Along the Valserine at the start of the Pont des Pierres

The route is designed to form a circular route in the Valserine Valley between Montanges (Pont des Pierres) and Champfromier. The outward leg follows the River Valserine. The return leg follows the route of the Lancrans–Chézery tramway. Along the way, you will pass through two small tunnels.
There are a few challenging sections between points (1) and (2) on a path that is moderately passable at times. The rest of the route presents no major difficulties.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.59 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,578 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,585 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,247 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,457 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

The starting point is at Pont des Pierre on the D14a between Montanges and Confort, on the right just after crossing the bridge. Parking is available.

(S/E) Follow the signpost for Lancrans, then cross the road.

(1) Take thethird path on the left (thefirst leads back to the starting point, thesecond reaches the river and is a dead end). The path runs along level ground, then descends steeply before skirting the base of the cliffs and eventually reaching the banks of the River Valserine.
The path then continues with little change in elevation, following the riverbed at varying distances (caution: the route passes through a few relatively narrow sections alongside eroded ravines). After a short while, the path climbs slightly to join a track suitable for vehicles

(2) Follow the track to the left: it continues with little change in elevation. After a short while, you’ll reach a service road leading to the Sous-Roche hydroelectric power station situated below.

(3) Head right towards the Pont du Dragon for about 1 km. At the Maison du Dragon, turn left to reach the bridge, which is not far away.

(4) Cross the bridge and head towards Domplomb (yellow signposts). The path runs alongside the river before climbing. Along the way, you’ll pass through a short tunnel (known as the Smugglers’ Tunnel) carved into the rock.

Further up, turn right towards the Domplomb Tunnel at a fork in the path. Not far on, you’ll come to another fork: you’re now on the old Bellegarde-sur-Valserine to Chézery tramway line.

(5) The Domplomb Tunnel, 77 metres long, is visible on the left: go through it. On the other side, cross the D14 road and take a path on the left, following the sign for Lancrans via the Tramway Route (a direction you should follow until you return). The path then winds to the right and left for a short while until it reaches a clearly marked junction.

(6) Turn right, then less than 300 metres further on, turn left at another fork (following the route to Lancrans via the Voie du Tram). After a sewage treatment plant, the path joins the River Volférine: take the right-hand fork (no signpost) and walk along the riverbed.

At an old pillar, carry on straight ahead, making a return trip to the clearly visible waterfall. Back at the pillar, take the small wooden bridge on the right, then continue on to the village of Champfromier.

(7) Turn right onto the bridge over the old tramway line, then left onto the Pont d’Enfer. Turn left again to return to the finish point in the village. Continue straight on along the Chemin de Niezelet, which is to the left of the Foyer Rural (note: there are no signs or visible markings).

When you reach a technical centre, carry straight on to the right of the building, then turn left towards a signpost.

(8) Head right along the fence between two houses, then take a path accessed via a short flight of steps (no signposting). The route (marked in yellow) is clearly visible from here. You’ll come to a clearing with a statue of the Virgin Mary (a lovely view of the village); continue straight on along the path until you reach a fork near a campsite.

(9) Turn left, walking alongside the campsite, and continue along the path on the left. At the three-way junction, take the right-hand path, following the route (Lancrans via Voie du Tram).

(10) After a short while, the path joins a track suitable for vehicles: continue to the right towards Lancrans and Montanges for about 1.5 km until you reach the D14 at Montanges.

(11) Carry on straight ahead along the road and, less than 100 m further on, turn left at the fork, following the signs for Lancrans.

(12) Shortly afterwards, you’ll pass the old Montanges tram station. Just beyond this, you’ll join a road (D14a): carry straight on for about 100 m until you reach a fork, then turn left onto the Chemin de Sous la Ville, following the signpost (note that it isn’t very visible from this direction).

The path joins another one further down: carry on straight ahead, following the signpost for Lancrans (and the yellow markings).

