A walk along the bridle path near Divonne-les-Bains

de fr

A circular loop through the Divonne forest along an excellent path beneath beech, oak and fir trees, returning via the forest track.
Shaded in summer and open in the off-season, it is accessible all year round.
A few clearings offer views of the Lake Geneva basin and the Alps.
With signposts at various points, it is impossible to get lost.

Details

n°7633427
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.17 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 594 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 591 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,618 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,024 ft
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Description of the walk

On the Divonne-les-Bains forest road, after 500 m, park at the Fleutron reservoir car park, the starting point for walks.

(S/E) Take the track that climbs gently to the left and follow it, staying firmly on the main track.

(1) The track levels out slightly here; this is the only challenging part of the route. Continue to the Carrefour du Comte (signposted).

(2) At the crossroads, turn right onto the bridle path for an almost level stretch through the forest with a few views of Lake Geneva, the Alps and Mont Blanc in the background.

(3) The track crosses the path leading to the Jura peaks (a quick descent is possible). Continue along the track until you reach the forest road.

(4) Head down this road to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,024 ft - Car park at the Fleutron reservoir
  2. 1 : mi 0.33 - alt. 2,169 ft - Junction with the Chemin de la Baronne
  3. 2 : mi 0.69 - alt. 2,408 ft - Carrefour du Comte. Turn right
  4. 3 : mi 1.82 - alt. 2,592 ft - Path junction. Opposite
  5. 4 : mi 2.31 - alt. 2,470 ft - Arrival at the forest track. Turn right
  6. S/E : mi 3.17 - alt. 2,028 ft - