The Chalet du Gralet in Chézery-Forens

de fr

A short round-trip hike, which climbs a fairly steep slope to the Chalet du Gralet. A fairly challenging walk, but one that offers quick access to one of the massif’s peaks, where a magnificent view of the Alpine range awaits you.

Details

n°98948030
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
–
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.20 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,277 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,277 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,685 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,408 ft
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Description of the walk

Start from the hamlet of Rosset.

(S/E) Cross the Route de Rosset, take the Montée des Grands Champs and continue along the track towards the north-east. You’ll reach a junction of tracks near a stream.

(1) Leave the track and take the small path on the left which climbs just behind the electricity substation; follow the stream, then turn off due south.

(2) Pass above the hamlet known as Les Platières. The path zigzags uphill, crossing several forest tracks, until you reach a wider track.

(3) Cross this track, pass by the ruins of Les Ravières and turn right, heading due south.

(4) Pass by the Pierre à Joly, a memorial rock dedicated to the Second World War resistance movement. The path continues to climb to the summit just before the Refuge le Gralet, where you can stop for a short break.

(5) Optionally, you can climb to the summit just above the chalet for a view over the Valserine valley. Head back down the same route you took on the way up to the hamlet of Le Rosset (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,408 ft - The hamlet of Rosset - Valserine (rivière)
  2. 1 : mi 0.24 - alt. 2,602 ft - Trail junction
  3. 2 : mi 0.67 - alt. 3,241 ft - Les Platières
  4. 3 : mi 1.04 - alt. 4,006 ft - Crossing the track
  5. 4 : mi 1.41 - alt. 4,416 ft - La Pierre à Joly
  6. 5 : mi 1.6 - alt. 4,682 ft - Summit - Refuge du Gralet
  7. S/E : mi 3.2 - alt. 2,408 ft - The hamlet of Rosset - Valserine (rivière)

Other walks in the area

Walking Le Reculet via Le Rosset, Le Gralet, and the Grotte de la Marie du Jura

Visorando Member
Le Reculet via le Rosset, le Gralet, et de la Grotte de la Marie du Jura
↔9.97 mi ↗+3,904 ft ↘-3,930 ft ◔8h 00 ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
Here is a second circular route to reach the Reculet (the first route can be seen here). You will be able to enjoy numerous views of the Valserine Valley and Lake Geneva (including Geneva and Mont Blanc). I can only say one thing: the landscapes are truly magnificent.

Walking Le Reculet - La Valserine

Visorando Member
Le Reculet - La Valserine
↔10.63 mi ↗+3,947 ft ↘-3,970 ft ◔8h 20 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
This circular route will take you to Reculet, the second highest peak in the Jura. Although 2 metres lower than Crêt de la Neige, it is more picturesque. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views all the way to Mont Blanc. The return journey takes you along the banks of the Valserine, one of the wildest rivers in France.

Walking The Jura Mountains via Le Gralet and Menthières from Chézery-Forens

Visorando Member
Les Monts Jura via le Gralet et Menthières à partir de Chézery-Forens
↔11.37 mi ↗+3,215 ft ↘-3,215 ft ◔8h 00 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
Starting from Chézery-Forens, I propose a lovely route to the Monts Jura between Le Gralet and Menthières. On the whole, it's a relatively easy route in a wooded environment punctuated by a few open spots offering some fine views.

Walking In the footsteps of the monks from Chézery-Forens

Tourist office
Sur les pas des moines depuis Chézery-Forens
↔6.38 mi ↗+1,358 ft ↘-1,342 ft ◔4h 05 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
Between unspoilt nature and rural heritage, this hike in the Valserine Valley reveals several authentic hamlets whose lives were once punctuated by rivers and agriculture. From Chézery-Forens, the trail passes through several peaceful, green villages and hamlets nestled among forests, meadows and small streams, leading to the ruins of the Moulin Thomas mill, which was in operation in the 18th century. Nearby, the footbridge spanning the Valserine river bears witness to the historic floods that shaped the landscape. Take a detour to discover the blessed fountain, a place of pilgrimage and devotion dedicated to Saint Roland who, according to legend, caused a spring to gush forth, whose water was supposed to cure headaches, stomach aches and eye diseases.

Walking In the footsteps of the smugglers from Chézery-Forens

Tourist office
Sur les traces des passeurs depuis Chézery-Forens
↔12.44 mi ↗+4,262 ft ↘-4,262 ft ◔9h 25 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. This hike for experienced walkers leads to majestic peaks steeped in history. A true immersion in unspoilt wilderness, passing through ancient clandestine paths... A demanding excursion through deep forests and green mountain pastures, following in the footsteps of the "smugglers" who, in the 18th century, used these discreet paths to transport their clandestine goods. Starting from Chézery-Forens, the route follows the wild Valserine river before beginning the ascent to the Reculet, which rises to 1,719 metres. Topped by its famous cross erected in 1892, this summit offers breathtaking views of the Lake Geneva basin and Mont Blanc on a clear day. The descent towards the alpine chalets (La Polvette and La Capitaine) joins the Chézerands pass and the hamlet of Rosset. The Reculet cross, weighing 1,600 kg, was hoisted on the backs of four inhabitants of Thoiry.

Walking Le Gralet - Chézery-Forens

Tourist office
Le Gralet - Chézery-Forens
↔8.12 mi ↗+449 ft ↘-3,232 ft ◔4h 05 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Péron (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. The third stage of the hiking tour: from Mijoux to Chézery-Forens via the Haute Chaîne du Jura. Set off on a crossing of the Haut-Jura between Mijoux and Chézery-Forens, through varied landscapes of valleys, peaks and forests. Over three days, you will walk along the Jura ridges, passing by the Grand Mont Rond, the Crêt de la Neige and the Reculet, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. This crossing takes you to the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura, for an authentic experience in the heart of nature. As you will need to carry your own food, remember to bring supplies so you can enjoy this adventure to the full.

Walking Chézery-Forens - Lélex

Tourist office
↔10.72 mi ↗+3,478 ft ↘-2,444 ft ◔7h 55 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
Open from1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. Second stage of the “La petite boucle de la Valserine” circular walking route, from Chézery to Lélex. This stage, starting from Chézery, will take you through a beautiful variety of landscapes, including wild rivers, lush forests, panoramic viewpoints and Jura valleys. Make the most of this stage to take in the stunning views.

Walking Crêt de Chalam via Montagne des Moines

Visorando Member
Le Crêt de Chalam par la Montagne des Moines
↔7.04 mi ↗+3,232 ft ↘-3,215 ft ◔6h 05 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
Here is a circular route to reach Crêt de Chalam from Chézery-Forens: the outward journey follows a little-known route via Montagne des Moines (you won't meet many people). The return journey follows the "classic" route.

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.