Le Reculet walks

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions This tour offers a varied and challenging route, from the banks of the Valserine to the highest peaks of the Jura, with sublime views of the Alps, Lake Geneva and the Jura mountains. Starting from Lélex, the path runs alongside the Valserine and its peat bog before beginning the ascent of the Reculet (1,719 m) and the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif at 1,720 m. On the way back down to Lélex, note the remains of old buildings, evidence of the alpine farming tradition of the Jura Mountains.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. Set off on a challenging, scenic circular route through the peaks of Reculet and Crêt de la Neige, the highest in the Jura mountains. This demanding route offers a wide variety of landscapes: Jura forests, open ridges and vast mountain pastures. From the heights, enjoy a 360° panorama of Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva, Geneva and the Valserine Valley.The route crosses the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: dogs are not allowed, even on a leash. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. This hike for experienced walkers leads to majestic peaks steeped in history. A true immersion in unspoilt wilderness, passing through ancient clandestine paths... A demanding excursion through deep forests and green mountain pastures, following in the footsteps of the "smugglers" who, in the 18th century, used these discreet paths to transport their clandestine goods. Starting from Chézery-Forens, the route follows the wild Valserine river before beginning the ascent to the Reculet, which rises to 1,719 metres. Topped by its famous cross erected in 1892, this summit offers breathtaking views of the Lake Geneva basin and Mont Blanc on a clear day. The descent towards the alpine chalets (La Polvette and La Capitaine) joins the Chézerands pass and the hamlet of Rosset. The Reculet cross, weighing 1,600 kg, was hoisted on the backs of four inhabitants of Thoiry.

From Saint-Jean-de-Gonville, I suggest heading up to the Monts Jura and its higher ground: after climbing to the summit of Le Reculet, the route continues along various ridges to the Passage des Chézerands, offering some lovely views. Navigating unmarked sections, walking on steep or even very steep slopes, and a fairly exposed but avoidable section are the main difficulties.

Open from 1 April to 30 November (subject to there being no snow) Second stage of the Grande Traversée du Jura walking route: from La Borne au Lion to Culoz, in 6 days. The GTJ links Mandeure (Doubs) to Culoz (Ain) in 15 to 20 days, crossing the Jura Mountains and the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park. The route proposed here corresponds to the second half of the itinerary. The route winds through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected area to be explored with respect. Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead, and camping in tents is prohibited. Please respect these rules to preserve this exceptional environment.

