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Update on 13/09/2024 following partial completion of the route:
- slight adjustment to the route
- modification of the description in paragraph 5: addition of information about an alternative route to Borne au Lion.
The starting point is located in Forens on the RD14 near a bridge crossing the Forens stream (park near the bus stop).
(S/E) Heading towards Chézery and just before the bridge, take a tarmac road on the left which quickly becomes uphill (a sign indicates access to Crêt de Chalam in 3 hours). Along the way, you will notice the entrance to a cave, which is blocked off. An unpaved path overlooking the stream continues uphill.
(1) At an intersection, a sign points to the right towards the Cascade des Êtrés waterfall, 10 minutes away. You can make a short detour to this spot if you wish. Otherwise, continue straight ahead towards Crêt de Chalam.
(2) Cross the bridge (there is a stop sign followed by a no entry sign). From this point onwards, the path begins to climb more steeply.
(3) Near Petit Mannet (which was undergoing restoration when I visited), a path to the left of the house begins to climb steeply (with the advantage of being in the woods).
(4) A little further on, you will pass the ruins of Grand Mannet. You will then continue for a good while on the path, which is quite steep and still in the woods.
Once you leave the forest, you will realise that the summit is not too far away. You will reach it via a few steps in fair condition.
(5) Enjoy the view from Crêt de Chalam and its two orientation tables: to the east, you will see the imposing Jura mountain range in the foreground (Crêt de la Neige - 1,720 m, Le Reculet - 1,718 m, Colomby de Gex - 1,688 m, La Dôle - 1677 m, etc.). With a bit of luck, you may even be able to see Mont Blanc.
For the return journey, continue along the relatively steep path downhill, which can be slippery if the ground is wet (so take care!). The route then becomes less challenging.
From this point, I also suggest an easier alternative route to reach Borne au Lion: click here.
(6) Once you arrive at the Borne au Lion, you will notice a building with a French tricolour flag flying nearby: this is the Romans-Petit Memorial, named after the commander of the Ain and Haut-Jura resistance during the Second World War. Nearby, you will also see a fairly old boundary marker (erected in 1613), marking the border between the Kingdom of France and Franche-Comté.
After visiting these sites, head downhill to the left towards the east along a good path (a sign will indicate that this is private property).
(7) Near the buildings (Les Magras), turn left towards the Magras mill. From there, turn right towards Chézery. The downhill path, punctuated by a few hairpin bends, is not difficult. It then widens, and you will see a number of stones (even rocks) from a cliff above.
(8) The path ends at a bend in a forest road. Turn left and continue downhill. Enjoy the beautiful view of the valley between Château des Bois and Combet.
(9) At Combet, follow the tarmac road on the right towards Chézery.
(10) At the "Noire Combe" buildings, follow the path downhill to the left. At the next intersection, turn right and follow the "Chézery par le chemin de la Serve" route. The path overlooks the Valserine River and then runs alongside it. You will pass close to a building that appears to be linked to the tramway between Bellegarde-sur-Valserine and Chézery.
(11) Near a bridge leading to the village of Chézery, take the D14 on the right for about 1 km to Forens at the starting point (S/E). It is also possible to follow a path parallel to the road from the old tramway station.
Tourist office
Easy 
Visorando member
Moderate 
Very difficult 
