Choux walks

This moderately difficult hike will allow you to discover unspoilt nature and a unique panorama from the Cuchet viewpoint. In autumn, the colours are sublime...

A short hike from the village of Les Bouchoux, which allows you to gain some height to see the surrounding area and take a short detour to a superb waterfall.

Superb view of the cliffs of La Roche Fauconnière and then those of La Roche d'Orvaz.

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.

A beautiful winter snowshoe hike.Once you reach the summit, which looks a bit like a sugar loaf (1,545 m), you will discover a 360° panorama (the Haut Jura mountain range and, of course, Mont Blanc in good weather).Please note that depending on snow conditions, there may be a risk of avalanches at the Crêt de Chalam. Beginners should refrain from climbing to the summit; the view is already very beautiful and safe from the plateau just before the summit.

Starting from the workers' village of Dortan, this walk takes you through the Bois de Chatelard forest to the Pierre-qui-Vire and its rocky promontory overlooking Lac de Coiselet. Then, in the intimacy of a rocky cirque at the end of a shady valley, you will discover the waterfall of the Ruisseau de Maissiat, which has been building a pyramid of tufa for thousands of years.

Head for the Borne au Lion via paths that are less frequented than those starting from La Pesse. The route takes you through forests and rolling pastures typical of this region. This hike can be done on foot or with snowshoes, and the landscapes are beautiful in both summer and winter. The route is easy, with regular signposting.

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

Accessible from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. Third stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. 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. Part of the route crosses 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 not allowed.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

A breathtaking view. This hike is a round trip to Crêt de Chalam where, on a clear day, you will have a 360° panorama of the Jura and the Alps. At the summit, there are two orientation tables.

Short hike with magnificent views of Reculet, Crêt de la Neige and Mont Blanc (in clear weather). Moderator's addition on 07/08/2021: Since this hike was created, the trail for the return seems to have deteriorated and some hikers have preferred to do the round trip. See reviews

The aim of the hike is to complete a circular route overlooking the village of Dortan and Lake Coiselet. There are many beautiful viewpoints along the way.

Il est proposé un parcours en boucle un peu sportif, dont la finalité est de rejoindre à partir d'Oyonnax la Prairie d'Echallon, puis de revenir via le Lac Sous les Mousses (et à proximité du lac de Viry) puis le Mont de la Chaux et la Pointe de Biez.

I suggest a good route that takes you from Oyonnax to Lac Genin and the Prairie d'Échallon. Throughout the route, the varied landscapes are reminiscent of a small Canada. The main difficulty is the length of the route.

The aim of this hike is to take you to Lac Genin from the centre of Oyonnax. The route is mainly a loop. Once you arrive at the lake, you are free to spend as much time there as you like.

Walk in the forest with a view of Lake Antre and the Jura Mountains

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

A circular route starting from Martigna and passing by four viewpoints overlooking the lakes of Chanon and Vouglans. From the top of the cliffs, the viewpoints invite us to contemplate the lush greenery and the reflection or sunset on these lakes.

This loop will allow you to discover the bottom of the Flumen valley (and its waterfalls) as well as the ridges above it.

Le Mont Chabot est une des montagnes-phare dominant la ville de Saint-Claude.Il s'agira d'accéder à sa crête en empruntant un parcours en boucle partielle permettant de visualiser de superbes points de vues sur la ville et les alentours. La randonnée est assez courte, mais attention certains passages sont relativement raides et peuvent s’avérer glissants.Attention : le parcours présenté en 2016 vient d'être partiellement remanié (lire § Infos pratiques).

A pleasant little outing to discover this waterfall, which cascades down a sixty-metre drop in two stages. These drops, each around thirty metres high, are spectacular when it has rained. This is therefore an outing to do after a period of rain if you want to enjoy the scenery offered by one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Haut-Jura.

This hike takes you to the Queue d'Âne and Queue de Cheval waterfalls, then climbs a little to the Septmoncel area, via a good circular route that is a little physically demanding at times.Please note that some sections can be tricky due to wet ground, particularly the section between (9) and (10), which is quite steep.

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.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. Second stage of the "La petite boucle de la Valserine" circular hiking trail, from Chézery to Lélex. From Chézery, follow the Balcon du Léman with its exceptional views of Mont Blanc and the Alps, passing by Crêt de Chalam (1,545 m) before descending to Lélex. Protected area: dogs and tent camping are prohibited in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A circular walk, mainly through forest, overlooking the southern part of Lake Vouglans with beautiful views of the lake, a horseshoe bend in the River Ain and the dam.

This circular route will allow you to discover some aspects of the Jura around the town of Saint-Claude. From the Gorges de l'Abîme, you will take a path towards Crêt Pourri, then after crossing a few slopes, you will reach a plateau. On the way back, you will admire the charming hamlet of Vaucluse. 31/01/2024: Route modified following a municipal decree prohibiting access to the Gorges de l'Abîme, see practical information.