Challex walks

Hike open all year round. Set off on a family walk through vineyards and woodland, crossing the border. An ideal getaway for young and old alike, combining nature, relaxation and enchanting landscapes. Discover a family hike that takes you from Challex to Dardagny, along charming paths lined with vineyards. Walk through sun-drenched vineyards and let yourself be charmed by the tranquillity of the landscape. The route offers views of the Rhône and the Jura Mountains. At each stage, between the undergrowth and open fields, nature reveals itself in all its splendour, whatever the season!A charming getaway that combines wine discoveries and wide open spaces.

This circular route, just a few kilometres from the city, immerses you in nature in a surprising way, allowing you to discover two rivers in the Canton of Geneva, then the vineyards of Dardagny. It can be done in either direction.

A walk that varies between forest paths, following streams and crossing vineyards, and the old village of Dardagny.Can also be done by mountain bike (except for one section - from point (7): bypass via Essertines).

Erratic boulders transported by the Rhône Glacier to the foot of the Jura.

From Saint-Jean-de-Gonville, I suggest heading up to the Monts Jura and its higher ground: after climbing to the summit of Le Reculet, the route continues along various ridges to the Passage des Chézerands, offering some lovely views. Navigating unmarked sections, walking on steep or even very steep slopes, and a fairly exposed but avoidable section are the main difficulties.

A family walk in the Chancy woods (Geneva, Switzerland) leading to the banks of the Rhône. There are some lovely surprises to discover along the way, such as a suspension bridge, views of the Jura and Vuache mountains, and streams. The perfect hike for hot summer days!

A short walk along the river that offers a gentle invitation to slow down and reconnect with the landscape. From the moment the path meets the water’s edge, the steady flow of the river sets a calm rhythm, guiding each step forward. Sunlight glints on the surface, shifting with the breeze, while reeds and grasses sway quietly along the banks. Even in familiar surroundings, a riverside walk can feel like a small journey, revealing subtle changes in light, sound, and colour as the route unfolds.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. Set off on a challenging, scenic circular route through the peaks of Reculet and Crêt de la Neige, the highest in the Jura mountains. This demanding route offers a wide variety of landscapes: Jura forests, open ridges and vast mountain pastures. From the heights, enjoy a 360° panorama of Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva, Geneva and the Valserine Valley.The route crosses the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: dogs are not allowed, even on a leash. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment.

An easy circular walk. 

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. The third stage of the hiking tour: from Mijoux to Chézery-Forens via the Haute Chaîne du Jura. Set off on a crossing of the Haut-Jura between Mijoux and Chézery-Forens, through varied landscapes of valleys, peaks and forests. Over three days, you will walk along the Jura ridges, passing by the Grand Mont Rond, the Crêt de la Neige and the Reculet, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. This crossing takes you to the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura, for an authentic experience in the heart of nature. As you will need to carry your own food, remember to bring supplies so you can enjoy this adventure to the full.

This is a very popular hike to the Croix du Reculet, the second highest peak in the Jura, offering superb views of Geneva, Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc and the entire Alps in good weather. For geocachers, there are a few caches along the hike.

Hiking on the lower Jura mountains, on wide paths through fields and forests, connecting the heart of two villages in the Pays de Gex, partly following an ancient Roman road. Throughout the hike, you will see old buildings (Gex farms, castle, churches), views of the Pays de Gex plain, and further afield, the Salève, the Alps and Mont Blanc in particular. This route can also be done by mountain bike.

Open from1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. The section between La Poutouille and Lancrans is the third stage of the six-day walking tour, “The GTJ from Mijoux”. The GR®9 enters the Ain department via Mijoux, before following the spectacular ridges of the Monts-Jura, passing through the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crosses the Retord plateau, and then crosses the Grand Colombier. The trail continues its route to Culoz and the Rhône Valley, before leaving the Ain to reach Savoie and continuing southwards. Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead, and camping in tents is also prohibited. Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November ( subject to there being no snow) Third stage of the Grande Traversée du Jura walking route: from La Borne au Lion to Culoz, in 6 days. The GTJ links Mandeure (Doubs) to Culoz (Ain) in 15 to 20 days, crossing the Jura Mountains and the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park. The route proposed here corresponds to the second half of the itinerary. The route winds through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected area to be explored with respect. Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs arenot permitted, even on a lead, and camping in tents is prohibited Please respect these rules to preserve this exceptional environment.

Walk on the Grand Crêt d'Eau at the far end of the Jura. The route starts at the top of Farges, passes via the Crêts du Miroir, du Milieu and de la Goutte, then descends to Menthières where you can stop for a bite to eat or a drink at the Bistrot de La Gentiane. We then head back up via Le Vélu and Le Pelaz. Beautiful alpine landscapes and views over the Pays de Gex, the Genevois, the Valserine Valley and Menthières

Here is a second circular route to reach the Reculet (the first route can be seen here). You will be able to enjoy numerous views of the Valserine Valley and Lake Geneva (including Geneva and Mont Blanc). I can only say one thing: the landscapes are truly magnificent.

Fort l'Ecluse, a fortified military structure dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Léaz viewpoint. Panoramic view of the Rhône valley.

This circular route will take you to Reculet, the second highest peak in the Jura. Although 2 metres lower than Crêt de la Neige, it is more picturesque. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views all the way to Mont Blanc. The return journey takes you along the banks of the Valserine, one of the wildest rivers in France.

Open from mid-June to mid-October, during the Fort's opening hours. A trail combining history and nature, starting within the fort itself. The final ascent rewards walkers with an exceptional panorama before descending back to the fort. Starting from Fort l'Écluse when it is open (from June to September), the path enters the forest before reaching the banks of the Rhône. It winds its way between stone steps, medieval ruins and wooded passages to the heights of Léaz, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Rhône valley. The route then continues to the heights of the Upper Fort, offering a panoramic view of the Rhône gorge, the Vuache and the Étournel. The descent to the Lower Fort concludes this circular route rich in history and emotion.