(13) Further down, stay slightly above the road, then carry on straight ahead through the woods. Not far on, you’ll rejoin the road at the Pont des Pierres: cross the bridge and return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,640 ft - Pont des Pierre on the RD14a
  2. 1 : mi 0.13 - alt. 1,660 ft - Start of the path towards the River Valserine
  3. 2 : mi 1.23 - alt. 1,614 ft - Junction with a track suitable for vehicles
  4. 3 : mi 1.98 - alt. 1,752 ft - Route to the hydroelectric power station
  5. 4 : mi 2.68 - alt. 1,752 ft - Dragon Bridge - Valserine (rivière)
  6. 5 : mi 3.03 - alt. 2,182 ft - Domplomb Tunnel
  7. 6 : mi 3.5 - alt. 2,073 ft - Fork in the path
  8. 7 : mi 3.96 - alt. 2,096 ft - Champfromier
  9. 8 : mi 4.21 - alt. 2,110 ft - Start of the path
  10. 9 : mi 4.72 - alt. 2,215 ft - Junction at the campsite (Champfromier)
  11. 10 : mi 5.76 - alt. 1,946 ft - Junction: Montages path – La Namphée
  12. 11 : mi 6.71 - alt. 1,985 ft - Montanges
  13. 12 : mi 6.9 - alt. 1,955 ft - Former Montanges Tram Station
  14. 13 : mi 7.25 - alt. 1,699 ft - Overhang on the RD14a
  15. S/E : mi 7.59 - alt. 1,640 ft - Pont des Pierre on the RD14a

Notes

Good walking boots are recommended.
Due to slippery terrain, walking poles are recommended.

The suggested starting point is here

The trail is of average quality in places from point (1) to point
The route then improves, and is generally good from point (3) (road to the hydroelectric power station) right through to the return point.
From (S/E) to (1): yellow markings,
From (1) to (2): no markings. The path is of average condition in places and runs along a few relatively narrow sections at the edge of steep, ravined slopes (caution required)
From (2) to (3): no markings. The route follows a good path.
From (3) to (4): yellow markings. Follow a good path
From (4) to (5): yellow markings and signposts,
From (5) to (6): yellow markings and signposts along a winding route.
From (6) to (7): yellow markings and signposts,
From (7) to (8): no markings, just one signpost visible.
From (8) to (9): yellow markings + a few signposts,
From (9) to (11): yellow markings and signposts,
From (11) to (12): no visible markings at the start, then the route is easy to follow from the path (sign + yellow markings).
From (12) to (13): no markings at the start, then the route is clearly visible from the Chemin de Sous la Ville (yellow markings and signposts).
From (13) to (S/E): yellow markings

It is recommended that you follow the route in the direction indicated:
- the slopes encountered are easier in this direction
- locating point (2) is moderately straightforward. In case the route is taken in the opposite direction, I have added a small cairn at the fork to make it easier (a small sign pointing towards the Point de Pierre is also visible just after).

Worth a visit

  • The Valserine River: this was thefirst river to be designated a “Site Rivières Sauvages” in October 2014. Read more here.
  • Pont des Pierres: it was built in 1910 for the Bellegarde-sur-Valserine to Chézery tramway. Read more here,
  • Pont du Dragon: it was built in 1891. A customs post was situated on the right bank of the Valserine at the crossing into the Pays de Gex free trade zone; read more here.
  • Domplomb Tunnel: on the outskirts of Champfromier, a small tram tunnel that linked Bellegarde-sur-Valserine to Chézery; read about it here,
  • Pont d’Enfer (Champfromier): read more here.
  • Champfromier’s communal mill and former telemechanics pylon: read more here.
  • Former tram line from Bellegarde-sur-Valserine to Chézery: this was a former metre-gauge branch line that operated between 1912 and 1937. Read more here, here and here.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 11 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
3.9 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Traceur D .et C.
Traceur D .et C.

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The start of the hike at point 1 is difficult to find and very congested with trees and fallen branches up to point 2. Walking sticks are necessary and recommended for this part of the route. The rest of the trail is much more accessible and very interesting (dragon bridge, tram route, pierced stone waterfall, old Champfromier mill, etc.).

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Biboon74
Biboon74
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The start is not very obvious. I recommend aiming for the end of the path right next to a large rock 10 metres to the right of the yellow and white danger signs. Follow this path; if you reach the cable, you have missed the left turn 5 metres earlier. Continue down another 10 metres and turn right. After that, the path descends gently. Be careful, as it is not very well marked. Once you reach point 2, the rest is obvious.
A very pleasant walk.

