Col de Menthières, La Pelaz et le Chalet du Sac

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.

Details

36771399
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.25 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 473 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 472 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,545 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,135 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Depuis Valserhône, prendre la direction de Confort par la D991 puis la D16 en direction de Menthières. Au col éponyme, prendre à droite et se garer au parking.

(S/E) Dos au parking, prendre le chemin en face et suivre le balisage Rouge et Jaune. Passer devant l'accro branche. Après un grand bâtiment agricole, arriver à une intersection où le chemin se scinde en deux : prendre celui de droite. Poursuivre en remontant en direction de la Grange Velue par le GR®. Arriver à la Grange Velue à 1160 m d'altitude pour entrer en forêt et atteindre un carrefour.

(1) Tourner à gauche en direction de La Pelaz et continuer jusqu'à l'embranchement suivant.

(2) Délaisser la direction de la Roche de Beauchâteau pour monter à droite. Après une montée raide, déboucher sur une clairière au niveau de la Pelaz à 1375 m d'altitude.

(3) Partir à droite en direction du Col du Sac et enchaîner plusieurs virages. À la piste, partir à gauche. Au croisement suivant, continuer tout droit pour arriver au Col du Sac par un large chemin.

(4) Garder la droite. Arriver au croisement sous la Cabane du Téléphone, obliquer à gauche et rejoindre le Chalet du Sac à 1380 m d'altitude.

(5) Partir à droite et descendre dans la combe jusqu'au lieu-dit La Corne à 1330 m d'altitude. Arrivé à La Corne, emprunter à droite un joli sentier descendant en sous-bois et déboucher sur une piste.

(6) Partir à droite sur cette dernière, puis à gauche pour la quitter quelques dizaines de mètres plus loin. Garder ensuite deux fois la droite. Après la deuxième intersection, garder toujours le chemin descendant jusqu'à la Grange Velue déjà passée à l'aller.

(1) Partir à gauche et suivre le cheminement inverse de l'aller pour rentrer à Menthières (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,135 m - Menthières
  2. 1 : km 0.67 - alt. 1,177 m - Crossroads of the circular loop
  3. 2 : km 1.38 - alt. 1,244 m - Intersection
  4. 3 : km 1.87 - alt. 1,378 m - Pelaz - View of the - Lac Léman
  5. 4 : km 3.55 - alt. 1,344 m - Col du Sac
  6. 5 : km 4.69 - alt. 1,380 m - Chalet du Sac
  7. 6 : km 5.48 - alt. 1,459 m - Intersection of Grand Crêt d'eau
  8. 7 : km 5.75 - alt. 1,510 m - Pierre à Fromage
  9. 8 : km 6.7 - alt. 1,512 m - Under the Crêt des Frasses
  10. 9 : km 7.56 - alt. 1,329 m - La Corne
  11. 10 : km 8.01 - alt. 1,286 m - Track
  12. S/E : km 10.25 - alt. 1,135 m - Menthières

Notes

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.

  1. Safety instructions:

This route crosses part of the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, so please respect the regulations. here

Among these rules: dogs are not allowed, even on a leash!

  1. Before setting off:

- Check the general and local weather forecast to ensure 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).

Worth a visit

Chemin permettant de découvrir les alpages de Menthières.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
L’hérisson
L’hérisson

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The ridges and mountain pastures offer magnificent 360-degree panoramic views.
Things to do..

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Dofel
Dofel

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk, mostly through woods and well shaded, perfect for a hot day. The arrival at the chalet is a treat for the eyes and the highlight of the hike. We had some difficulty following the trail after point 6 and ended up at the Frasses ski lift... We found our way back using GPS and the IGN map, without any difficulty.
Thank you for a great time!

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Cactux
Cactux

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Thanks for this itinerary.
We completed the hike in two and a half hours without rushing. It was snowing that day, so the initial climb was quite steep, muddy and very slippery. Once we reached the top, however, there were no problems, and the descent was on wide trails with few rocks.
The only real view is when you drive up to the Col de Menthieres; during the hike, the charm was mainly due to the forest and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Don't hesitate to stop for lunch at the Chalet du Sac, which is very well equipped and has been recently renovated (thanks to the volunteers).
In short, I recommend this hike, but rather in summer, as three quarters of it takes place in the forest.

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