Champfromier walks

This route takes you to the banks of the Valserine and transports you back in time: ancient stone bridges, a power station with an unusual history and a customs guard's hut. A mysterious and bucolic trail.

After leaving the village of Champfromier and all its amenities, walk through pastures and forest paths. The highlight of this circular: the magnificent panorama from Les Avalanches over the Jura mountains.

This route takes you down into the Valserine Valley, between the villages of Montanges and Champfromier. Woodland, meadows and fresh air await you!

The route forms a circular loop in the Valserine valley between Montanges (Pont des Pierres) and Champfromier. The outward route follows the Valserine river. The return route follows the Lancrans tramway from Chézery. There are two small tunnels to pass through along the way. There are a few difficulties between points (1) and (2) on a trail that is moderately passable at times. The rest of the route does not present any major difficulties.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. The Menthières mountain pastures and the landscapes around the Sac chalet offer wide open spaces for a getaway in the heart of the Jura Mountains. Between forest and mountain pastures, this varied route, open from April to November, offers superb panoramic views. The trail starts from the car park opposite the Rendu chairlift, runs alongside the tree-top adventure park and then climbs towards the Col de Menthières. It passes by iconic landmarks that serve as reference points for hikers: the "Grange Velue" and the "Chalet du Sac", which offer panoramic views of Valserhône, the Retord plateau and the Alps. Dogs, even on a lead, are not allowed in this area, which is part of a nature reserve.

This walk from Montanges offers a view of the famous stone bridge over the Valserine and takes you past the monument to Paul de Vanssay, hero of the Resistance.

A circular route on the Grand Crêt d'Eau massif at an altitude of 1,600 metres, passing through pine forests and crossing a large hilly plateau with views of the Mont Blanc massif, among other things. Moderator's warning: route presents a risk of avalanches.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. The fifth and final stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. The stage begins in the forest before reaching the mountain pastures and the Pierre à Fromage. The Crêt de la Goutte (1,621 m) offers a breathtaking panorama of the Alps, Mont Blanc and the three great lakes — Lake Geneva, Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget. The descent crosses the nature reserve between the Crêt du Miroir and Crêt du Milieu to Sorgia-d’en-Haut, then the path heads into the forest before following the banks of the Valserine to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine. Protected area: dogs and tent camping are prohibited in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. If the Valserine riverside path is closed, follow the diversion via the Voie du Tram to reach the centre of Bellegarde.

Open from 1 December to 30 March. From the small resort of Menthières, head towards an alpine chalet, where you can admire panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Alps, the Lake Geneva basin and the Hautes-Combes du Jura.The trail is marked in purple for snowshoeing and marked for hiking all year round.

Tour of the chalets of the Col du Sac and Varambon via the Crêtes du Sorgia - 360° view at the Crêt de la Goutte with orientation table to discover the Monts d'Ain, Lake Geneva and its water jet, the start of the Jura mountain range, the Swiss and French Alps including the Matterhorn in good weather and the majestic Mont Blanc.

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.

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.

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.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. Third stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. From the Roche Fauconnière viewpoint and its panoramic view of the Cirque d'Orvaz, the trail leads to the Lion marker, a historic landmark of the Franco-Comtois border in the 17th century and a key site of the Resistance. It is here that the GR® de Pays crosses the Grande Traversée du Jura and the GR® 5, before a long, gentle descent towards Lélex, a ski resort nestled in the Valserine valley.

In a typical Jura setting, this loop offers exceptional panoramic views, such as the Roche Fauconnière.

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.

A family hike offering views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Pays de Gex

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

This is a fairly challenging circular trail around the Combe d'Orvaz: the main points of interest are the banks of the Sémine river and its waterfalls, the plateau around the Combe d'Évuaz, and then the Roches d'Orvaz and its cirque.