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SE VE RI NE
SE VE RI NE

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

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

A beautiful discovery, the colour of the Valserine is incredible!
But! It's actually quite difficult to find the starting point... and there are no markings until you reach the Dragon Bridge. Nothing at all. We followed the trail left by other hikers and, above all, the app. After the bridge, there were no difficulties.
A very varied hike where you discover lots of things (tunnel, hidden waterfall, etc.).
But the start should be clearly marked!

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Le plaisir de la rando
Le plaisir de la rando

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, the path was clear and well signposted, and we didn't meet anyone else at this time of year.

Best regards

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ppillon
ppillon

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful route through the Valserine Gorges, the first part of which can be challenging in wet weather (walking poles are essential).

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zbh0170
zbh0170
• Edited:

Hello Titinsch,

As previously announced, the route has been redone (it was redone today, to be precise):

  • the position of the point (2) was incorrect. My apologies for this error, which may have caused you some confusion.
  • No fallen trees were found to be obstructing the route, as previously noted between points (1) and (3) (which is very good ).

In view of these facts, the route and description have been modified.
No anomalies were found on the rest of the route.

Kind regards.

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Franzi
Franzi

At point 1, the only narrow path we could find was blocked by bushes, and the lack of markings did not inspire confidence. So we went to Champfromier and walked the trail backwards between points 8 and 5. The trail leading down to the river at point 5 was not reassuring, so we turned back.
Overall: very, very poor markings.

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zbh0170
zbh0170
• Edited:

Hello Titinsch,

Thank you for your feedback.

I recommend following the route in the direction indicated: in the opposite direction, the start of the path leading to the river between points (2) and (1) is not very easy to find.
If you continue straight ahead at point (2), the route initially follows a decent path, then continues further along a trail with some steep slopes in a cliff environment to reach the Combe de l'Ours and the RD991 road higher up.

Given the description you provide, it is quite possible that you had to follow this route.

It has been some time since I have had the opportunity to do this hike, and I cannot confirm whether or not there have been any recent rockfalls in the area. I plan to do it again soon in order to adjust the description if necessary.

Best regards

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titinsch
titinsch

Overall rating : 2.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 15, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We did the route backwards and encountered a major problem between 2 and 1: the path became virtually non-existent under the cliff, we came to a landslide area and found only a "goat path" (vaguely marked in orange and quite dangerous) going up the cliff and ending south of the Combe à l'Ours on a forest path near the D991.
Did we lose the trail or does this route no longer exist due to the landslide at the foot of the cliff (in which case the route changes level!)?

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mimi et claude
mimi et claude

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 16, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We didn't meet anyone on this hike and we had some difficulties along the Valserine between points 1 and 2 (no path or markings and a tree blocking the way), we found ourselves under the cliff.
A beautiful, very peaceful hike, lulled by the sound of the water.

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Papamontbob74270
Papamontbob74270

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 25, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Hike undertaken with several walking friends. We all enjoyed the route despite the difficulties encountered by some on the first part. On the other hand, we recorded an elevation gain of 640 m instead of the 430 m indicated. This was the only problem we encountered.

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denisvarrel
denisvarrel

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 18, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Hello,
Very beautiful hike, but the access to the starting point is very poorly signposted. Lots of trees along the route, which can be dangerous at this time of year. Otherwise, it's a pleasant hike, especially in summer.

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kador
kador

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 11, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

The start of the hike is very discreet, but fortunately there is a signpost in the woods indicating the trail.
It is actually more of a track than a trail, which is difficult to follow in several places due to fallen trees.
The ground was wet and the presence of dead leaves meant you had to be careful not to slip down into the Valserine river, so walking sticks are recommended. After point 2, there were no more problems as the trail was marked in yellow.
I should have read up on the history of the Champfrommier communal mill before setting off, as then I would have been less intrigued by the pillar and wheel below the village.
A very varied hike.

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Eric-Gaston
Eric-Gaston

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 12, 2019
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Hello, a very beautiful parish-specific to Brittany walk, mostly shaded.
We did the hike in the opposite direction, which is not recommended as it is difficult to find the path between points 1 and 2, with lots of fallen trees blocking the way.
A little nod to the history of the seamstresses at the Sous Roche hydroelectric plant that powered the tram line, which the hike passes by😉http://champ.delette.free.fr/tramway/_tr...

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