The Great Popular Walk of Gex

(S/E) From Place Gambetta, walk past the town hall, then take Rue de l'Horloge on the right. Join Rue du Commerce, cross it and take the small passage opposite, which allows you to pass behind the buildings to Passage de l'Abondance. Pass a small path on the right, then another on the left. At the end,turn right onto Rue Léone de Joinville. Walk to the top of the street to reach Chemin des Galas.

(1) Keep left on the path. Then continue to the right, then straight ahead to the end of the street, to reach a path that leads to Route du Piémont.

(2) Follow this road to the left, then leave the path on the right, at the hairpin bend, and take the path climbing up to the right immediately after. It climbs and joins the end of the Chanais forest road.

(3) Take the path furthest to the right to continue the ascent. This path crosses the forest road twice (continue straight ahead each time) before joining a white path that leads to the Chalet de Branveau.

(4) Follow this path to the right. It runs along the contour line for several hundred metres, then branches off to the right and climbs gradually up to the mountain pasture. At the hairpin bend, continue straight ahead, then rejoin the forest track and follow it to the left towards the chalet.

(5) When you reach the chalet, go around it and keep to the left to follow the path towards Colomby de Gex. The first few metres run alongside the Cirque de Branveau, then the path switches to the other side and continues its ascent to the highest point of the hike.

(6) At the summit of Colomby de Gex, enjoy the view, then join the GR® (red and white markings) on the right towards Grand Montrond.

(7) Turn onto the second path on the left at the summit. Please note: the intersection shown on IGN maps no longer exists. Continue to the Vie de Chaux crossroads.

(8) Leave the GR® at this junction and head towards Le Pailly on the right. Reach the access road.

(9) Continue left on the wide path towards Chalet de la Quible. The path is hilly, runs alongside a cistern, and quickly joins Combe du Chalet. Go around La Quible on the left, leave the clearing, and continue through the forest. At the first intersection, stay on the left path.

(10) Take the white path on the right that descends towards Les Sébines. For just over a kilometre, it is a wide white path, then a trail that continues on the left. It descends fairly quickly to join the forest road.

(11) Continue along this road, which eventually joins the Route Forestière du Creux de l'Envers.

(12) Continue along this road, then take a path that automatically appears on the right. Keep going straight ahead until you reach the stream. Cross it and stay on the path. Continue straight ahead to reach the Grand Journans river.

(13) Keep going on the path that gently leads back to Gex, via the Chemin des Combes. At the end, keep left, then turn right onto the square, then straight on onto Rue Charles Harent to complete this pleasant loop at Place Gambetta (S/E).

Info:rnn-hautechainedujura.fr

▶ This route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Please respect its regulations.

Among the rules to observe:
Dogs are strictly prohibited, even on a leash.
Picking plants and collecting minerals is also prohibited.

▶ Before setting off:

Check the general and local weather forecast to ensure 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 relative of your plans and contact them again in case of any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person's telephone 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).

▶ Patou or guard dogs: How should you behave?

When hiking, it is common to encounter flocks of sheep or goats guarded by guard dogs, known as Patous. These dogs, which are formidable against predators such as wolves, bears and lynxes, can frighten hikers with their barking.
The Patou protects the flocks completely independently. Its main role is to deter intruders and alert the shepherd. Raised among the sheep from an early age, it learns to protect them at all times, often in groups.

▶ To avoid problems with a patou:

Identify grazing areas before setting off.
Keep your distance and go around the flocks if possible.
If you encounter a herd, remain calm, turn around slowly or stop to let the dog sniff you.
Do not attempt to pet or feed the animals, avoid sudden movements, do not run, and avoid taking photos.

▶ For trail runners:

Do not run when approaching a herd.
Remove your headphones so you can hear the dog barking.

By adopting these behaviours, you will be able to coexist peacefully with guard dogs during your hikes.

The Colomby de Gex pylon, built in Paris and then transported to Gex, was assembled and erected for the Ain mutual insurance congress held in Gex in 1907. Originally, it was topped with a dome and the plaque recounted the event. It is actually located in the commune of Echenevex.