Between the Châtoux and the Joncin mountain passes

A scenic walk between the mountain passes of Col du Châtoux and Col du Joncin.

Technical sheet

4098489
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.32 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 3h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 216 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 218 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 869 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 649 m

Description de la randonnée

(S) Set out from the car park at Col du Chatoux (the information panel says Col du Chêne) on the D116.

(1) Take the path to the left until you reach the “Fontaine des ânes” spring. Carry straight on along the path opposite you (GR76) which climbs up and becomes increasingly stony as it goes through the woods. After a slightly difficult passage, the view broadens until you have a beautiful panorama at Bribéral viewpoint (orientation board).

Continue along the path which starts out flat, and then begins a 200 metre descent, which is very stony.

At Le Bribéral, carry straight on towards Saint-Cyr-le-Chatoux.

(2) After the picnic table, take the path to the left, which takes you on an easier descent down to the Col de Joncin.

(3) Walk 50 metres down the tarmacked road, then take the path to the left.

(4) Then take the road which will lead you easily back to Col de Châtoux.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 706 m - Path to the “Fontaine des ânes” spring
  2. 1 : km 0.76 - alt. 749 m
  3. 2 : km 2.93 - alt. 858 m
  4. 3 : km 3.68 - alt. 807 m - On the left, the path that comes back down
  5. 4 : km 6.08 - alt. 697 m - Col de Joncin
  6. 5 : km 7.59 - alt. 679 m - The return road to Col de Châtoux
  7. S/E : km 8.32 - alt. 705 m

Practical information

Orientation board and picnic tables at the Bribéral viewpoint.

In the nearby area

Restaurant-Inn at Chatoux: Le Châtoux Fleuri.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 1 review

Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Clarity of route map
5 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
Julien Kieber
Julien Kieber ★

Hello G.Maq,
Thanks for taking the time to rate the walk.
Sorry to hear that the situation was so stressful.
I talked to the French team about it and they said that Farm dogs are indeed very present in the Alps. Therefore a specific warning about it is quite rare in the information sheet.
Your comment will allow others to be aware of it.
Best regards,
Julien

Content Manager & User support

G.Maq
G.Maq

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : 12/01/25
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

The route itself is great—not difficult, with beautiful panoramas and several places to stop for a lunch break. However, my biggest concern was farm dogs. Since I hiked it in the winter, I didn’t encounter them where the warning signs are posted, but I did meet them at the end of the route and had to take a detour to avoid them. These dogs are very territorial and can be dangerous, especially if you’re hiking with your own dog. Thankfully, nothing happened to us because I heard them barking and spotted them while we were still far enough away. They didn’t chase us, but the situation was extremely stressful and could have ended badly. Additionally, there was a loose dog near the parking area.

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.