La Ferme du Retord - Giron

(S) With the Ferme de Retord behind you, start the hiking route by following the red and white markings, which is a GR® trail, and head north for 3 km.

(1) At Cuvéry, turn right and follow the road for 500 metres.

(2) At a place called "Derrière le Crêt", turn left onto the path that leads into the field.

(3) At Les Frasses, continue straight ahead.

(4) At the intersection in Bois du Crêt, continue straight ahead on the GR®.

(5) At La Conay, continue straight ahead on the GR® to descend to the Bois de la Lavanche.

(6) At Lavanche, turn right into the forest and follow the GR® for 3.5 km.

(7) At Vers la Joux, stay on the left of the GR®. Catch up with the road.

(8) Follow it to the right to continue descending towards Lalleyriat.

(9) At Lalleyriat, turn right to descend to Saint-Germain-de-Joux, following the red and white markings for 6 km and always staying on the same side at crossroads. At Bellive, descend to the right.

(10) Cross the Nationale des Carpates and head back up towards the village hall. On the road, turn right then left.

(11) After passing the church square, turn left and follow the road to the right towards Giron.

(12) At the crossroads, turn right towards Longefand.

(13) Turn left towards Longefand and continue on the road to the left until you reach Marnod.

(14) Turn right and follow the GR® trail to the top of Marnod.

(15) Turn left to start climbing towards Giron and reach "Sur Marnod".

(16) Turn right and enter the forest to continue climbing, then rejoin the path.

(17) At the fork, continue straight on the GR® to reach Route des Mures.

(18) At the Chevillard intersection, take the road on the left.

(19) At Mures, turn left and continue along the small road.

(20) At the edge of the forest, make the first turn right then left onto the path that leads into the forest.

(21) Turn right at La Raverette, still following the red and white markings.

(22) Back on the road, turn right to reach the village of Giron. Continue straight ahead, then after the town hall, take the road on the right. Once you arrive in Giron (E), you are halfway through your trip, and it's time to enjoy the village's legendary sunset.

Be well equipped
Good equipment is the key to a successful hiking trip. Bring a suitable rucksack (around 10 kg) and don't forget the essentials:
- Technical clothing for cold and wet weather
- Sleeping bag or groundsheet
- Sunglasses
- Food and water
- Head torch
- Walking sticks
- Complete first aid kit

Water is essential. Find out where you can get water along your route and bring purification tablets in case you don't have access to clean water.

Before you leave
- Check the weather forecast to make sure there will be no precipitation.
- 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, and lodges.
- Inform a friend or family member of your plans and contact them again in case of any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person'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 complete first aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
- In case of an emergency, call 112(European emergency number).

Additional advice and recommendations
To find out more about our destination, visit our website: Pays de Gex Tourisme.

Discover the highest village in the Ain... and the sunniest! Nestled in the pastures at an altitude of 1,000 metres, Giron is a welcoming village with breathtaking views, sumptuous sunsets and fabulous night skies.