The Dôle loop starting from Fleutron

Departure from Fleutron, near the Huttopia campsite, on the heights of Divonne-les-Bains.

(S/E) Head west-northwest following the yellow markings and take the Route forestière de la Vattay. Turn right at the reservoir and cross a stream. Continue climbing steadily through the forest.

(1) Cross a bridle path and continue uphill on the path opposite. Cross a forest road and continue straight ahead and uphill.

(2) Cross the forest road again and continue climbing along the path.

(3) Cross the forest road a third time and continue straight ahead to reach the Baraque de Divonne.

(4) Go straight ahead, heading west, and continue on a forest path that climbs more gently. You will arrive at a crossroads called Malassay, which marks the entrance to a quiet area that is closed from 15 December to 15 April. Continue straight ahead until you reach the forest road at a place called Les Rochettes.

(5) Continue straight ahead, west-northwest, until you reach a point called Le Portail. Continue straight ahead on a path towards the Col de Combe Blanche. The path descends slightly. At a cistern, continue straight ahead on a wider path. You will come to a forest road, follow it to the right and you will soon reach a crossroads at a place called La Cabosse.

(6) Follow the white track on the right towards La Grande Grand. The path climbs through the forest to the chalet, then leaves the wooded area and the quiet zone. A beautiful view of La Dôle then opens up from the heights of the Vattay plateau.

(7) Descend on the other side of the chalet to reach the Chalet de la Sonnailley and rejoin a forest road. Cross the French-Swiss border and come out onto a small road.

(8) Follow the road to the right. At the first intersection, turn left onto a forest track. Climb until you reach a path that branches off to the right.

(9) Take this path, which climbs more steeply and reaches the ridge. It crosses a low stone wall, which the path follows. You will reach a crossroads at the foot of La Dôle.

(10) Continue straight ahead and climb to the summit of La Dôle, the second highest peak in the Swiss Jura (spectacular views).

(11) Retrace your steps along the ridges to the previous junction.

(10) Take the first path on the left. Descend, staying on the main path and ignoring all the side paths. This will take you to the Chalet de la Dôle.

(12) Take a road on the right and follow it to the end.

(13) Cross a perpendicular road and continue straight ahead on a downhill path. Cross this road four times, with several consecutive hairpin bends.

(14) At the edge of the road, turn right onto a path. Make several turns, cross a road and head towards the three houses of Bauloz.

(15) The path continues on the right. This section in the forest is slightly uphill with a south-west, then south orientation. After a kilometre, it joins a deforested area called La Gerle.

(16) At the fork, take the left-hand path and cross a meadow. Enter the forest again and, heading generally west, join a forest road in the Combe du Faoug.

(17) Follow the road to the left and, as soon as it turns left, take a path on the right. Pass a farm on your right and continue south until you reach a T-junction at the French-Swiss border.

(18) Then turn right. After about 100 metres, turn left at an acute angle (south). You will come out onto a forest road and follow it to the left. Continue straight ahead until you reach the Baraque de Divonne, which you will have seen on the way there.

(4) From this point, rejoin the path you took on the way there and descend via the same route back to the starting point (S/E).

Hike available from 16 April to 30 November.

Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment.

▶ This route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Please respect the regulations.
Among the rules to observe:
- Dogs are strictly prohibited, even on a leash.
- Picking plants and collecting minerals is also prohibited.
The trail crosses a Quiet Zone, which is closed from 15 December to 15 April: access is prohibited during this period, and access to the trail is then permitted from 16 April.

▶ Before you go.
Check the general and local weather forecast to ensure there is no rain.
Find out about the approach walk, the height of the route, the walking time and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.).
Assess the possible risks by consulting mountain professionals, refuges, lodges.

Inform a friend or relative of your plans and contact them if there are any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with everyone's phone number, vehicle(s), parking.
Avoid setting off alone, use equipment that is suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, including a head torch, a comprehensive first aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
In case of problems, call 112 (European emergency number).

In winter, the Vattay Nordic Centre is dedicated to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
During the snowy season, only these two activities are permitted.