Col du Grand Colombier walks

A summit and vistas in a site dominated by pastures.

Hike from the Chalet d'Arvières with a gradual, shaded climb to the Col de Charbemènes. Then follow the marked trail, which will take you to the Grand Colombier at 1,525 m in about an hour. You will then have a magnificent view of the Alps, Mont Blanc, Lac du Bourget, the Rhône, and more.

This is a fairly strenuous hike, but without any major difficulties. The climb is very steady, with no respite. From the Grand Colombier, there are beautiful 360° views.

A lovely hike at the foot of Mont Colombier, with panoramic views from the start and of Mont Blanc at the summit. Picturesque landscapes and pastures. ⚠️ 19/05/2026: Take care at this point (4)! Dangerous hike. Not recommended for children or those prone to vertigo. Read the reviews.

The hike starts in Béon and aims to reach the summit of Grand Colombier (1,534 m) with a quasi-circular route. It can be classified as somewhat challenging due to the elevation gain and distance covered. The ascent includes a few fairly steep slopes overall. Otherwise, there are no major difficulties (at most, it should be noted that orientation can be a problem around point (9) and that the markings are less precise at the end of the route).

At the southern end of the Jura mountain range. A scenic route from Sur Lyand to Grand Colombier and back via Les Crêtes.

To complete the hike (Le Grand Colombier from the lodge d'Arvière n°1241202), you can extend it from the pass by returning via the Griffe du Diable and Grange d'en Bas ridges. This trail is less frequented than the one leading to the cross and then to Le Grand Colombier itself, offering you more distant views. Best done in good weather without snow, this trail seems less suitable for snowshoes.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to snow conditions. The section from the Chalet d’Arvière to Pont de La Loi is the sixth stage of the six-day walking tour “La GTJ from Mijoux”. The GR®9 enters the Ain department via Mijoux, before following the spectacular ridges of the Monts-Jura, passing through the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crosses the Retord plateau and then crosses the Grand Colombier. The trail continues its route to Culoz and the Rhône Valley, before leaving the Ain to reach Savoie and continuing southwards.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. The GR® 9 enters the Ain department via Mijoux, before following the spectacular ridges of the Monts-Jura, passing through the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crosses the Plateau de Retord, and then crosses the Grand Colombier. The trail continues its route to Culoz and the Rhône Valley, before leaving the Ain to reach Savoie and continuing southwards. Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations. Dogs are prohibited, even on a lead, as is camping in tents. Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.