La Borne au Lion - Refuge de la Loge

(S) From La Borne au Lion, a magnificent spot steeped in history, follow the white path to the right towards the Col du Merle. The trail climbs gradually along a wide path.

(1) At the Col du Merle, continue straight on towards Les Closettes, down a slope leading to a pretty valley with views of the Reculet. Continue to the bottom of the valley.

(2) At Les Closettes, turn right onto the GR®, towards La Haute Cernaz, to reach the Valserine valley and Lélex. The route enters the forest on this section.

(3) At Haute Cernaz, take the forest track on the right, which narrows into a path and descends steeply to the Niaizet crossroads.

(4) Keep left, between the edge of the forest and the Valserine, for 3 km until you reach Lélex, where the dirt track gives way to the road and the first houses appear.

(5) Turn right at the Pont de la Fruitière onto the Route du Frênet. Continue to the Vieille Chapelle crossroads and the D991, turn left, then take the upper road to the next crossroads.

(6) Head up to the right along the small road which, 200 metres further on, turns into a dirt track (winter ski run). Follow this track for a few dozen metres before taking a narrower path on the left, which crosses the track further up, and continue the climb, which becomes steeper. Pass the Sous les Gindres junction, keep left on the GR®, and head for the Ratou crossroads.

(7) At Ratou, take the track to the left for 100 metres, then continue to the right along a path towards the Refuge de la Loge. The climb gradually levels out along a narrower forest path to the Refuge de la Loge, the end point of this first stage (E).

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow.

Before setting off
- Check the general and local 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 everyone’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 an emergency, call 112(the European emergency number).

Part of the route is within a Nature Reserve; please respect the specific regulations for this area
Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead.

Tent camping is prohibited.

Be well equipped
Good equipment is the key to a successful backpacking trip. Bring a suitable rucksack (around 10 kg) and don’t forget the essentials:

Technical clothing for cold weather,
Sleeping bag or sleeping mat,
Sunglasses,
Food and water,
Head torch,
Walking poles,
Fully stocked first-aid kit,
Water management
Water is essential. Find out about water supply points along your route and carry purification tablets in case you don’t have access to drinking water.

Additional tips and recommendations
To find out more about our destination, visit our website: Pays de Gex Tourisme. More information on the Grandes Traversées du Jura

⚠ Protected area – Specific regulations: part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve:

Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead. Camping in tents is prohibited.

Please respect these rules to help preserve this exceptional environment.

Monts Jura is a four-season resort where a wide range of activities can be enjoyed, such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, hiking, downhill mountain biking, tobogganing, giant zip line, tree-top adventure course, golf, etc.

The course is located within the Haut Jura Regional Nature Park.

A regional nature park is, above all, a remarkable natural and scenic area whose significance is recognised at national level, embodying a strong cultural identity. This is certainly the case for the Jura mountains. The Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park brings together 109 municipalities and 10 communities of municipalities. It stretches across the Doubs, Jura and Ain departments, covering the two regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.