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Fort l'Ecluse walks
Grand Crêt d'Eau via the Crête du Fort l'Écluse
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.
On the banks of the Rhône from Fort l'Écluse
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.
Walks near Fort l'Ecluse
Lancrans - La Charnay
Open from 1 April to 30 November ( subject to there being no snow).
Fourth 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 suggested here covers the second half of the itinerary.
Lancrans - La Charnay
The stage from Lancrans to La Charnay is the fourth stage of the six-day walking tour “La GTJ fromMijoux”.
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 climbs the Grand Colombier. The trail continues its route to Culoz and the Rhône Valley, before leaving the Ain to reach Savoie and continuing southwards.
Valserhône - La Ferme du Retord
Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow.
First stage of the GRP® de la Valserine.
Starting from Bellegarde station, the route runs past Mussel Castle and the hamlet of Ochiaz before climbing up to the Retord plateau. After a 1½-hour climb through the forest, a splendid panorama of the Jura and the Alps awaits you. The stage ends at La Charnay, with the option of staying overnight at the Ferme de Retord or continuing on to the Refuge de la Conay.
Menthières - Valserhône
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.
La Poutouille - Lancrans
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.
La Poutouille Refuge - Lancrans
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.
Le Gralet - Chézery-Forens
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
The third stage of the hiking tour: from Mijoux to Chézery-Forens via the Haute Chaîne du Jura.
Set off on a crossing of the Haut-Jura between Mijoux and Chézery-Forens, through varied landscapes of valleys, peaks and forests. Over three days, you will walk along the Jura ridges, passing by the Grand Mont Rond, the Crêt de la Neige and the Reculet, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. This crossing takes you to the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura, for an authentic experience in the heart of nature. As you will need to carry your own food, remember to bring supplies so you can enjoy this adventure to the full.
Chézery-Forens - Lélex
Open from1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow.
Second stage of the “La petite boucle de la Valserine” circular walking route, from Chézery to Lélex.
This stage, starting from Chézery, will take you through a beautiful variety of landscapes, including wild rivers, lush forests, panoramic viewpoints and Jura valleys. Make the most of this stage to take in the stunning views.
La Charnay - Chalet d'Arvière
The section from La Charnay to Chalet d’Arvière is the fifth 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 range. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crosses the Retord plateau and climbs 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 when kept on a lead, as is camping in tents. Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
La Charnay - Chalet d'Arvière
Open from 1 April to 30 November ( subject to there being no snow).
Fifth 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 suggested here covers the second half of the itinerary.