Crêt de Chalam via Montagne des Moines

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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.

Details

n°2502849
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.33 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 985 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 980 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,544 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 601 m
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Photos

Petit Mannet
Crêt de Chalam
Crêt de Chalam
Crêt de Chalam

Description of the walk

Updated on 13/09/2024 following completion of the route:
- minor adjustments to the route
- corrections to the description in paragraphs 4 and 5.

Park in Chézery-Forens at the junction of the RD14 road and the road leading to Noire Combe (on the left towards Chézery).

(S/E) Continue along the road leading to Noire Combe for about 300 metres.
Keep an eye out for a gap in the fence on the left marked by a large wooden post.

(1) Cross the field, heading straight for the forest to find the start of a path: follow this path, which is easy to walk on. Further up, you will come to some ruins called Sur la Roche.

(2) Continue straight ahead, following the yellow markings that appear from this point. The slope becomes steeper for a short while, then levels out almost completely. Just before a spring, take a path on the right (as indicated by the yellow markings). Not far away, you will reach a house called L'Arête.

(3) Continue to the left of the fence to continue into a large meadow: from this point, the path is moderately visible and it is advisable to walk along the edge of the forest at the crest (beautiful view of the Jura Mountains). You will reach the forest again further up: the clearly visible path runs for a short while more or less close to the left of a long rocky ridge, punctuated by a few steep sections. Leave the forest to reach the pastures.

(4) After crossing a fence (no difficulty), continue through the pasture, staying on the ridge line on a moderately visible path (no more visible markings). From here, the Crêt de Chalam appears almost directly ahead. Not far away, you will come to a path leading into the forest on the right: do not take it, but continue straight ahead across the meadow. From here, continue along the mountain pasture near the ridge, following a few traces of paths. Towards the summit of Raveyrot, Crêt de Chalam is clearly visible straight ahead: head towards the pass below.

(5) At the Col du Marquisat, a house slightly hidden by the forest is visible on the right: this is "le Marquisat". Turn left and look for a well-marked path to follow: this path remains at almost the same altitude. Follow the orange and yellow circular markings (visible from the first tree you come to). About 300 metres further on, look for a marking on the right that you need to follow (GPS point = N 46.247457° / E 5.862834° ) and from this point you should leave the more visible path and head downhill: the route is almost off-trail and you should keep a close eye on the various markers (the route is mostly uphill) until you reach the forest. From there, the route is easier to follow on a narrow but relatively visible path (markers are fairly regular and easy to follow).

(6) At the fork, continue along the path on the right for a round trip, uphill (yellow markings).

(7) From Crêt de Chalam (1,540 m), you can enjoy a beautiful panorama, particularly of the Mont Jura range, Mont Blanc, and the Haut Jura plateaus. Two orientation tables are also available (one on the east side and one on the west side). Take the path you took to reach the summit.

(6) On your return, continue straight ahead. Further down, you will come to a fork in the path. Continue straight ahead across the meadow on the path (no signpost). The path then descends south-west to join the forest, following the ridge with slopes of varying steepness (yellow markings).

(8) Much further down, you will come to some ruins (Grand Mannet). Continue downhill to pass by a house (Petit Mannet).

(9) Shortly after crossing a small bridge, you will come to a fork: from here, you can take a 5-minute detour to the left to see the Étrés waterfall. Otherwise, continue straight ahead on the path until it ends at Chézery-Forens. Turn left onto the road (RD14) to return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 603 m - Chézery-Forens
  2. 1 : km 0.28 - alt. 620 m - Fork in the road
  3. 2 : km 0.85 - alt. 772 m - On the rock (ruins)
  4. 3 : km 1.89 - alt. 983 m - The Ridge
  5. 4 : km 3.64 - alt. 1,331 m - Access to pastures
  6. 5 : km 5.02 - alt. 1,343 m - Col du Marquisat
  7. 6 : km 5.69 - alt. 1,384 m - Fork in the road
  8. 7 : km 6.28 - alt. 1,544 m - Crêt de Chalam - View of the - Lac Léman
  9. 8 : km 8.33 - alt. 981 m - Grand Mannet (ruins)
  10. 9 : km 9.15 - alt. 804 m - Fork towards the Étrés waterfall - Cascade des Êtrés
  11. S/E : km 11.33 - alt. 603 m - Chézery-Forens

Notes

Good hiking boots and walking sticks are recommended.

