Giron - Lélex

(S) From the village centre, opposite the cemetery, follow the GRP® (yellow and red markings) along the ‘Giron de Devant’ road towards La Roche Fauconnière, the road leading up to Pesse. 300 m further on, turn left onto the path that crosses the road and leads to La Grange de l’Errance, on the edge of the forest.

(1) At this accommodation, take the road on the left which leads into the forest. 180 m further on, just before the White Cross overlooking Giron, take the path which starts on the left and follow it for nearly a kilometre to rejoin the road.

(2) Turn right and walk uphill along the road for about 600 m until you reach a forest track on the left; take this towards Les Roches Fauconnière. The path runs along the cirque to its end. Several viewpoints open up, offering a sublime view of Orvaz and its rocks.

(3) On the other side of the geological cirque, take the track on the right which joins the road (^D48A) 300 m further on. Turn left and follow it for 1.6 km, avoiding all junctions with logging tracks. You will reach a three-way junction with a forest track on the right.

(4) Leave the road and take the forest track towards Golet des Murs. The terrain is fairly undulating; pass the chalet and continue to the next junction.

(5) Turn right onto the GRP®, staying on a fairly wide, unpaved track, heading towards La Borne au Lion. The route climbs; keep left at the next junction and continue to the following one.

(6) Continue straight on the GR® to the Borne au Lion.

(7) Take in this magnificent, history-steeped spot. Set off again to the right on the white path, climbing gradually up to the Col du Merle.

(8) Head straight down towards Les Closettes through a pretty valley with views of Le Reculet, all the way to the bottom.

(9) At Les Closettes, turn right onto the GR®, heading towards La Haute Cernaz, to begin the return journey to Lélex.

(10) At Haute Cernaz, turn right. The forest track narrows into a narrow path and descends steeply to the Niaizet crossroads.

(11) Keep left between the edge of the forest and the Valserine and continue for about 3 km to Lélex. The dirt track gives way to the road and the first houses come into view.

(12) Turn right at Pont de la Fruitière and make the final climb to the Vieille Chapelle crossroads, the end point of this hike (E) .

Packing the right gear
Good equipment is the key to a successful multi-day hike. Make sure you have a suitable rucksack (around 10 kilos) and don’t forget the essentials:
- Technical clothing for cold and wet weather
- Sleeping bag or sleeping mat
- Sunglasses
- Food and water
- Head torch
- Walking poles
- Fully stocked first-aid kit

Water is essential. Find out about water supply points along your route and take water purification tablets with you in case you don’t have access to drinking water.

Before you set off
- Check the 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 phone number, vehicle(s), car park.
- Avoid setting off alone; use equipment suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, including a head torch, a fully stocked first-aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
- In the event of a problem, call 112(European emergency number).

Additional tips and recommendations
To find out more about our destination, visit our website: Pays de Gex Tourisme. Terre Valserhône Tourisme

A topographical map is available for purchase: https://reservation.terrevalserine.fr/topo-carte-des-rives-de-la-valserine-aux-sommets-du-jura.html

The boundary marker is part of a series of boundary markers erected in 1613.

It marks the tripoint between the Kingdom of France, Spain (which owned Franche-Comté at the time), and the States of Savoy, created after France took Bugey from Savoy following the Treaty of Lyon in 1601 and the Treaty of Auxonne in 1613.

Originally, it was called the Cléa boundary stone, a name which means gate, barrier and passage in the local dialect.