Le Gralet - Chézery-Forens

(S) From the Refuge du Gralet, with it on your left, follow the GR® (red and white) towards La Poutouille. The trail quickly enters a forest dotted with valleys. The terrain is fairly hilly and the path is wide. You will come to an intersection.

(1) Follow the GR® trail, which continues to the right and narrows. It is a magnificent path, lined with a multitude of tree species and flora. This section is fairly easy going and eventually leads to a pretty valley where the Chalet de la Poutouille is located. From here, the view of the Alps and Mont Blanc is truly charming.

(2) The trail runs alongside the chalet and enters the forest again. Simply continue along this single trail. There is a short, slightly steep descent with a view of Crêt d'Eau before you reach the Pelaz valley.

(3) At the crossroads, take the path on the right and continue downhill on the GR® (red and white) trail. There are three hairpin bends to negotiate before the next crossroads.

(4) At this intersection, take the path on the right and exit the forest. This section is on a white path. It gradually approaches a farmhouse and joins the Col de Menthières car park.

(5) At the car park, turn right towards Col de Mentières, then continue straight on the road towards Chézery until you reach Bon Claude. Continue until you reach an intersection.

(6) Take the path on the right. Then continue straight ahead on the yellow-marked path, which leads down to Chézery.

(7) Cross the road that climbs up to Col de Menthières and continue straight ahead on the path that descends. Stay on the opposite side 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 before rejoining the Route de l'Épery.

(9) Take it on the left to descend to the village of Chézery. Then turn right before turning left and continuing straight on to Chézery (E). The A53 bus will take you back to the starting point (S).

Good to know – 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.
Camping in tents 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 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).

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

Part of the route is located in a nature reserve, so please respect the specific regulations for this area.

Be well equipped
Good equipment is the key to a successful hiking trip. Bring a suitable rucksack (around 10 kg) and don't forget the essentials: technical clothing for cold weather; sleeping bag or sleeping mat; sunglasses; food and water; head torch; walking sticks; first aid kit; water containers.

Water is essential. Find out about water sources along your route and take purification tablets with you in case you don't have access to drinking water.

You can return by bus on the A53 bus line, which connects Valserhône station to Mijoux via the Valserine valley. Find the timetable at this link.

Enjoy the different panoramic views.