La Ferme du Retord - Giron

(S) From the Retord farm, continue straight on along the GRP® forest track towards Cuvéry. The route is fairly flat through the valley in the first section, then descends as you approach the forest, passing through Pré Neyret and Le Châtelet.

(1) At Cuvéry, turn right onto the road to the pass and continue for about 1 km.

(2) Leave the road to the left onto a meadow path running along the edge of the forest. The route continues uphill for several kilometres, alternating between valleys and forest, until you reach the Refuge de la Conay.

(3) At La Conay, head straight down into the Bois de la Lavanche on the GRP® and cross the Malaval stream.

(4) At La Lavanche, continue the descent and join the forest track after crossing the Leat d’Enfer. This turns into a forest road and joins the Chemin de la Combe Fontenay at Lalleyriat.

(5) Keep to the right on the Yellow and White GRP®; the path descends towards Saint-Germain-de-Joux, skirting the Bossue d’en Bas farm, crosses the Combe des Frasses, runs alongside the railway line and the Autoroute des Titans tunnel, before reaching the first houses of the village.

(6) Cross the main road, head up towards the Grande Rue, then turn right to go round the town hall and the church to the centre of the village.

(7) Follow Rue du Commerce towards Giron, keep right onto Route de la Tournerie, cross the Semine and continue to the next junction.

(8) Turn right onto Rue de Longefand, continue for 200 m then turn left towards the hamlet of Longefand. Walk the length of the hamlet then turn right, at the end of the street, onto the forest track which climbs up to Le Marnod.

(9) Turn right onto the Yellow and White GRP® trail, cross Le Marnod via the path running between the houses and continue straight on until you reach a track.

(10) Continue left towards Giron; at the next three-way junction, turn right and follow this shaded road to the end. It first offers a lovely view of the Retord and the Semine valley before heading into the forest.

(11) At this junction, take the path on the right to continue the climb towards Giron. You’ll soon reach a forest track; continue straight on until you reach the road.

(12) Turn left, leave the forest and go round the Chalet du Jura. At the Chevillard three-way junction, take the road on the left and then, at the next three-way junction, turn left. Cross the road and take the white path which leads back into the forest.

(13) After crossing the woods, the GRP® passes between the modules of the Giron bike park, exits via Pré Michy under the high-voltage power line and reaches Giron via the^D55A.

(14) At the road, turn right to reach the village centre, passing in front of the town hall (E). This marks the halfway point of this walking holiday, and the perfect time to enjoy Giron’s legendary sunset.

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

Before you set off
- Check the 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 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 a problem, call 112(European emergency number).

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

A topographical map is available for purchase: https://reservation.terrevalserine.fr/topo-carte-des-rives-de-la-valserine-aux-sommets-du-jura.html

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.