Chézery-Forens - Lélex

(S) For the second stage of the short Valserine circular route, set off from Chézery-Forens, cross the Valserine and follow the PR® trail marked in yellow towards Forens; the path runs alongside the road.

(1) At Forens, pass the first few houses, then reach the fountain; go round it and turn right towards Crêt de Chalam. The path climbs gradually, then becomes steeper after Petit Mannet and Grand Mannet. It continues its ascent through the forest and eventually reaches Col de Chalam.

(2) Continue straight on up the steps to reach the Crêt de Chalam (at 1,545 m).

(3) After a good little climb, the renowned view is breathtaking and the calm air of Crêt de Chalam is well deserved. Turn back along the same path to the pass.

(2) Continue to the right on the PR®, and simply follow the path through the forest; a few more steps and footbridges will take you to Sous le Crêt.

(4) Turn right and follow the yellow-marked trail. At the junction with the GR®, follow the signs for Borne au Lion, keeping to the right, and arrive at Borne au Lion, a magnificent spot steeped in history.

(5) Continue to the right along the white path to reach the Col du Merle; the path climbs gradually.

(6) Continue straight on towards Les Closettes; the path descends, leading to a pretty valley where you can admire the view of Le Reculet. Continue along this path to the bottom of the valley

(7) At Les Closettes, turn right and continue along the GR® towards La Haute Cernaz to begin the return journey to Lélex.

(8) At Haute Cernaz, turn right; the forest track narrows into a path and descends steeply to the Niaizet crossroads.

(9) Keep to the left, between the edge of the forest and the Valserine, for 3 km, until you reach Lélex. The white track turns into a road, and the first houses of the village of Lélex come into view.

(10) Turn right at the Pont de la Fruitière, the final climb before reaching the Vieille Chapelle crossroads and the end point of this hike (E) .

Be well equipped
Good equipment is the key to a successful hiking trip. Bring a suitable rucksack (around 10 kg) and don't forget the essentials:
- Technical clothing for cold and wet weather
- Sleeping bag or groundsheet
- Sunglasses
- Food and water
- Head torch
- Walking sticks
- Complete first aid kit

Water is essential. Find out where you can get water along your route and bring purification tablets in case you don't have access to clean water.

Before you leave
- Check the weather forecast to make sure there will be no precipitation.
- Find out about the approach walk, the height of the route, the walking time, and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.).
- Assess the possible risks by consulting mountain professionals, refuges, and lodges.
- Inform a friend or family member of your plans and contact them again in case of any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person's phone number, vehicle(s), parking.
- Avoid setting off alone. Use equipment that is suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, including a head torch, a complete first aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
- In case of an emergency, call 112(European emergency number).

Additional advice and recommendations
To find out more about our destination, visit our website: Pays de Gex Tourisme.

Crêt de Chalam is one of the peaks of the Jura mountains, located in the Ain department. It rises to an altitude of around 1,545 metres and offers remarkable views of the Jura mountains, the Valserine valley and, on a clear day, the Alps and Mont Blanc.

This peak is very popular with hikers thanks to its wild landscapes and wide open natural spaces. The path to the summit passes through forests, pastures and rocky areas typical of the Jura.