Le Colomby de Gex from Le Pailly

Departure from the Pailly car park, Route de La Faucille, about 2 km from the Col de La Faucille, on the Gex side, in a hairpin bend.

(S/E) Head south and take a small tarmac road.

(1) After about 200 m, climb to the right towards Grand Montrond on the Sentier de la Vie de Chaux (closed from¹ December to 15 May and to be used with caution in late winter). Climb south-west, turn right at the top of a high-voltage power line and reach a ridge.

(2) Turn left (south-southwest), follow the GR® and pass under the high-voltage power line again. After a right turn, you will reach an intersection.

(3) Then turn left (south-southwest) and pass in front of a cistern. Pass at the foot of Montrond and leave the old^GR®® route, which is very steep, on your left.

(4) At the T-junction, go up to the left, following the red and white GR® markings, and climb to the summit of Montrond.

(5) Turn right towards Colomby de Gex. Walk along the ridge for a long time, heading south-southwest, until you reach Pas de l'Échine.

(6) Continue on the GR® trail, heading south then south-west, until you reach the summit of Colomby de Gex.

(7) Descend to the left towards Chalet de Branveau (leave the GR®). Cross an alpine pasture following the yellow markers on the ground. Head east and you will arrive at a turnstile.

(8) Go through the turnstile and continue downhill to Chalet de Branveau.

(9) Turn left, then right at the hairpin bend and climb back up. Pass a small, unnamed pass and descend into the forest.

(10) At the Chemin Neuf junction, turn left towards the Chalet des Platières. Ignore a path on the right and continue uphill to the chalet.

(11) At the three-way junction behind the chalet, bear left. Cross the Torrent du Puits d'Enfer, continue along the path and cross the Torrent du Marpeyre.

(12) At a fork, take the path on the left which runs alongside the forest track and then widens at the entrance to a small valley.

(13) At the crossroads, follow the yellow-marked PR® trail to the left. You will reach the Chalet de la Quible.

(14) Continue along a wide track and pass a cistern. You will come to a road; follow it to the left and you will soon reach a junction that you took on the way there.

(1) Continue straight ahead to reach the Pailly car park (S/E).

Please note that, due to a municipal by-law prohibiting access to La Vie de Chaux and the presence of a wildlife quiet zone, this hike is only accessible from 16 May to 30 November.

Safety instructions:
This route crosses part of the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, so please respect the regulations.
https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/

The trail crosses a Quiet Zone, which is closed from 15 December to 15 May: access is prohibited during this period.

Among the rules: dogs are not allowed, even on a leash.

Picking plants and collecting minerals is also prohibited.

Before setting off
- Check the general and local 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).

This route borders an alpine pasture where patous are present.
The patou or guard dog: How should you behave? When hiking, it is common to come across flocks of sheep or goats guarded by guard dogs, known as patous. These dogs, which are formidable against predators such as wolves, bears and lynxes, can frighten hikers with their barking. The patou protects the flocks completely independently. Its main role is to deter intruders and alert the shepherd. Raised among the sheep from an early age, it learns to protect them at all times, often in groups.

To avoid problems with a Patou
- Identify grazing areas before setting off.
- Keep your distance and go around the flocks if possible.
- If you encounter a herd, remain calm, turn around slowly or stop to let the dog sniff you.
- Do not attempt to pet or feed the animals, avoid sudden movements, do not run, and avoid taking photos.

For trail runners
- Do not run when approaching a herd.
- Remove your headphones so you can hear the dog barking.

By adopting these behaviours, you will be able to coexist peacefully with guard dogs during your hikes.

For more information
Pasto Kezako.
Map Patou, where are the guard dogs?
The awareness toolkit.

Enjoy the panoramic views from the summit of Montrond and Colomby de Gex.