Chambly and the Herisson valley.
Calculated time: 4h25[?] 
Distance : 12.11km
Vertical gain : 329m
Vertical drop : 336m
Highest point : 821m
Lowest point : 601m 
Difficulty : Average
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Areas : Jura mountains, Haut-Jura 
Location : La Chaux-du-Dombief
(39150)
Starting point : N 46.615218° / E 5.885574° Starting from the car park in Ilay, follow the trail (GR559A) downhill to the first waterfall (Saut Girard). (1) At the bottom of the Girard falls, cross the river and follow the track along the left bank. The path is wide and easy at first but can get slippery after the Saut de la Forge. It becomes slightly steeper but is well maintained.
Continue downstream to the Sarrazine footbridge (2), then follow the yellow waymarks and continue towards "Bonlieu". (3) Here you can follow the barrier to admire the view. On the way back, just before the end of the barrier, turn right towards Bonlieu. The uphill path is a bit narrow and very steep on the right, so be careful!
When you are almost above the cliff, you can either continue directly to Bonlieu, or take a detour to the Dame Blanche viewpoint (definitely worthwhile) (4). To get there, follow the yellow waymarks which lead to the viewpoint, then on to Bonlieu.
(5) Go through the village, first taking the rue de la Maison Blanche, then the main street taking you to the other side of the village.
(6) When leaving the village, follow the GR signs up a small road, which becomes a track then a forest path.
The GR markings will lead you back to your starting point via the Girard falls (1).
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 770m - Auberge du Hérisson
1 : km 0.44 - alt. 741m - Saut Girard
2 : km 2.87 - alt. 643m
3 : km 3.05 - alt. 616m - Cascade de l'Éventail
4 : km 5.81 - alt. 715m - Dame Blanche viewpoint - Belvédère de la Dame Blanche
5 : km 8.61 - alt. 773m
6 : km 9.09 - alt. 794m
D/A : km 12.11 - alt. 769m
It is possible to start from different points along the route.
We advise taking IGN maps with you on this walk. Click here to buy : 3326ET, 3327OT.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Boissellerie du Hérisson, Auberge du Hérisson, Auberge l'Eolienne. (Auberge: Hostel/Restaurant)
Global average : 4.62/5
Number of opinions : 146
Description quality : 4.65/5
Routemap quality : 4.6/5
Walk interest : 4.6/5
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 04/09/19
Description quality
: Very good
Routemap quality
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
Hello! Tried to follow this rout, but the footpath is closed where you should turn away from the river, just after way point 3. Very sad 
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.
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