Chézery-Forens - Lélex

(S) Let's set off on the second stage of the short Valserine circular trail, starting from Chézery-Forens. Cross the Valserine and follow the GR® trail towards the south-west.

(1) At Forens, leave the road and take the Montée des Etrets on the right. Stay on the PR® to reach Crêt de Chalam. You will arrive at a crossroads just before the summit.

(2) Continue straight ahead to reach Crêt de Chalam (altitude 1540 m).

(3) After a good little climb, the famous view is breathtaking and the calm air of Crêt de Chalam is well deserved. Turn around to return to the Haut Jura plateau.

(2) At the intersection, after descending Crêt de Chalam, turn right onto the PR® and follow it for 800 metres to reach the Haut-Jura.

(4) Turn right at the intersection and follow the path for 2.5 kilometres to reach the Lion marker.

(5) At the fork, take the GR® on the right.

(6) Arrive at the Borne au Lion, a magnificent place steeped in history. Continue right on the white path to reach the Col du Merle.

(7) Continue straight ahead on the relatively flat white path.

(8) At Les Closettes, turn right into the forest to follow the GR® Grand Tour de la Valserine and begin the descent back to Lélex.

(9) At Haute Cernaz, continue right on the GR® trail, taking care on the descent, which is sometimes a little steep.

(10) At Niaizet, continue left between the edge of the forest and the Valserine for 3 km until you reach Lélex.

(11) Turn right at Pont de la Fruitière. At the end of the path, turn left, then right at the Y-junction to reach the Tourist Office on the right. The hike ends at the Tourist Office, where a well-deserved rest awaits you (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.