Grilly walks

An easy walk offering beautiful views of the Alps and the Jura. Border crossing, so please bring your ID card.

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.

Walk in the woods of Versoix. Very pleasant in the undergrowth and on the galloping tracks.

Panoramic view of Lake Geneva, the Alps, the high Jura mountains and the Pays de Gex

The main feature of this walk is the River Versoix. 22 km long, it rises in the hills above Divonne-les-Bains, where it is known as the Divonne, before becoming the Versoix once it enters Swiss territory. For many kilometres, its course forms the border between the two countries. Further on, in the commune of Versoix, it flows into Lake Geneva. As well as the Versoix, this walk offers numerous views of the Jura and Alpine ranges.

The walk is so named because part of it was laid out by the military engineering corps to provide a link in the country’s defence system prior to theSecond World War. This circular route runs mainly through woodland, which provides shade in summer, and offers a few views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. The route follows unmarked tracks and paths, with a few steep sections and a short stretch across a path in poor condition. It is accessible outside the snow season.

A pleasant walk along boardwalks through a marshy area with themed information panels about the local flora and fauna. Starting from the hamlet known as ‘Les Îles’, an educational trail runs alongside the Crans Canal. This canal, also known as the Coppet Canal, has been used since 1265 to divert part of the waters of the Versoix towards Bogis and Commugny in Switzerland. The rich variety of flora and fauna (reeds, alders, oaks, lungwort, etc.) found here is highlighted by themed information boards. As you cross the Bidonnes marsh on wooden footbridges, you may spot beavers. Finally, an observation deck offers a superb view of this fragile ecosystem, where a herd of hardy cows helps to prevent natural reforestation.

An easy walk centred on the Journans and its ‘little brother’, the Petit Journans. Born from the torrential streams of the Creux de l’Envers valley, the Journans rushes down the slopes of the Jura. It then flows through the northern part of the Pays de Gex before joining the Lion in the commune of Saint-Genis-Pouilly. This circular route largely follows the river’s course but also takes in the surrounding countryside.

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.

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.

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.

Partly running alongside the River Journans, the path passes through the canyon of the mysterious Portes Sarrazines. This trail, with its lush and varied landscapes, is situated in a protected area. This pleasant walk, accessible from April to November, follows the course of the River Journans. The ‘Au fil du bois’ interpretive trail highlights human activities linked to the forest and water. Finally, the Portes Sarrazines, which frame a gorge carved out by the river, take their name from a local legend: the inhabitants of Gex are said to have taken refuge behind these stone gates during Saracen invasions in the Middle Ages. The route offers a variety of landscapes, alternating between forest paths, roads and steeper sections. Access is restricted; dogs are not permitted within the Reserve.

Much of the walk takes place in the coolness of the forest and the Versoix river, ideal for hot summer days. When you leave the woods, in good weather, there are magnificent views of the Jura mountain range (the Aiguille de la Faucille and the Boule Blanc de la Dole are easily recognisable) and the Alps (Mont Blanc).

A beautiful Franco-Swiss hike to the Dôle, offering magnificent panoramic views of the Jura to the north, Lake Geneva to the south, the northern Alps and, consequently, Mont Blanc.

Open from 16 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. A challenging and immersive hike to the summit of La Dôle (1,677 m). From Le Fleutron, the route alternates between deep forests, open ridges and high-altitude pastures. After crossing the French-Swiss border, you will reach one of the iconic peaks of the Swiss Jura, offering a 360° panorama of Lake Geneva, the Alps and Mont Blanc. This demanding but spectacular route crosses unspoilt natural areas in the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and 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 remarkable environment (see the practical information section).