The Étrès waterfall from Forens

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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.

Details

n°79746278
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.18 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 221 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 221 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 805 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 601 m
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Photos

Etrès waterfall

Description of the walk

Park on the side of the D14 road at the fountain in Forens.

(S/E)Keep left towards Crêt de Chalam. The wide, easy trail follows the Forens stream, gradually climbing. Before reaching a no-entry sign, you will come to a fork.

(1) Turn right and follow the signs for the Étrès waterfall. This section of the trail becomes narrower and crosses a stream, which may be flooded depending on the season.

(2) Return to the starting point by following the route in reverse (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 601 m - Fountain in Forens on the edge of the D14
  2. 1 : km 1.9 - alt. 805 m - Intersection
  3. 2 : km 2.09 - alt. 776 m - Cascade de l'Étrès - Cascade des Êtrés
  4. S/E : km 4.18 - alt. 601 m - Fountain in Forens on the edge of the D14

Notes

▶ Before setting off
▶ Get informed:

Check the weather forecast, both general and local (rain, storms, fog, wind).
Find out about the route: approach walk, elevation, estimated duration, escape routes, etc.
(Use an IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.).

▶ Assess the risks:

If necessary, contact mountain professionals (guides, refuge wardens or lodge owners) for appropriate advice.

▶ Inform a friend or relative:

Tell them your destination, your planned schedule (departure/return times), the number of participants,
the vehicle(s) used and where they will be parked.

Provide everyone's phone numbers. Notify them of any changes.

▶ Be well equipped:

Do not go alone if possible.

Bring suitable equipment that is in good condition and properly adjusted.
(Examples: helmet, harness, shoes, complete first aid kit, survival blanket, headlamp, etc.).

▶ In case of emergency: dial 112 (European emergency number).

Worth a visit

Chézery-Forens is a charming village renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship.
Don't miss a visit to the Abbaye cheese dairy, where you can discover the secrets of how the famous Bleu de Gex cheese, the region's iconic product, is made.

Other walks in the area

Walking Crêt de Chalam from Chézery-Forens

Visorando member
Le Crêt de Chalam à partir de Chézery-Forens
↔14.38 km ↗+1,002 m ↘-998 m ◔7h 00 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
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.

Walking Crêt Chalam from Forens

Tourist office
Crêt Chalam depuis Forens
↔9.96 km ↗+986 m ↘-983 m ◔5h 40 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
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.

Walking Crêt de Chalam via Montagne des Moines

Visorando member
Le Crêt de Chalam par la Montagne des Moines
↔11.33 km ↗+985 m ↘-980 m ◔6h 05 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
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.

Walking Chézery-Forens - Lélex

Tourist office
↔17.25 km ↗+1,060 m ↘-745 m ◔7h 55 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
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.

Walking In the footsteps of the smugglers from Chézery-Forens

Tourist office
Sur les traces des passeurs depuis Chézery-Forens
↔20.02 km ↗+1,299 m ↘-1,299 m ◔9h 25 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
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.

Walking In the footsteps of the monks from Chézery-Forens

Tourist office
Sur les pas des moines depuis Chézery-Forens
↔10.27 km ↗+414 m ↘-409 m ◔4h 05 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
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.

Walking The Jura Mountains via Le Gralet and Menthières from Chézery-Forens

Visorando member
Les Monts Jura via le Gralet et Menthières à partir de Chézery-Forens
↔18.30 km ↗+980 m ↘-980 m ◔8h 00 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
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.

Walking Le Reculet via Le Rosset, Le Gralet, and the Grotte de la Marie du Jura

Visorando member
Le Reculet via le Rosset, le Gralet, et de la Grotte de la Marie du Jura
↔16.05 km ↗+1,190 m ↘-1,198 m ◔8h 00 ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
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.

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