Between unspoilt nature and rural heritage, this hike in the Valserine Valley reveals several authentic hamlets whose lives were once punctuated by rivers and agriculture. From Chézery-Forens, the trail passes through several peaceful, green villages and hamlets nestled among forests, meadows and small streams, leading to the ruins of the Moulin Thomas mill, which was in operation in the 18th century. Nearby, the footbridge spanning the Valserine river bears witness to the historic floods that shaped the landscape. Take a detour to discover the blessed fountain, a place of pilgrimage and devotion dedicated to Saint Roland who, according to legend, caused a spring to gush forth, whose water was supposed to cure headaches, stomach aches and eye diseases.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. This hike for experienced walkers leads to majestic peaks steeped in history. A true immersion in unspoilt wilderness, passing through ancient clandestine paths... A demanding excursion through deep forests and green mountain pastures, following in the footsteps of the "smugglers" who, in the 18th century, used these discreet paths to transport their clandestine goods. Starting from Chézery-Forens, the route follows the wild Valserine river before beginning the ascent to the Reculet, which rises to 1,719 metres. Topped by its famous cross erected in 1892, this summit offers breathtaking views of the Lake Geneva basin and Mont Blanc on a clear day. The descent towards the alpine chalets (La Polvette and La Capitaine) joins the Chézerands pass and the hamlet of Rosset. The Reculet cross, weighing 1,600 kg, was hoisted on the backs of four inhabitants of Thoiry.

Starting from Chézery-Forens, I propose a lovely route to the Monts Jura between Le Gralet and Menthières. On the whole, it's a relatively easy route in a wooded environment punctuated by a few open spots offering some fine views.

Open from1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. Second stage of the “La petite boucle de la Valserine” circular walking route, from Chézery to Lélex. This stage, starting from Chézery, will take you through a beautiful variety of landscapes, including wild rivers, lush forests, panoramic viewpoints and Jura valleys. Make the most of this stage to take in the stunning views.

A lovely climb up to the Borne au Lion mountain pasture, with magnificent views of the upper Jura range and the west face of the Reculet.

Here is a circular route to reach Crêt de Chalam from Chézery-Forens: the outward journey follows a little-known route via Montagne des Moines (you won't meet many people). The return journey follows the "classic" route.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. This summit is a must-see for the views it offers over the Valserine Valley, the Jura and Mont Blanc. After an ascent through the forest, a series of steps completes the hike, offering a contemplative reward! The hike starts in Forens. The view gradually opens up onto the Valserine Valley and the Haute Chaîne du Jura. The last few metres are along a steep path, then up some steps to the summit. From there, you can enjoy a 360° panorama of Mont Blanc, which seems so close above the Jura mountains and the folds of the surrounding Jura massif. Also note the "Borne au Lion", the 17th-century border between Franche-Comté, Bugey and the Duchy of Savoy. Information panels recount the lives of the resistance fighters who hid here during the Second World War. To conclude the hike, a short detour to the beautiful Étrès waterfall is a must.

Here is an accessible and enjoyable walk, perfect for enjoying summer days in the shade of trees, to the rhythm of a refreshing stream. The trail passes through peaceful, green surroundings and leads you to the Cascade de l'Etrès waterfall, nestled discreetly in the landscape. A well-deserved refreshing break. A simple and rejuvenating outing in nature to share with your family.

The aim of this hike is to reach Crêt de Chalam (1,545 m) from Chézery-Forens, covering a circular route of approximately 14 km. Although the path to the summit is a little steep, the return journey is gentler but longer.

The aim of the route is to reach the Crêt de la Goutte via the Crête du Fort l'Écluse. The main difficulty will be encountered during the ascent; the slope is quite steep up to the red and white high-voltage pylon, and at times you will need to use your hands (avoid this when descending and on wet ground). From Chalet Bizot, the route is straightforward.

A circular with limited elevation gain, winding through mountain pastures, allowing you to visit three of the ridges that form the Grand Crêt d'Eau (including the highest point) and enjoy breathtaking views of the Genevois and the Alps.

The GTJ runs through the Jura Mountains from Mandeure (Doubs) to Culoz (Ain), crossing the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and offering a detour into Switzerland. The route suggested here covers the second half of the itinerary. Opened in 2004, the GTJ follows the GR®5, GR®9 and GR® de Pays trails for 400 km. Winding along ridges, skirting lakes and emerging from forests, this is a route accessible to most people, with no particular difficulty. It can be tackled as a 2–3-day trip for families, or as the full 15–20-day route. The route winds through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected area to be explored with respect.

Open from 1 April to 30 November (subject to there being no snow) First stage of the Grande Traversée du Jura walking route: from La Borne au Lion to Culoz, in 6 days. The GTJ links Mandeure (Doubs) to Culoz (Ain) in 15 to 20 days, crossing the Jura Mountains and the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park. The route proposed here corresponds to the second half of the itinerary. The route winds through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected area to be explored with respect. Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs and tent camping are prohibited. Please respect these rules to help preserve this exceptional environment.

Short hike with magnificent views of Reculet, Crêt de la Neige and Mont Blanc (in clear weather). Moderator's addition on 07/08/2021: Since this hike was created, the trail for the return seems to have deteriorated and some hikers have preferred to do the round trip. See reviews

A breathtaking view. This hike is a round trip to Crêt de Chalam where, on a clear day, you will have a 360° panorama of the Jura and the Alps. At the summit, there are two orientation tables.