Châtillon-en-Michaille walks

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.

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)

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. First stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. Starting from the town, the route climbs gradually towards the Plateau de Retord, with a view of the remaining path and, in good weather, a panorama of the Alps. The stage then crosses Giron (1,000 m), the highest commune in the Ain, before reaching Lélex and ending at the Pertes de la Valserine.

Accessible from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. This hike quickly leaves the town behind and gradually climbs to the Retord Plateau. You will have a beautiful view of the path ahead and, if you are lucky, a panoramic view of the Alps. Then head to the other side of the Jura mountains via Giron 1000, the highest commune in the Ain department. The Monts Jura resort in the village of Lélex will welcome you and help you prepare to climb the highest peaks of the Jura! Finish in style with a visit to the Pertes de la Valserine. 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 leash, and camping in tents is also prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

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.

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.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. Fifth and final stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. The route climbs gradually towards the Plateau de Retord, offering a glimpse of the path already covered and, in good weather, a panoramic view of the Alps. The stage crosses Giron (1,000 m), the highest commune in the Ain department, before reaching Lélex and ending at the Pertes de la Valserine. Protected area: dogs and tent camping are prohibited in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.

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.

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.

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.