The Balcon du Léman from Lélex

de fr

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

An exceptional route through the highest peaks of the Jura mountains and the wild landscapes of the Haut-Jura plateau, with spectacular panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from the highest peaks of the Jura mountain range. These wild spaces full of surprises and wonders will make this hiking trip unforgettable.

Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations: dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, and camping in tents is prohibited. Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Details

n°90701133
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 41.65 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,864 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,874 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,717 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 844 m

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S

    Lélex - Mijoux

    ↔14.88 km ↗511 m ↘421 m
    Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. First stage of the three-day "Le balcon du Léman" hiking tour. An exceptional route through the highest peaks of the Jura mountains and the wild landscapes of the Haut-Jura plateau, with spectacular panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from the highest peaks of the Jura mountain range. These wild spaces full of surprises and wonders will make this multi-day hike unforgettable.
    View the route
  2. 2

    Mijoux - Refuge de la Loge

    ↔13.82 km ↗940 m ↘503 m
    Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. From Mijoux to the Refuge de la Loge via the Haute Chaîne: second stage of the two-day "Le balcon du Léman"hiking tour. An exceptional route through the highest peaks of the Jura mountains and the wild landscapes of the Haut-Jura plateau, with spectacular panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from the highest peaks of the Jura mountain range. These wild spaces full of surprises and wonders will make this multi-day hike unforgettable. Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, and camping in tents is also prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
    View the route
  3. E

    Refuge de la Loge - Lélex

    ↔12.94 km ↗413 m ↘950 m
    Accessible from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. From the Refuge de la Loge to Mijoux via the Haute Chaîne: second stage of the three-day "Le balcon du Léman"hiking tour. An exceptional route through the highest peaks of the Jura mountains and the wild landscapes of the Haut-Jura plateau, with spectacular panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from the highest peaks of the Jura mountain range. These wild spaces full of surprises and wonders will make this multi-day hike unforgettable. Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead, and camping in tents is also prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
    View the route

Notes

Before you leave:
- Check the 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.

Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash.
Camping in tents is prohibited.

Be well equipped:
Good equipment is the key to a successful hiking trip. Bring a suitable rucksack (around 10 kilos) and don't forget the essentials:
- Technical clothing for cold and wet weather
- Sleeping bag or groundsheet
- Sunglasses
- Food and water
- Head torch
- Walking sticks
- Complete first aid kit

Water is essential. Find out where you can get water along your route and bring purification tablets in case you don't have access to clean water.

Worth a visit

Monts Jura is a four-season resort offering a wide range of activities, including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, hiking, downhill mountain biking, tobogganing, giant zip-lining, tree climbing, golf, and more.

Always be careful and plan ahead when hiking. Visorando and the author of this information sheet cannot be held responsible for any accidents or inconveniences that may occur on this route.

The GR® and PR® trail markings are the intellectual property of the French Hiking Federation.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Other walks in the area

Walking Lélex - Mijoux

Tourist office
↔14.88 km ↗+511 m ↘-421 m ◔5h 45 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. First stage of the three-day "Le balcon du Léman" hiking tour. An exceptional route through the highest peaks of the Jura mountains and the wild landscapes of the Haut-Jura plateau, with spectacular panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from the highest peaks of the Jura mountain range. These wild spaces full of surprises and wonders will make this multi-day hike unforgettable.

Walking La Valserine, a wild river in Lélex

Tourist office
La Valserine, rivière sauvage à Lélex
↔4.79 km ↗+52 m ↘-55 m ◔1h 30 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. Accessible to all, this beautiful walk follows the Valserine, whose cool, clear waters meander through lush green surroundings. This pleasant walk along the water is open from April to November. It borders the first classified wild river in France, which gave its name to the valley. The Valserine has shaped the landscape with its floods and punctuated the lives of the inhabitants, as evidenced by the remains of several mills and the region's stone-cutting tradition. The route passes through woodland paths, meadows and duckboards, and is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Walking Lélex - Bellecombe

Tourist office
Lélex - Bellecombe
↔11.24 km ↗+498 m ↘-138 m ◔4h 40 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to snow conditions. From Lélex to Bellecombe via the Haute Chaîne: the first stage of the four-day walking tour “La Valserine enchanteresse”. La Valserine is no fairy, but she enchants with every step. Her magical valley guides us between the high plateaus and ridges of the Jura, offering breathtaking views of the Alps. A journey through wild nature and poetry.

Walking From the enchanting Valserine to the summit of the Jura from Lélex

Tourist office
De la Valserine enchanteresse au sommet du Jura depuis Lélex
↔52.50 km ↗+2,044 m ↘-2,056 m ◔4 days ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. This route, between the high plateaus and ridges of the Jura, offers magical panoramic views of the Alps from the Jura mountain range. A route combining mystery, magic and discovery... Please note that part of the hike crosses a protected area.Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations.Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, and camping is prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Walking The Truchet viewpoint from Lélex

Tourist office
Le belvédère du Truchet depuis Lélex
↔7.95 km ↗+360 m ↘-368 m ◔3h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. This route, overlooking the upper Jura mountain range, is accessible to all hikers and offers panoramic views of the Valserine valley, including Lélex, and the upper Jura mountain range.

Walking Les hauts sommets du massif du Jura depuis Lélex

Tourist office
Les hauts sommets du massif du Jura depuis Lélex
↔16.03 km ↗+939 m ↘-945 m ◔7h 15 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions This tour offers a varied and challenging route, from the banks of the Valserine to the highest peaks of the Jura, with sublime views of the Alps, Lake Geneva and the Jura mountains. Starting from Lélex, the path runs alongside the Valserine and its peat bog before beginning the ascent of the Reculet (1,719 m) and the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif at 1,720 m. On the way back down to Lélex, note the remains of old buildings, evidence of the alpine farming tradition of the Jura Mountains.

Walking Le Crêt de la Neige via Les Brulat

Visorando member
↔13.34 km ↗+851 m ↘-851 m ◔6h 15 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
A less frequented and less direct approach to the highest point in the Jura than the traditional routes. Once you reach the ridge, you'll find yourself back among people, and the descent offers several options depending on the ski slopes.

Walking From Lélex to La Borne au Lion circular loop

Visorando member
De Lélex à la Borne au Lion en boucle
↔22.54 km ↗+852 m ↘-854 m ◔8h 50 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
I suggest a long hike from Lélex to Borne au Lion to discover the beautiful landscapes of the Haut Jura.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.