La Charnay - Chalet d'Arvière

(S) From the hamlet of La Charnay, join the red and white marked GR® forest track and continue straight on towards Le Tumet. It’s a pleasant warm-up walk through a large valley, with lovely unobstructed views of the surrounding area.

(1) At Le Tumet, the route leaves the forest track and climbs gently to the right of the house. The path enters the forest at the end of the valley, following a gently undulating route without any particular difficulty, until it reaches the Crêt du Nû junction — a short detour takes you to the highest point of the Retord plateau (1,351 m) where you can admire the view.

(2) Begin the descent along the GR® towards Les Bergonnes. On leaving the forest, a forest track crosses the valley; two water reservoirs follow one after the other on the left before plunging into the gorge and reaching the junction at La Croix de Terments.

(3) Go round the cross to the left and descend along this charming valley. 320 m further on, the GR® climbs to the left, cuts across on the same side, passes under the high-voltage power line and joins the white track which runs alongside it to the Planvanel farm.

(4) Continue along the forest track that branches off to the right, runs along the edge of the forest, crosses the fir forest and joins the Vézéronce stream.

(5) Cross the river and follow the white track to the right as far as the hamlet of Golet Grand Voie. The track continues to the left, leaves the forest track at the entrance to the valley and crosses a field in its entirety. It joins a white track at the edge of the woods, which continues for 1.2 km to the Col de Richemond road.

(6) Turn right onto the road for barely 100 m, then rejoin the white path on the other side. The route enters the Combe à la Done, with a first house visible on the right before the entrance, then another higher up at the exit. Follow the path to its end.

(7) Cross the Tumelay stream on the GR® and switch to the left bank. The path climbs and overlooks the stream along a wide, wooded track, gradually over 2.5 km, before reaching a clearing and then the Combe Merlin to the junction with the Route Forestière de la Lovivre.

(8) Continue straight on along this semi-tarmac road to the Refuge de la Grange d’en Haut.

(9) Turn right onto the Route du Col de la Biche; it descends slightly and, 250 m further on, the path branches off to the right into the Combe du Cimetière, leading to the ruins of the Grange d’en Bas.

(10) The GR® follows the ridge line and joins a forest track to the Grange de Falavier junction.

(11) Continue straight on along the white path which descends towards the end point of this stage, the Chalet d’Arvière (E).

Before you set off
- Check the weather forecast to ensure there is no rain.
- Find out about the approach walk, the route’s elevation, walking time and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.).
- Assess potential risks by consulting mountain professionals, refuge staff and lodge operators.
- 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 an emergency, call 112 (the European emergency number).

Be well equipped

Good equipment is the key to a successful multi-day hike. Pack a suitable rucksack (around 10 kg) 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 purification tablets with you in case you don’t have access to drinking water.

Useful websites: Les Grandes Traversées du Jura, Terre Vaslerhône Tourist Office, Bugey Sud Tourist Office

During the Second World War, the Retord was a key centre of the Resistance. The Maquis Trail and the Grange du Fort bear witness to this commitment.

The Croix des Terments marks the boundary between three municipalities (Hotonnes, Injoux-Génissiat, Michaille). A Savoy boundary stone is still visible there. A crossroads for all the paths on the plateau.

The Chapel of Retord: Heritage. The spiritual heart and identity of the plateau. Visible from every angle, it embodies the collective memory of Retord’s inhabitants through the centuries.