The Truchet viewpoint from Lélex

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.

Details

35272263
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.95 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 360 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 368 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,188 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 853 m

Photos

Description of the walk

From Mijoux, take the D991 towards Chézery-Florens and park at Lélex 900 metres away in the car park opposite the cable car and the Tourist Office.

Follow the yellow "Le Truchet" markings and a small section of red and white GR® markings.

(S/E) From the car park, follow the road (D991) towards the south-west and continue straight ahead, passing two streets on your left. At the junction with Rue des Lapidaires, continue straight ahead, passing two streets on your right, and you will arrive at Route du Frenet (GRP®) on your right.

(1) Take this road on the right. Pass the tennis courts and cross the Pont de la Fruitière bridge.

(2) Leave the road and continue straight ahead onto Chemin des Bals. Turn right at the first bend, then left at the next bend to continue towards La Crosse (house). Cross part of a wood, then walk alongside it and continue to a fork at the edge of the forest.

(3) Take the path on the right and enter the woods. Continue uphill to the Truchet viewpoint crossroads.

(4) Turn right and you will soon reach the Truchet viewpoint.

(5) Enjoy the view and return to the starting point by retracing your steps (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 899 m - Tourist Office
  2. 1 : km 0.43 - alt. 887 m - Route du Frenet
  3. 2 : km 1.08 - alt. 854 m - Pont de la Fruitière - Valserine (rivière)
  4. 3 : km 2.84 - alt. 1,011 m - Edge of the forest
  5. 4 : km 3.94 - alt. 1,180 m - Turn-off towards Le Truchet
  6. 5 : km 4 - alt. 1,184 m - Belvédère
  7. S/E : km 7.95 - alt. 899 m - Tourist Office

Notes

Before setting off

  • Check the general and local weather forecast to ensure there is no precipitation.
  • Find out about the approach walk, the height of the route, the journey 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 a problem, call 112 (European emergency number), if there is network coverage.

Additional advice and recommendations.

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

Worth a visit

From the viewpoint at an altitude of 1,187 metres on the northern slope of the valley, discover the village of Lélex and the Valserine Valley.

The panorama of the high mountain range encompasses, from north to south, the ridges between Le Colomby de Gex and La Croix du Reculet.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Pays de Gex - Monts Jura
Pays de Gex - Monts Jura

The trail is once again clear for the walk to the viewpoint.

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Pays de Gex - Monts Jura
Pays de Gex - Monts Jura
• Edited:

Due to forestry operations, the path leading to the viewpoint is currently inaccessible. We advise our visitors to avoid this trail for the time being. < Trail back in order read the latest message on the Forum dated 13 August 2025

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Isabelle39500
Isabelle39500

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike, but what a shame not to be able to access the viewpoint due to logging... I tried to follow the path alongside it, but after 500 metres it was impossible to continue.

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Jacques mougenot
Jacques mougenot

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant short hike done at the end of June. The signage is clear and the route is easy, with a magnificent view at the end.

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gchapuis
gchapuis

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely hike, with clear signposting and a pleasant path.
Beautiful views of the valley and the Jura mountain range.

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