Le Gralet - Chézery-Forens

(S) From the Refuge du Gralet, with the refuge on your left, follow the GR® (red and white) towards La Poutouille. The path quickly enters a forest dotted with small valleys, following a undulating route along a wide track, until you reach a junction.

(1) Continue to the right on the GR® trail, which narrows. This magnificent path winds its way through a variety of trees and flora. The going is fairly easy until you reach the pretty valley of the Chalet de la Poutouille, where the view of the Alps and Mont Blanc reveals its full charm.

(2) The path runs alongside the chalet and heads back into the forest. Descend a short, steep slope with a view of the Crêt d'Eau before reaching the Pelaz valley.

(3) At the junction, turn right and continue the descent along the GR®. There are three hairpin bends to negotiate before the next junction.

(4) At this junction, turn right and leave the forest onto a dirt track. Gradually make your way to a farmstead and the car park, then head towards the Col de Menthières on the right.

(5) From the pass, continue straight on the road towards Chézery, pass the hamlet of Bon Claude and reach a junction.

(6) Take the yellow-marked path on the right and head down towards Chézery.

(7) Cross the road leading up to the Col de Menthières, continue straight on until you reach the road. Turn left, then right towards Champroux at the next junction.

(8) Continue along the path, turn left at the end, then keep to the right and join the Route de l’Épery.

(9) Continue left along the road down towards Chézery, turn right then left and carry on straight ahead to Chézery (E) . The A53 bus takes you back to the starting point.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow.

Please note – Protected area
Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations.
Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead.
Tent camping is prohibited.
Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Before setting off

- Check the general and local weather forecast to ensure there is no rain.
- Find out about the approach walk, the altitude of the route, the walking time and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.).
- Assess potential risks by consulting mountain professionals, mountain huts and lodges.
- Inform a friend or family member of your plans and contact them again if there are any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person’s phone number, vehicle(s), car park.
- Avoid setting off alone; use equipment suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, including a head torch, a fully stocked first-aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
- In the event of a problem, call 112 (the European emergency number).

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

Part of the route is located within a Nature Reserve; please respect the specific regulations for this area

Be well equipped
Good equipment is the key to a successful multi-day hike. Bring a suitable rucksack (around 10 kg) and don’t forget the essentials: technical clothing for cold weather; a sleeping bag or groundsheet; sunglasses; food and water; a head torch; walking poles; a first-aid kit; water containers.

Water is essential. Find out about water supply points along your route and carry purification tablets in case you do not have access to drinking water.

You can return by bus on the A53 route, which connects Valserhône station to Mijoux via the Valserine Valley; find the timetables via this link.

Menthières is a four-season ski resort. In summer, enjoy hiking and discover various panoramic views such as the Crêt des Frasses, the Crêt de la Goutte, or the Beauchâteau viewpoint. A fun tree-top adventure course lets you enjoy the great outdoors. In mid-July, a must-see event takes place: the Festival du Cri de la Goutte, a two-day alternative festival suitable for the whole family.

In winter, take the ski lifts to enjoy the slopes. Snowshoe routes are also marked out.