The starting point is here.

Take your rubbish with you! Nature does not appreciate it at all.

The route should not pose any problems, despite a few off-trail sections where you will need to navigate by azimuth.
Up to the summit, there are a few yellow markings and no visible signposts.
On the way back: yellow markings are more or less visible and there are a few signposts.
From (S/E) to (1): The route is straightforward (no markings or signs)
From (1) to (3): There may be some difficulty finding the passage at the fence (marked with a wooden sign). Finding the start of the trail just above in the forest should not be a problem; the route is then clearly visible (yellow markings visible from the ruins (2)).
From (3) to (4): Average visibility of the trail when crossing the meadows. Once in the forest, visibility of the trail is fair to good (yellow markings).
From (4) to (5): Initial section on a moderately visible trail through the meadow. After the fork, the route is almost entirely off-trail (a few visible paths at times). Overall, the route should not pose any problems as it follows the ridge line (no markings or signs)
From (5) to (6): Route on a path that is moderately visible at times. The pink markings are fairly clear: be sure to follow them carefully.
From (6) to (7): Good path with some fairly steep slopes. Follow the yellow markings to reach the summit (no signs after thefirst fork below Crêt de Chalam as the signs have disappeared).
From (7) to (8): Good path with some steep sections at times. Follow the yellow markings.
From (8) to (S/E): As before, the trail is well marked. After Petit Mannet, the route follows a carriage road that is easy to follow (yellow markings + a few signposts).
The route ends at the side of the road.
.
I hesitated over the choice of the ideal route between Le Marquisat and Crêt de Chalam. Looking at the map, there are two clearly visible paths on the right, which may seem the obvious solution at first glance. However, based on my experience in the field, things are not that simple. I have identified four possible access routes:
- route 1 directly to Crêt de Chalam: direct off-trail access, but steep slopes (caution!), the left side is preferable as there are cliff faces on the right. Not recommended for inexperienced hikers. The route can be seen here
- route 2 on the right towards Col de l'Encoche: initially, I thought I would take thefirst path visible on the map leading to Col de l'Encoche, but in reality, the path disappears into the undergrowth. Given this, I present the route visible here. The slopes are less rugged but less comfortable (dense vegetation) with a moderately visible path
- route 3 on the right via the Borne au Lion area: the route ofthe second path visible on the map corresponds to the one chosen in this option. The route follows paths with gentle slopes, but the route is longer. See the route here.
- route 4 on the left, as described in the route description.

Route 4 was chosen as it is the easiest.
I do not recommend route no. 1 to people who are not used to steep slopes.
I also do not recommend route no. 2 for people who are not comfortable with orientation.
Route 3 is another alternative (with a pleasant route), but it is longer.

Alternative route:
After the point (7) at Crêt de Chalam, it is also possible to return via Borne au Lion as described in another route: see here.

Frequency:
From (S/E) to (6): Very little traffic (very low probability of encountering other people).
From (6) to (7): Moderately frequented area at the start, but becoming significantly more frequented near the summit of Crêt de Chalam (fairly frequented regardless of the season)
From (7) to (S/E): Moderately frequented area

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.1 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
Mu&Jp-du-Jura
Mu&Jp-du-Jura

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in the opposite direction in 6 hours and 45 minutes, including a lunch break.
Not a soul on the trail, but the summit of Crêt de Chalam was crowded.
Montagne des Moines seems to be little frequented, so the route is not very well marked. It is not easy to follow the path in the meadow between 4 and 5. Between 5 and 6, thank goodness for the orange markers.
Despite everything, it was a wonderful experience.
Thank you

