The Gex Popular Walk

(S/E) From Place Gambetta, walk past the town hall and take Rue de l'Horloge. Cross Rue du Commerce, then take the small pedestrian passage opposite that runs alongside the buildings and leads to Passage de l'Abondance. Ignore Passage de la Chenaillette on the right. At the end of the passage, turn right onto Rue Léone de Joinville. At the cistern, turn left and go up to the top of the street.

(1) Then turn right onto Chemin des Galas. Follow it to the end to find a path that joins Route du Piémont.

(2) Continue left on this road, then pass a fork and take the path climbing to the right. This climbs into the forest and joins the end of Route Forestière de Chanais.

(3) Follow the path furthest to the right to continue the ascent. The path crosses the forest road twice (continue straight ahead) before leading to a white path that takes you to the Chalet de Branveau.

(4) Turn right onto the path. This follows the contour line for several hundred metres, then branches off to the right to climb gradually towards the mountain pasture. You will come to a shortcut.

(5) Take the path, then continue on the forest track, higher up on the left towards the chalet.

(6) At the chalet, go around it on the left. A turnstile marks the entrance to the Col de Branveau. Continue climbing to a small pass at the foot of the Pas de l'Échine.

(7) Switch to the other side via a more technical descent through pretty undergrowth in the Creux de l'Envers forest, arriving at the Chemin Neuf crossroads.

(8) Turn left towards the Chalet des Platières. At the chalet, turn left towards an intersection.

(9) Continue along the single wide path for about a hundred metres. At the first intersection, stay on the left-hand path, continuing along the white path. Cross two small streams before arriving at a three-way junction. Stay on the right-hand path and continue to Place Menoud.

(10) Take the white path that descends towards Les Sébines. For just over a kilometre, it is a wide path, then a trail that continues on the right. 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 and take the path that automatically appears on the right. Continue straight ahead until you reach the stream. Cross it and continue straight ahead until you cross the Journans again.

(13) Keep going. This path, Chemin des Combes, leads you gently back to Gex. At the end, first turn left then right to cross the small square, then take Rue Charles Harent to finish 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.
The trail crosses a Quiet Zone, which is closed from 15 December to 15 May: access is prohibited during this period.

▶ 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, 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).

▶ 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.

A slight variation is possible near the Sarrazine gates: A legend dating back to^{the 19th} century tells that the people of Gex took refuge beyond the Sarrazine gates during the Saracen invasions in^{the 7th} and^9th centuries