Giron walks

In a typical Jura setting, this loop offers exceptional panoramic views, such as the Roche Fauconnière.

Accessible from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. Third stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. The route climbs gradually towards the Plateau de Retord, with a view of the remaining path and, in good weather, a panorama of the Alps. The stage then crosses Giron (1,000 m), the highest commune in the Ain, before reaching Lélex and ending at the Pertes de la Valserine.

This is a fairly challenging circular trail around the Combe d'Orvaz: the main points of interest are the banks of the Sémine river and its waterfalls, the plateau around the Combe d'Évuaz, and then the Roches d'Orvaz and its cirque.

Superb view of the cliffs of La Roche Fauconnière and then those of La Roche d'Orvaz.

A circular mainly through the forest, to discover the western part of the commune and Lac Genin.

This route takes you to the banks of the Valserine and transports you back in time: ancient stone bridges, a power station with an unusual history and a customs guard's hut. A mysterious and bucolic trail.

After leaving the village of Champfromier and all its amenities, walk through pastures and forest paths. The highlight of this circular: the magnificent panorama from Les Avalanches over the Jura mountains.

As it is mainly in the forest, this trail is ideal in summer to escape the heat. The highlight of this hike is Lac Genin. We recommend setting off from Plagne at around 10 a.m. so that you arrive at the lake around midday and can stop there for lunch. If you have time, don't miss a visit to the world's longest dinosaur footprint trail at the end of the route: Dinoplagne® (currently under construction, opening soon...).

A refreshing short hike with multiple panoramic views.

The aim of this hike is to reach Crêt de Chalam (1,545 m) from Chézery-Forens, covering a circular route of approximately 14 km. Although the path to the summit is a little steep, the return journey is gentler but longer.

Here is an accessible and enjoyable walk, perfect for enjoying summer days in the shade of trees, to the rhythm of a refreshing stream. The trail passes through peaceful, green surroundings and leads you to the Cascade de l'Etrès waterfall, nestled discreetly in the landscape. A well-deserved refreshing break. A simple and rejuvenating outing in nature to share with your family.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. This summit is a must-see for the views it offers over the Valserine Valley, the Jura and Mont Blanc. After an ascent through the forest, a series of steps completes the hike, offering a contemplative reward! The hike starts in Forens. The view gradually opens up onto the Valserine Valley and the Haute Chaîne du Jura. The last few metres are along a steep path, then up some steps to the summit. From there, you can enjoy a 360° panorama of Mont Blanc, which seems so close above the Jura mountains and the folds of the surrounding Jura massif. Also note the "Borne au Lion", the 17th-century border between Franche-Comté, Bugey and the Duchy of Savoy. Information panels recount the lives of the resistance fighters who hid here during the Second World War. To conclude the hike, a short detour to the beautiful Étrès waterfall is a must.

Here is a circular route to reach Crêt de Chalam from Chézery-Forens: the outward journey follows a little-known route via Montagne des Moines (you won't meet many people). The return journey follows the "classic" route.

This walk from Montanges offers a view of the famous stone bridge over the Valserine and takes you past the monument to Paul de Vanssay, hero of the Resistance.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. Second stage of the "La petite boucle de la Valserine" circular hiking trail, from Chézery to Lélex. From Chézery, follow the Balcon du Léman with its exceptional views of Mont Blanc and the Alps, passing by Crêt de Chalam (1,545 m) before descending to Lélex.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. This hike for experienced walkers leads to majestic peaks steeped in history. A true immersion in unspoilt wilderness, passing through ancient clandestine paths... A demanding excursion through deep forests and green mountain pastures, following in the footsteps of the "smugglers" who, in the 18th century, used these discreet paths to transport their clandestine goods. Starting from Chézery-Forens, the route follows the wild Valserine river before beginning the ascent to the Reculet, which rises to 1,719 metres. Topped by its famous cross erected in 1892, this summit offers breathtaking views of the Lake Geneva basin and Mont Blanc on a clear day. The descent towards the alpine chalets (La Polvette and La Capitaine) joins the Chézerands pass and the hamlet of Rosset. The Reculet cross, weighing 1,600 kg, was hoisted on the backs of four inhabitants of Thoiry.

The route forms a circular loop in the Valserine valley between Montanges (Pont des Pierres) and Champfromier. The outward route follows the Valserine river. The return route follows the Lancrans tramway from Chézery. There are two small tunnels to pass through along the way. There are a few difficulties between points (1) and (2) on a trail that is moderately passable at times. The rest of the route does not present any major difficulties.

Starting from Chézery-Forens, I propose a lovely route to the Monts Jura between Le Gralet and Menthières. On the whole, it's a relatively easy route in a wooded environment punctuated by a few open spots offering some fine views.

Between unspoilt nature and rural heritage, this hike in the Valserine Valley reveals several authentic hamlets whose lives were once punctuated by rivers and agriculture. From Chézery-Forens, the trail passes through several peaceful, green villages and hamlets nestled among forests, meadows and small streams, leading to the ruins of the Moulin Thomas mill, which was in operation in the 18th century. Nearby, the footbridge spanning the Valserine river bears witness to the historic floods that shaped the landscape. Take a detour to discover the blessed fountain, a place of pilgrimage and devotion dedicated to Saint Roland who, according to legend, caused a spring to gush forth, whose water was supposed to cure headaches, stomach aches and eye diseases.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. The Menthières mountain pastures and the landscapes around the Sac chalet offer wide open spaces for a getaway in the heart of the Jura Mountains. Between forest and mountain pastures, this varied route, open from April to November, offers superb panoramic views. The trail starts from the car park opposite the Rendu chairlift, runs alongside the tree-top adventure park and then climbs towards the Col de Menthières. It passes by iconic landmarks that serve as reference points for hikers: the "Grange Velue" and the "Chalet du Sac", which offer panoramic views of Valserhône, the Retord plateau and the Alps. Dogs, even on a lead, are not allowed in this area, which is part of a nature reserve.

