From Menthières to Le Gralet: a ridge walk through the forest

Parking is available at the archery range at Col de Menthières, in the car park area.
It is also possible to park by driving about a hundred metres along the gravel track that marks the start of the route, where there is a large car park on the right.
Signposting is clear throughout the route.

(S/E) From the Col de Menthières, follow the gravel track to the bend and the large car park, then turn left heading north-east. The track then enters the forest before emerging further on at the edge of the woodland for about 150 metres.

(1) Leave the forest track and take a path that climbs to the right. This path is well-marked and the climb is fairly gradual towards Le Pelaz. Before reaching Le Pelaz, as you leave the forest, the slope becomes steeper for a relatively short stretch, but this isn’t a problem. The route continues through pastureland. Join the^GR® Grand Tour du Jura trail.

(2) At Le Pelaz, turn left towards La Poutouille and Le Gralet. Continue along this path, which leads to the unstaffed La Poutouille mountain hut.

(3) Arrival at La Poutouille. The path branches off to the left. A very pleasant walk through the forest, with plenty of greenery. After a fair distance, the path joins a forest track.

(4) On reaching the forest track, turn left and follow it to Le Gralet. The refuge is manned. A good spot for a lunch break. There is a table and a bench outside, as well as large rocks to sit on.

(5) Return by retracing your steps along the same path you took on the way there, back to the car park at the shooting range (S/E).

This route runs wholly or partly through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Please observe the regulations: https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/reg...
Part of this route lies within a wildlife tranquillity zone from 15 December to 30 June (during this period, it is forbidden to stray from the route between points 2 and 5). Further information here: https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/car...