Lancrans - La Charnay

(S) From the centre of the village of Lancrans, continue for a few metres then take Rue du Sentier de la Folatière on the right, then Rue de la Cambochette. Follow this road up to the next junction, continue straight on along Chemin de la Croix de Fer, take Chemin des Platières on the left and head towards the roundabout.

(1) Go round the cemetery on the left, walk past the school and head down towards the Valserine. The first few metres follow the tram line. Then turn left, then turn right onto a path that descends steeply towards the hamlet of La Léchère and Les Pertes de la Valserine.

(2) The path runs alongside the river towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine as far as the Pont Métral. Continue straight on along the same bank for about 600 m, then cross the next bridge to continue on the opposite bank. If the riverside path is closed, follow the diversion via the tram tracks to reach the centre of Bellegarde.

(3) Walk back up via the Valserine riverside car park, take the street on the left under the railway bridge and, at the next roundabout, take the first right towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine station.

(4) Just before the station, at the three-way junction, take Rue Lafayette on the left and follow it to the roundabout.

(5) Take the second exit and follow Rue de l'Industrie for 250 metres.

(6) Turn right onto Rue du Ponthou and cross the road to join Rue de l'Avenir.

(7) Turn right onto Rue de la Grimpette, which certainly lives up to its name.

(8) Continue straight on, along Rue du Lotissement, for 60 metres, then turn right onto Route d'Ochiaz.

(9) At the car park in the hamlet of ‘En Châtenay’, continue straight on along the GRP® to the entrance to the village of Ochiaz via Route de Mussel. Continue the climb.

(10) Turn left onto the D991 for a few metres, then take Rue du Four Banal immediately on the right.

(11) Cross the Route du Retord and climb towards Saint-Étienne Church, then follow the road to the right for 100 metres.

(12) Leave the road and take the GR® which climbs to the right towards Catray. The climb is short and steep. Cross a forest track before reaching Lower Catray.

(13) Go round the ruins and continue along the GR® to the Catray orientation point. There is a beautiful view over the Bellegarde basin, the Sorgia and the Alps, including Mont Blanc.

(14) At Catray, take the track to the left and continue straight on the GR® for 2.5 km, passing the paragliding launch site. The path gradually slopes to the right and reaches the undulating parts of the Retord plateau, until it meets the Pra de Devant forest track.

(15) Take this track to the left for 2 km to reach La Charnay (E).

Before you set off:
- Check the weather forecast to ensure there is no rain.
- Find out about the approach walk, the elevation of the route, 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 everyone’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 an emergency, call 112 (the European emergency number).

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

Be well equipped:
Good equipment is the key to a successful multi-day hike. Bring a suitable rucksack (around 10 kg) 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.

Useful websites: Les Grandes Traversées du Jura, Terre Vaslerhône Tourist Office.

The Valserine Gorges are located along the course of the Valserine River in Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, in the municipality of Valserhône, just upstream of its confluence with the Rhône.

The Valserine is the first French river to have been awarded the ‘Rivières Sauvages’ label, a testament to its exceptional purity. Trout spawn here and are protected by reserves in certain areas.

At Valserhône, the river disappears underground, only to reappear a little further on…