A circular route on the Grand Crêt d'Eau massif at an altitude of 1,600 metres, passing through pine forests and crossing a large hilly plateau with views of the Mont Blanc massif, among other things. Moderator's warning: route presents a risk of avalanches.

This circular route takes you through the villages of Charix and Plagne. On leaving Plagne, there are superb views of the village of Échallon and its church. Halfway along the route, a picnic stop is a must at the exceptional site of Lac Genin. The ridge path above the village of Apremont offers breathtaking views of the village. Behind you, you can see part of the town of Oyonnax. The highest point of the hike is reached at Mont Burdet at an altitude of 1,050 metres.You will need to follow the route using the .gpx track.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. Fifth and final stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. The route climbs gradually towards the Plateau de Retord, offering a glimpse of the path already covered and, in good weather, a panoramic view of the Alps. The stage crosses Giron (1,000 m), the highest commune in the Ain department, before reaching Lélex and ending at the Pertes de la Valserine. Protected area: dogs and tent camping are prohibited in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.

Open from 1 December to 30 March. From the small resort of Menthières, head towards an alpine chalet, where you can admire panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Alps, the Lake Geneva basin and the Hautes-Combes du Jura.The trail is marked in purple for snowshoeing and marked for hiking all year round.

Tour of the chalets of the Col du Sac and Varambon via the Crêtes du Sorgia - 360° view at the Crêt de la Goutte with orientation table to discover the Monts d'Ain, Lake Geneva and its water jet, the start of the Jura mountain range, the Swiss and French Alps including the Matterhorn in good weather and the majestic Mont Blanc.

A short hike from the village of Les Bouchoux, which allows you to gain some height to see the surrounding area and take a short detour to a superb waterfall.

Short hike with magnificent views of Reculet, Crêt de la Neige and Mont Blanc (in clear weather). Moderator's addition on 07/08/2021: Since this hike was created, the trail for the return seems to have deteriorated and some hikers have preferred to do the round trip. See reviews

A breathtaking view. This hike is a round trip to Crêt de Chalam where, on a clear day, you will have a 360° panorama of the Jura and the Alps. At the summit, there are two orientation tables.

This moderately difficult hike will allow you to discover unspoilt nature and a unique panorama from the Cuchet viewpoint. In autumn, the colours are sublime...

Here is a second circular route to reach the Reculet (the first route can be seen here). You will be able to enjoy numerous views of the Valserine Valley and Lake Geneva (including Geneva and Mont Blanc). I can only say one thing: the landscapes are truly magnificent.

A beautiful winter snowshoe hike.Once you reach the summit, which looks a bit like a sugar loaf (1,545 m), you will discover a 360° panorama (the Haut Jura mountain range and, of course, Mont Blanc in good weather).Please note that depending on snow conditions, there may be a risk of avalanches at the Crêt de Chalam. Beginners should refrain from climbing to the summit; the view is already very beautiful and safe from the plateau just before the summit.

Il est proposé un parcours en boucle un peu sportif, dont la finalité est de rejoindre à partir d'Oyonnax la Prairie d'Echallon, puis de revenir via le Lac Sous les Mousses (et à proximité du lac de Viry) puis le Mont de la Chaux et la Pointe de Biez.

The aim of this hike is to take you to Lac Genin from the centre of Oyonnax. The route is mainly a loop. Once you arrive at the lake, you are free to spend as much time there as you like.

I suggest a good route that takes you from Oyonnax to Lac Genin and the Prairie d'Échallon. Throughout the route, the varied landscapes are reminiscent of a small Canada. The main difficulty is the length of the route.

This official hike is ideal as it passes by two of the most beautiful viewpoints in the village: the Peney viewpoint and the Roche Carreletau viewpoint, starting from the heart of the village of Poizat-Lalleyriat.This route is one of the six official hiking trails in Le Poizat-Lalleyriat, and is numbered 1.

Head for the Borne au Lion via paths that are less frequented than those starting from La Pesse. The route takes you through forests and rolling pastures typical of this region. This hike can be done on foot or with snowshoes, and the landscapes are beautiful in both summer and winter. The route is easy, with regular signposting.

A circular with limited elevation gain, winding through mountain pastures, allowing you to visit three of the ridges that form the Grand Crêt d'Eau (including the highest point) and enjoy breathtaking views of the Genevois and the Alps.

Starting from the workers' village of Dortan, this walk takes you through the Bois de Chatelard forest to the Pierre-qui-Vire and its rocky promontory overlooking Lac de Coiselet. Then, in the intimacy of a rocky cirque at the end of a shady valley, you will discover the waterfall of the Ruisseau de Maissiat, which has been building a pyramid of tufa for thousands of years.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions The third and final stage of the 3-day, 2-night Crêts en combes hiking tour. Starting from Lélex, this circular route combines the main GTJ route with the suggested alternative via Mijoux and the Col de la Faucille. The crossing of the Hautes-Combes jurassiennes, the Valserine valley and the ridges of the Haute Chaine du Jura promise breathtaking landscapes. On one side, the view overlooks the ridges, on the other, it overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and partly in the Haute Chaîne Nature Reserve, the hike takes place in a preserved natural area. The trail is marked with GR® (red and white) signs.