Lancrans - La Charnay

(S) From the centre of the village of Lancrans, take Rue de la Folatière on the right, then turn left onto the path of the same name, before continuing straight on along 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.

(1) Head towards the roundabout by keeping to the right. 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 right onto a path that descends steeply towards the hamlet of La Léchère and Les Pertes de la Valserine.

(2) Continue along the path, following the river towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, until you reach the Pont Métral. Carry on straight ahead, on the same bank, for about 600 metres, then cross the next bridge to continue on the opposite bank. If the riverside path is closed, follow the diversion via the tram line 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 street on the 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 continue to Rue de l'Avenir.

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

(8) Continue straight on 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 the Route de Mussel, and continue the climb.

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

(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; cross a forest track before reaching Catray d’en Bas.

(13) Go round the ruins and continue left on the GR® to the Catray orientation table. There is a beautiful view over the Bellegarde basin, the Sorgia and the Alpine arc with Mont Blanc.

(14) At Catray, turn 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, until you reach La Charnay (E).

At the finish point (E), you can turn right towards the Ferme de Retord; the track crosses a wooded area and gradually descends to the farm, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest in the heart of this exotic journey.

Before setting 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 (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. Pack 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…