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).