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JCParavy
JCParavy

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Circular completed in the opposite direction, preferring the direct climb to Crêt, passing by the Cascade des Étrés waterfall.
The GPS track was used on the descent so as not to stray from the route on Montagne des Moines, but on the way down, there are no difficulties with the route from Raveyrot.
However, between the summit and the Col du Marquisat, I hesitated a lot before finally descending via the north ridge (snow-covered and therefore tricky) then the path on the east flank and the trail marked on the IGN map crossing to reach the Marquisat chalet, which was not easy to find in the snow: this is an intermediate route between routes 2 and 3 in the Practical Information section (which I only saw afterwards!). I think it's easier to follow in summer.
With snow, route 2 seems preferable to me.
In any case, it's a beautiful circular with magnificent views, and I didn't meet anyone... except for a badger at the Arête.
I'm adding a few photos.

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kaolak1
kaolak1
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I had a lot of trouble following the route and without the GPS track, I would never have made it because I took the wrong path several times. The weather conditions were almost disastrous because I had gone there to do some trail running, but with all the fog it was so difficult to find my way. What's more, with the rain, it was very risky on the narrow paths.

Apart from the waterfall, I didn't get any nice views, so I can't comment on that, but the circular is really good for getting some exercise, so in that respect I really enjoyed myself, thank you!

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rdub
rdub

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike that offers a pleasant variety of landscapes: undergrowth, grassy ridges, etc.
It is quite true that the ascent via Montagne des Moines is very little used. Even if the paths are no longer very obvious from point 4 onwards, the tracks remain visible with a little experience. Furthermore, to avoid any hesitation on the section between 5 and 6, look for the markings (yellow and/or red dots); as the trail is on the side of a mountain, it is easy to find yourself at a dead end and have to turn back.
The Crêt de Chalam is very popular, but hiking is also about meeting people!
Thanks to the author.

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Jemzolo
Jemzolo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

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

A beautiful hike in the wilderness and desert, just the way I like it, but you have to work for it (it's quite a climb!)
Between points 5 and 6, the pink markings have been supplemented with yellow-orange markings. By paying close attention, I was able to find my way fairly easily.
Beautiful beech forest and pastures before the marquisate covered with daffodils (mid-April), magnificent.
Many thanks to the author.

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Kristo×Coco
Kristo×Coco

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Point 1, iron post or rod barely visible, be careful!
From point 1 to point 7, there are a few false flats, but mostly climbs and steep climbs and more climbs! 🥵😁
Once you reach point 7 after a tough climb, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the mountains! (WOW 😯)
We descended the trail to reach the waterfall, where there was a path that we hadn't seen (like the number of people we encountered on the trail, i.e. zero!😂), unfortunately!
PS: hike completed in 4 hours and 28 minutes, including breaks!
Hike for experienced hikers!

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PatDam01
PatDam01

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 22, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike at the end of October with no one else on the trail except at the summit of Crêt de Chalam... best avoided during peak season. We parked in Forens before heading to the starting point. You have to be careful to find the entrance to the meadow. A beautiful climb through the woods, starting off quite steep.The directions are precise but we still managed to get lost between points 5 and 6. The most obvious path is not the right one. Thank goodness for geolocation, which helped us find the right trail. The summit, with its view of Mont Blanc, is as beautiful as ever. On the descent at point 9, take the small path on the left (not marked) to see the waterfall, which is magnificent.

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ChristianNo
ChristianNo

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 02, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The route is easy to follow with the GPS track recorded on Visorando. However, the path between Col Marquisat and Crête du Chalam is difficult to see and challenging in its second section, as the pink markers have almost disappeared, as have the traces of the path, even though this path is marked on the old TOP25 maps.
The view from the summit is well worth the effort, and the wild Monks' Mountain is not often visited.
This hike is for experienced hikers. Or else, be sure to follow your GPS track!