The GTJ runs through the Jura Mountains from Mandeure (Doubs) to Culoz (Ain), crossing the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and offering a detour into Switzerland. The route suggested here covers the second half of the itinerary. Opened in 2004, the GTJ follows the GR®5, GR®9 and GR® de Pays trails for 400 km. Winding along ridges, skirting lakes and emerging from forests, this is a route accessible to most people, with no particular difficulty. It can be tackled as a 2–3-day trip for families, or as the full 15–20-day route. The route winds through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected area to be explored with respect.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. The section from the Refuge de la Loge to La Poutouille is the second stage of the six-day walking tour “La GTJ from Mijoux”. The GR® 9 enters the Ain department via Mijoux, before following the spectacular ridges of the Monts-Jura, passing through the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crosses the Retord plateau and climbs the Grand Colombier. The trail continues its route to Culoz and the Rhône Valley, before leaving the Ain to reach Savoie and continuing southwards. Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are prohibited, even when kept on a lead. Camping in tents is also prohibited. Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. The GR® 9 enters the Ain department via Mijoux, before following the spectacular ridges of the Monts-Jura, passing through the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crosses the Plateau de Retord, and then crosses the Grand Colombier. The trail continues its route to Culoz and the Rhône Valley, before leaving the Ain to reach Savoie and continuing southwards. Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations. Dogs are prohibited, even on a lead, as is camping in tents. Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. Fourth stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. From Lélex, the trail climbs through the forest to the Chalet de la Loge, the gateway to the nature reserve. The ascent then eases off through clearings and woodland to the ridges, where an exceptional panorama opens up over Lake Geneva, the Alps and Mont Blanc. The route crosses the massif’s two highest points: the Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m) and the Reculet (1,718 m), before skirting the Roche Franche cirque. After the Chalet du Gralet, the forest accompanies you for the final few kilometres to Menthières. Protected area: dogs and tent camping are prohibited in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. The GR® de Pays Grand Tour de la Valserine covers a vast area in the Ain department. This circular route winds through the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, passing through the contrasting landscapes of the Retord plateau, the Valserine valley, the Pays de Gex and the Haute Chaîne du Jura. Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are prohibited, even when kept on a lead, as is camping in tents.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to snow conditions. From the Refuge de la Loge to Mijoux via the Haute Chaîne: the second stage of the three-day multi-day hike “Le balcon du Léman”. An exceptional route through the highest peaks of the Jura Mountains and the wild landscapes of the Haut-Jura plateau, with spectacular panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps as a backdrop, via the highest peaks of the Jura mountain range. These wild areas, full of surprises and wonders, will make this multi-day hike unforgettable. Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are prohibited, even when kept on a lead, as is camping in tents.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. An exceptional route through the highest peaks of the Jura mountains and the wild landscapes of the Haut-Jura plateau, with spectacular panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from the highest peaks of the Jura mountain range. These wild spaces full of surprises and wonders will make this hiking trip unforgettable. Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations: dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, and camping in tents is prohibited. Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. From Lélex, set off to conquer the highest peak in the Jura: the Crêt de la Neige, at an altitude of 1,720 metres. Following the Balcon du Léman trail, you will enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramas in Europe, with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine range. Finally, you will reach Crêt de Chalam, at an altitude of 1,545 metres. This iconic summit offers a last breath of freedom, nature and wild beauty before concluding this unforgettable circular route. 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, and camping in tents is also prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. First stage of the "La petite boucle de la Valserine" circular hiking trail, from Lélex to Chézery-Forens. From Lélex, climb up to Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m), the highest point in the Jura, with an exceptional panorama of Mont Blanc and the Alps. The stage ends at Crêt de Chalam (1,545 m). Protected area: dogs and tent camping are prohibited in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. This route, between the high plateaus and ridges of the Jura, offers magical panoramic views of the Alps from the Jura mountain range. A route combining mystery, magic and discovery... Please note that part of the hike crosses a protected area.Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations.Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, and camping is prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to snow conditions. From the Refuge de la Loge to Lélex via the Haute Chaîne: the final stage of the four-day multi-day hike “La Valserine enchanteresse”.From the enchanting Valserine to the summit of the Jura, this route through the high plateaus and ridges of the Jura offers magical views of the Alps from the Jura mountain range. A journey of mystery, magic and discovery…Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations: dogs are prohibited, even on a lead, and camping is not permitted.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. The second stage of the hiking tour: from Mijoux to Chézery-Forens via the Haute Chaîne du Jura. Set off on a crossing of the Haut-Jura between Mijoux and Chézery-Forens, through varied landscapes of valleys, peaks and forests. Over three days, you will walk along the Jura ridges, passing by the Grand Mont Rond, the Crêt de la Neige and the Reculet, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc, the Alps and Lake Geneva. This crossing takes you to the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura, for an authentic experience in the heart of nature. As you will need to carry your own food, remember to bring supplies so you can enjoy this adventure to the full.

Set off on a crossing of the Haut-Jura between Mijoux and Chézery-Forens through varied landscapes of valleys, peaks and forests. Over three days, you will travel along the Jura ridges, passing by the Grand Mont Rond, the Crêt de la Neige and the Reculet, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. This crossing takes you to the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura, for an authentic experience in the heart of nature. As you will be self-sufficient in terms of food, remember to bring your own supplies so that you can enjoy this adventure to the full.