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Échenevex walks
The Cirque de Branveau and Mont Chanais from Échenevex
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
A challenging but accessible hike in the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura for lovers of wide open spaces.
From the village of Échenevex, the trail crosses meadows and woods before beginning the ascent to the Col de Branveau. Here you can often see friendly chamois and heifers grazing in the mountain pastures, enjoying the beautiful weather and the breathtaking panorama of the Jura ridges. The climb continues to the summit of Mont Chanais at 1,446 metres, where a 360° view rewards walkers for their efforts. From here, you can admire Mont Blanc, the Alps and the valley below, before descending this route in the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura.
The heights of Échenevex
An easy walk on the edge of the nature reserve. There are several vantage points along the route, particularly offering views of Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva and the Lake Geneva basin. You’ll see dinosaur footprints. Depending on the season, you may also see a small stream, the Crotte.
The Great Popular Walk of Gex
Hike accessible from 17 April to 30 November. Set off on a hike to Colomby de Gex (1,682 metres above sea level), with superb views of Mont Blanc and the Geneva basin. This circuit, emblematic of the Grande Marche Populaire de Gex, follows the ridges of the Haute Chaîne before descending into the forest along the Journans. The route passes through varied landscapes: mountain pastures, deciduous and coniferous forests. It runs through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and, in part, the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, a protected area that must be treated with respect. Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment.
The Gex Popular Walk
Hike accessible from 16 May to 30 November. Set off from Gex on a loop to the Col de Branveau, passing through the Platières mountain pastures. Formerly part of the Petite Marche Populaire de Gex, this varied circuit offers beautiful views of the Haute Chaîne du Jura and the Alps. It passes through forests of deciduous and coniferous trees before a refreshing descent along the Journans. An accessible and enjoyable hike between ridges, mountain pastures and undergrowth.Part of the route is located in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: dogs are not permitted, even on a lead. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment.
Tour of the Combe de Gex
In summer, you can stick to the forest track a little less and head closer to the banks of the Grand Journans to seek shelter under the trees.
Le Colomby de Gex via the Pas de l'Échine
A challenging approach to a summit offering a 360° view of Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura.
The Pas de L'Échine, a tricky and steep but very popular passage, provides direct access to the ridge in a beautiful setting.
The best time to visit is in May, when it is still partially snow-covered and you have to squeeze between the snow and the rock face. However, it is strongly advised not to venture onto the nearby slopes, which are very exposed.
The Lynx route from Crozet
A perfect forest walk for families, combining discovery, observation and learning about nature. A special moment to share, filled with curiosity, relaxation and wonder in the heart of the woods.
This 2.5 km circular themed trail (106 m elevation gain) crosses the forest alongside downhill mountain bike trails — watch out for cyclists! Easy and enjoyable, it is dotted with information panels about the Eurasian lynx, making for an informative and fun outing for the whole family.
From Le Crozet to Le Colomby de Gex (circular)
From Crozet, I suggest gaining some height in the Jura Mountains by heading up to Colomby de Gex. The lower part of the route is mainly through woodland, whilst the upper section is across mountain pastures with lovely views. Please note that the approach to the Pas de l’Échine, in an alpine setting, requires a degree of caution.
The Crêt de la Neige loop via La Calame, starting from Crozet
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
This challenging route takes you to the highest point of the Jura mountains! It combines woodland, open ridges and superb panoramic views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. A wonderful immersion in varied environments, between light and shade. In summer, the Fierney cable car (open on certain days) makes it easier to access the route without detracting from the richness of the landscape.
The route runs through the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and crosses part of the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this environment (see the practical information section).
From Crozet to Crêt de la Neige, at the top of the Jura peaks
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.Set out to conquer the highest peak in the Jura Mountains on a varied hike through forests, open ridges and superb panoramic views of the Lake Geneva basin and, on clear days, Mont Blanc. The route alternates between shade and light, offering a beautiful immersion in the Haute Chaîne du Jura.In summer, on certain days, the Fierney cable car provides easy access to the route while preserving the essence of the landscape.The route crosses the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and part of the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, a protected area: please respect the regulations.Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead.For information on the rules in force, see the link in the practical information section.
From the Fierney cable car to Crêt de la Neige
Open from 15 December to 30 March, subject to the opening of the Fierney cable car.
Put on your snowshoes and set off to explore the famous Crêt de la Neige, the highest point in the Jura mountains, offering spectacular scenery!
Mont Mourex in Grilly
This accessible, family-friendly hike through forests and panoramic views offers a splendid 360° view of both the Alps and the Jura from Mont Mourex.
The trail passes through a pleasant forest before reaching the open heights, offering an exceptional panorama of the Alps and the Jura. A landscape information table allows you to identify the surrounding peaks. An intriguing circle of stones, approximately 45 metres in diameter, is believed to have been used for sun worship. In its centre is a block of stone that is thought to have been deposited there by the Rhône glaciers during an ice age. It adds to the enigmatic nature of the place. The descent is gentle, through meadows.
La Faucille - Colomby de Gex - Mont Rond
Je vous propose de réaliser un parcours en boucle au départ des environs du Col de la Faucille (parking du Pailly) afin d’accéder au Colomby de Gex : à l'aller le tracé évolue sous les Monts Jura et au retour sur ses crêtes avec une succession de montées et descentes.
Certaines parties du parcours sont situées en zones de quiétude de la faune sauvage et il ne sera ainsi pas possible de le parcourir du 15/12 au 15/05 (à lire ci dessous)
Le Colomby de Gex from Le Pailly
Only accessible from 16 May to 30 November. Subject to snow conditions.
From the ridges, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps before descending into the Branveau cirque.
This route on the Haute Chaîne du Jura promises an immersion in an unusual, wild and unspoilt setting. After reaching the Crozat mountain pasture, then the summit of Colomby de Gex at 1,688 metres, the descent begins via the Branveau cirque before reaching the Platières chalet. The varied and sometimes technical trail is marked with yellow markers.
The Colomby de Gex pylon was originally built in Paris, then transported and erected in Gex in 1907. A memorial commemorates Fernand Fluckiger, a Swiss aviator who died in a plane crash on 2 June 1932 at this site.
Les Montronds
Open from 1 December to 30 March.
A marked trail along the ridges, where you can admire a magnificent panorama of Mont Blanc, the Alps and the Lake Geneva basin, Geneva and its water jet, and the Hautes-Combes du Jura on the other side, before descending back to the heart of the resort.The departure point is at the top of the Montrond Télécombi.
More walks in Échenevex
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