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Necky Cool
Necky Cool

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful weather this Friday, at 9 o'clock we were parked (not easy and impossible at the indicated location)...in short, we set off. The climb through the woods is nice, sometimes a little steep but overall OK. A little monotonous though, no view...the good thing is that the higher you climb, the more varied it gets. The pasture that follows, on the ridge, is magnificent, with some views at last and, above all, incredibly rich and varied flora. The crossing to reach the path leading to the summit caused us a few problems, despite the GPS. The pink dots are there, but it's not easy to keep track of them. We "gardened" a bit, but we got through it. Then it was just a 20-minute climb to the summit. We then encountered the first walkers, and the number of people only increased as we climbed higher. There was a magnificent view of the Alps from the summit. The descent was easy, and we were alone again as soon as we passed the first junction. The ruins of the Grand Mannet, encountered in the middle of the woods, gave us an idea of the activity that must have taken place in the region at the time. The return trip is uneventful, taking 5 hours and 15 minutes for this pleasant circular.

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Utrillo
Utrillo

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 23, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Good progress through the undergrowth on the way up. Once you reach the summit ridge, cross the meadow to the end, taking care to spot the pink markers so you can find the path that climbs up to the ridge!

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Utrillo
Utrillo

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 27, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Good progress through the undergrowth on the way up. Once you reach the summit ridge, cross the meadow to the end, taking care to spot the pink markers to find the path that climbs up to the ridge

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SE VE RI NE
SE VE RI NE

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A challenging but very enjoyable hike with beautiful views and lush vegetation after all these days of rain. So dense that we got lost between 5 and 6! But with the GPS we found the trail in the forest, although it took a steep climb to get there! The waterfall is magnificent in an enchanting setting. We didn't meet any other hikers until stage 7

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MUMMY
MUMMY
• Edited:

This year, I will have done this walk, which I particularly enjoy, several times. The route via Montagne des Moines is my favourite; I discovered it recently. On my last trip, I had some difficulty after Marquisat finding the path marked with pink dots. This time, aware of the risk of making a mistake, I took care to stay on the right contour line to cross over and rejoin the "classic" route. The pink markings are very regular and the path is very passable. There was only one moment of uncertainty after an arrow indicating to go up the slope. I didn't see any more markings except for orange dots, which are a little low in relation to the route. Going up slightly, I quickly found the trail again and everything went well.
It was a very peaceful walk, and I didn't meet anyone except, of course, at the summit of Crêt de Chalam, which is very accessible via Borne au Lion.
Thank you for the additional explanations.

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MUMMY
MUMMY
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 27, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello "zbh0170", thank you for this additional information. If I return to Crêt de Chalam, I will try to take your observations into account with the GPS coordinates. You have gone to a lot of trouble to re-examine the route. My personal route between points 5 and 6 was below your route; I should have tried to climb the slope instead of increasing the gap downwards. But the terrain wasn't obvious...
All the best

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zbh0170
zbh0170
• Edited:

Hello MUMMY,

I am following up on our last message and am writing to add some further details.

Today, I walked the route between Col du Marquisat (point (5)) and the fork in the path leading to the summit of Crêt de Chalam (point (6)) in both directions.

The trail is fairly easy to see at the beginning. As soon as you pass the first tree, you will see a round pink marker (which you should follow).
About halfway along the trail (approximately 300 metres further on), look for a marker indicating that you should turn right and continue uphill. This location has been measured at GPS point = N 46.247457° / E 5.862834°
From this point onwards, the route is almost entirely off-trail and is not necessarily obvious. It is important to keep an eye out for the pink markings (the route climbs slightly).
Initially, I did not notice this problem because the terrain configuration has changed slightly in the area (but enough to cause some doubt).
Once you reach the forest, the route is clearer.

I remain at your disposal for any comments you may have.

Kind regards

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