Châtillon-en-Michaille walks

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.

A pleasant walk along the Valserine Gorges, from Les Pertes to Bellegarde. Very popular in hot weather as much of the route is in the woods and always close to the river. Please note that a municipal by-law dated 11 April 2024 prohibits continuing the hike beyond point 5 along the banks of the Valsorine (footbridges closed)

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.

This is a long hike that allows you to visit and admire not only the Pertes de la Valserine area, but also to walk along the banks of this river, which has profoundly shaped the landscape over the centuries and enabled industrial activity in the 19th century.

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.

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.

Plateau of the Jura mountain range, overlooking the valleys of Bellegarde sur Valserine and Fort l'écluse. The highest point of the Crêt de la Goutte offers a 360° panorama of the Jura Natural Park and Lake Geneva on the Geneva side, with a horizon dominated by the Alps, including Mont Blanc.

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.

Les alpages de Menthières et les paysages du chalet du Sac offrent de grands espaces pour une évasion au cœur des Monts Jura. Entre forêt et alpages, ce parcours varié ouvert d'avril à novembre, s'ouvre sur de superbes panoramas. Le sentier débute depuis le parking face au télésiège du Rendu, longe le parc accrobranche avant de monter vers le Col de Menthières. Il passe par des lieux emblématiques servant de repères pour les randonneurs : la "Grange Velue" et le "Chalet du Sac", qui offrent des vues panoramiques sur Valserhône, le plateau de Retord et les Alpes. Les chiens, même tenus en laisse, sont interdits dans cet espace situé en Réserve Naturelle.

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 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.

A refreshing short hike with multiple panoramic views.

Explore the vast expanses of the Retord Plateau. Along the way, you will see a few typical farms, traces of life in an immaculate and unspoilt place.

This is a lovely little route that takes us through Catray, home to a welcoming inn, then across the northern part of the Retord plateau along quiet paths. This route has little elevation gain and is not difficult, even though it is at an altitude of over 1,000 metres. It can also be done on snowshoes. View of Mont Blanc if the weather is clear.

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.

As it is mainly in the forest, this trail is ideal in summer to escape the heat. The highlight of this hike is Lac Genin. We recommend setting off from Plagne at around 10 a.m. so that you arrive at the lake around midday and can stop there for lunch. If you have time, don't miss a visit to the world's longest dinosaur footprint trail at the end of the route: Dinoplagne® (currently under construction, opening soon...).

This official hike is ideal as it passes by two of the most beautiful viewpoints in the village: the Peney viewpoint and the Roche Carreletau viewpoint, starting from the heart of the village of Poizat-Lalleyriat.This route is one of the six official hiking trails in Le Poizat-Lalleyriat, and is numbered 1.

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

A circular mainly through the forest, to discover the western part of the commune and Lac Genin.

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.

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.

This circular route takes you through the villages of Charix and Plagne. On leaving Plagne, there are superb views of the village of Échallon and its church. Halfway along the route, a picnic stop is a must at the exceptional site of Lac Genin. The ridge path above the village of Apremont offers breathtaking views of the village. Behind you, you can see part of the town of Oyonnax. The highest point of the hike is reached at Mont Burdet at an altitude of 1,050 metres.You will need to follow the route using the .gpx track.

From Chézery to Lélex via the Haute Chaîne: second stage of the two-day "La petite boucle de la Valserine"circular hiking tour. From Lélex, set off to conquer the highest peak in the Jura: the Crêt de la Neige, at an altitude of 1,720 metres. Following the Balcon du Léman trail, you will enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramas in Europe, with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine range. Finally, you will reach Crêt de Chalam, which rises to 1,545 metres. This iconic summit offers a last breath of freedom, nature and wild beauty before concluding this unforgettable circular route. Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations: dogs are not allowed, even on a lead.Camping in tents is also prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

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.

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 travel 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 immerses you in the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura, for an authentic experience in the great outdoors. As you will need to carry your own food, remember to plan your supplies so that you can fully enjoy this adventure.

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.

A gentle walk on the Retord plateau.

The Retord Plateau is ideal for snowshoeing in wide open spaces with, in places and in good weather, panoramic views of the Alps and Mont Blanc. You can enjoy a snack in the picnic room at the Retord farm.

A varied route with beautiful views of the Alps and karst formations characteristic of these limestone plateaus. Best done in winter when the barbed wire fences are removed. If there is enough snow, the route can be done on snowshoes without any problems.