Collonges walks

Fort l'Ecluse, a fortified military structure dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Léaz viewpoint. Panoramic view of the Rhône valley.

Open from mid-June to mid-October, during the Fort's opening hours. A trail combining history and nature, starting within the fort itself. The final ascent rewards walkers with an exceptional panorama before descending back to the fort. Starting from Fort l'Écluse when it is open (from June to September), the path enters the forest before reaching the banks of the Rhône. It winds its way between stone steps, medieval ruins and wooded passages to the heights of Léaz, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Rhône valley. The route then continues to the heights of the Upper Fort, offering a panoramic view of the Rhône gorge, the Vuache and the Étournel. The descent to the Lower Fort concludes this circular route rich in history and emotion.

The aim of the route is to reach the Crêt de la Goutte via the Crête du Fort l'Écluse. The main difficulty will be encountered during the ascent; the slope is quite steep up to the red and white high-voltage pylon, and at times you will need to use your hands (avoid this when descending and on wet ground). From Chalet Bizot, the route is straightforward.

Starting from Chevrier, I suggest you walk the entire length of the Vuache, through a largely wooded landscape, dotted with some lovely viewpoints. The return route follows the foot of the mountain on the eastern side, offering beautiful panoramic views. The main challenge is the distance to be covered.

A circular with limited elevation gain, winding through mountain pastures, allowing you to visit three of the ridges that form the Grand Crêt d'Eau (including the highest point) and enjoy breathtaking views of the Genevois and the Alps.

Walk on the Grand Crêt d'Eau at the far end of the Jura. The route starts at the top of Farges, passes via the Crêts du Miroir, du Milieu and de la Goutte, then descends to Menthières where you can stop for a bite to eat or a drink at the Bistrot de La Gentiane. We then head back up via Le Vélu and Le Pelaz. Beautiful alpine landscapes and views over the Pays de Gex, the Genevois, the Valserine Valley and Menthières

Plateau of the Jura mountain range, overlooking the valleys of Bellegarde sur Valserine and Fort l'écluse. The highest point of the Crêt de la Goutte offers a 360° panorama of the Jura Natural Park and Lake Geneva on the Geneva side, with a horizon dominated by the Alps, including Mont Blanc.

A family hike offering views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Pays de Gex

Circular loop for trail running training, offering beautiful scenery and varied terrain.

Tour of the chalets of the Col du Sac and Varambon via the Crêtes du Sorgia - 360° view at the Crêt de la Goutte with orientation table to discover the Monts d'Ain, Lake Geneva and its water jet, the start of the Jura mountain range, the Swiss and French Alps including the Matterhorn in good weather and the majestic Mont Blanc.

Open from 1 December to 30 March. From the small resort of Menthières, head towards an alpine chalet, where you can admire panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Alps, the Lake Geneva basin and the Hautes-Combes du Jura.The trail is marked in purple for snowshoeing and marked for hiking all year round.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. The fifth and final stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. The stage begins in the forest before reaching the mountain pastures and the Pierre à Fromage. The Crêt de la Goutte (1,621 m) offers a breathtaking panorama of the Alps, Mont Blanc and the three great lakes — Lake Geneva, Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget. The descent crosses the nature reserve between the Crêt du Miroir and Crêt du Milieu to Sorgia-d’en-Haut, then the path heads into the forest before following the banks of the Valserine to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine. Protected area: dogs and tent camping are prohibited in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. If the Valserine riverside path is closed, follow the diversion via the Voie du Tram to reach the centre of Bellegarde.

Open from1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. The section between La Poutouille and Lancrans is the third stage of the six-day walking tour, “The 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. Part of the route passes through 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 also prohibited. Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

A circular route on the Grand Crêt d'Eau massif at an altitude of 1,600 metres, passing through pine forests and crossing a large hilly plateau with views of the Mont Blanc massif, among other things. Moderator's warning: route presents a risk of avalanches.

Open from 1 April to 30 November ( subject to there being no snow) Third stage of the Grande Traversée du Jura walking route: from La Borne au Lion to Culoz, in 6 days. The GTJ links Mandeure (Doubs) to Culoz (Ain) in 15 to 20 days, crossing the Jura Mountains and the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park. The route proposed here corresponds to the second half of the itinerary. The route winds through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected area to be explored with respect. Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs arenot permitted, even on a lead, and camping in tents is prohibited Please respect these rules to preserve this exceptional environment.

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.

Spanning four local authorities, this long circular walk allows you to explore the Pays du Vuache, a region rich in rural and natural heritage that remains well preserved. After passing through the Bois du Mont (Chênex) and enjoying its cool shade, you’ll reach the Longues Reisses plateau, where the panoramic view stretches from the Haute-Chaîne du Jura to the Alps (orientation board). Continue your walk along the botanical trail and head towards the village of Epagny. Walk along the edge of the Vuache Massif at the end of the walk.