La Loge - Le Gralet

(S) From the Refuge de la Loge, follow the GR® (Red and White) towards Crêt de la Neige. A wide, gently ascending path soon enters the forest, crosses the ‘Les Asters’ red-marked downhill ski run and reaches the Brillonne d’en Haut junction.

(1) The path climbs to the left into a pretty valley, runs past a ruin on the right, briefly dives back into the forest and then emerges into the Combe des Voyettes. Go round the water reservoir before a fairly steep climb up to Les Brûlats.

(2) The route heads right, follows the contour line, climbs up a small cirque and reaches a first viewpoint, “Sous le Crêt” (1,683 m).

(3) Keep to the right on the GR®. The path becomes undulating and winding, dotted with sharp limestone pavements and exposed stones. Magnificent canyons lined with mountain pines come into view before reaching the highest point of the stage: the Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m).

(4) Continue to the “Sur les Brûlats” junction.

(5) Continue straight on the GR®. The path descends into the hollow of a valley near the ruins of an old mountain village, then climbs back up the ridge to the second highest peak of the stage: the Reculet (1,718 m).

(6) Swing right to the other side. The path turns into a dirt track and skirts a vast cirque where the Narderans arches are visible in the distance. The ridge narrows and runs alongside the magnificent Roche Franche to the Grotte de la Marie du Jura. Caution: the passage to the other side is neither signposted nor secured; you must stay on the official path.

(7) Continue straight ahead and descend to the Polvette mountain pasture. Follow the ridge then head down into the forest along a steep section before reaching a pretty valley at the Passage du Gralet.

(8) Join the GR® and head for the Refuge du Gralet (E).

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.

Good to know – Protected area
Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:
Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead.
Camping in tents is not permitted.
Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Before you set 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 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 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).

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

Part of the route is located in a nature reserve, so please respect the specific regulations for this area.

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 weather,
• Sleeping bag or groundsheet,
• Sunglasses,
• Food and water,
• Headlamp,
• Walking poles,
• Complete first aid kit,
• Water management

Water is essential. Find out about water sources along your route and bring purification tablets in case you do not have access to clean water.

Between Crêt de la Neige and Reculet, at the bottom of a valley, walkers can see the footprint of an old mountain village. The twenty large houses surrounded a central building where cheese was made. This hamlet was granted to the commune of Thoiry by Count Amédée of Savoy on 4 October 1394. The valley is called "de la maison neuve" (of the new house) or "du désert" (of the desert).