From Gex to Vesancy via La Chapelle Riantmont

The walk starts in Gex at the car park on Place du Perthemps.

(S/E) With your back to the square, head down Avenue du Perdtemps towards Vesancy. Keep to the right at the junction after the cemetery, following the downhill road until you reach the next junction. Then turn right and carry on straight ahead. Continue to the end of the street.

(1) First turn left then right to follow Rue de la Forêt et de Disse, which then leads out of the residential area. You’ll then arrive at Péroset.

(2) Just before the bend (and just after the Stop sign), leave the main road and go straight on along a small tarmac road for a few metres. Cross the bridge and, at the next junction, turn left: follow the signs for Vesancy. Carry on straight ahead until you reach the road.

(3) Continue along the road which follows on from the footpath. Keep going straight on at the junction. Pass through the village of Vesancy, continuing straight on until you reach the cross, passing the wash houses on the way.

(4) Turn right uphill to a car park. Turn left onto a track leading to the Riantmont Chapel.

(5) After a short climb, carry on straight ahead until you reach the road. Take the grassy path opposite and cross the mountain pasture until you reach a wide track.

(6) Cross the road and continue along the path. Cross a stream, then pass through a turnstile. Continue straight on along a track. You’ll reach a place called La Combette (signposted). Continue through the woodland to the right, up a slight incline, and you’ll reach Saint-Martin.

(7) Cross the large square and take a dirt track flanked by a large house on the left, heading towards Sous-Disse. Follow the track to the next junction.

(8) Turn left onto a small path that leads downhill. Follow this path through the woodland until you reach the junction with the tarmac road.

(9) Turn right and continue to the hamlet of Péroset, which you passed on the way out.

(2) Keep to the right and follow the route back in the opposite direction to return to the car park (S/E).

There is an alternative route that avoids passing through the Nature Reserve.

In this case: on the return leg, at the ‘Saint-Martin’ landmark, 6.9 km along the edge of the forest: head straight down for 40 metres to rejoin the tarmac road (Rue de la Forêt de Disse), which descends to the junction with the path at ‘Chaumois’ (a large house). The rest of the route is the same for returning to Gex (as on the outward journey).

1. Safety instructions:

Part of this route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve; please observe the regulations.
https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/

Among these rules: Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead!

1. Before setting off:

- Check the general and local weather forecast to ensure there is no rain

- Find out about the approach walk, the altitude of the route, the walking time and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.)

- Assess potential risks by consulting mountain professionals, mountain huts and lodges

- Inform a friend or family member of your plans and contact them again if there are any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person’s telephone number, vehicle(s), car park.

- Avoid setting off alone; use equipment suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, such as a head torch, a fully stocked first-aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.

In the event of a problem, call 112 (the European emergency number).

Local heritage: Vesancy Castle, the Gessian farmhouses;St Christophe’s Church; Riantmont Chapel.