Circular route between Lavancia and Sièges via the Belvédère des Roches

The route starts in Lavancia at the end of Rue du 12 Juillet 1944 (parking available at the roadside).

(S/E) Head due north, following the track.

(1) At the first junction, turn right and cross the bridge over the old disused railway line. Shortly afterwards, turn right onto another track; then, a few dozen metres further on, look out for and follow a path to the left, where you’ll begin to walk through woodland (note: it’s also possible to continue straight ahead on the track and rejoin the route at point (2)).

(2) At the next junction, carry on almost straight ahead and follow the carriageway uphill for a good while.

(3) At the junction of three paths, take the one on the right. After a hairpin bend, head slightly to the right.

(4) At the next junction, continue straight on along a fairly steep path, walking more or less close to a cliff.

(5) You’ll reach a viewpoint offering a lovely view towards Vaux-lès-Saint-Claude. Carry on, ignoring any junctions. Further on, the path leads out onto an open, grassy area.

(6) Carry on straight ahead along the same path and, further on at a junction, turn right and head downhill.

(7) Walk through the hamlet of Sièges to the Chapelle Saint-Michel and the Mémorial des Martyrs de Sièges. A little further on, turn right onto the Chemin de la Balinette (GRP® route): takethe first right-hand fork straight away, then at the Fork in the road take the left-hand branch and follow this path for a considerable distance (please note: the route marked by IGN in the‘SouslePerron’ areanowcrosses a field andis nolonger valid). Further down, ignore two successive junctions; at the third, continue to the right.

(8) Continue along a path with a steep gradient, almost vertical.

(9) At the next junction, turn left under the bridge of the old railway line. After a short descent down a steep slope, you’ll come out onto a street below: follow it to the left for a few metres.

(10) Take Rue de la Gare on the right, which slopes downwards.

(11) When you reach a stone cross, turn right onto Rue de la Fontaine. A few metres further on, turn left onto Rue des Prés, which becomes a track suitable for vehicles after the last houses.

(12) Just before reaching Lavancia, the road becomes tarmac again and joins Rue du 12 Juillet 1944. Turn right onto this road, heading uphill as you pass the former Saint-Georges Church, and you’ll soon be back at the starting point (S/E).

The starting point can be viewed on Google Maps.

Good walking boots and walking poles are recommended.

Please take your rubbish away with you – nature will thank you for it.

The walk takes place mainly in a wooded area.
Please note: forestry work may temporarily restrict access in certain areas.

Below is a difficulty rating by section (the route is not uniform):
- Green: fairly easy walking with no significant elevation gain or difficulty.
- Blue: steeper slopes and/or greater elevation changes on a well-marked route.
- Orange: routes presenting some technical difficulties and/or poor route conditions (markings or visibility of the path).

From (S/E) to (2): Green difficulty
The route is easy to follow.
Unmarked section.

From (2) to (4): Blue difficulty
A track suitable for vehicles, with fairly steep gradients in places.
Unmarked section.

From (4) to (5): Blue difficulty
A slightly steep path; caution is advised on a section near a rocky overhang.
Unmarked section.

From (5) to (6): Blue difficulty
Route over gentle slopes, mainly downhill.
Unmarked section.

From (6) to (7): Blue difficulty
A track suitable for vehicles with a moderate downhill gradient.
Unmarked section.

From (7) to (8): Blue difficulty
Starts on moderate slopes, then becomes steeper in places.
Yellow-red GRP® markings, quite old and barely visible + a few traces of yellow markings / Signpost at Sièges.

From (8) to (10): Blue difficulty
Route over steep, almost vertical slopes.
Unmarked section.

From (10) to (11): Green difficulty
A section of the route that can be completed without difficulty on a road with little traffic.
No visible signposting.

From (11) to (12): Green difficulty
A track suitable for vehicles, which is easy to follow.
Unmarked section.

From (12) to (S/E): Green difficulty
A very easy return journey along Rue du 12 Juillet 1944.
Unmarked section.

• Lavancia: the village centre, originally situated in the upper part of the village, was completely burnt down on 12 July 1944, with the exception of the Church of Saint-Georges. After the war, it was rebuilt on lower ground. Read the Wikipedia article to find out more.
• Saint Michel Chapel in Sièges: this may date back to the 15th century. Click here to find out more.
• Memorial to the Martyrs of Sièges: this was unveiled on 12 April 2026 and pays tribute to five members of the Resistance who were tortured and murdered on 11 April 1944. Read theONAC article to find out more.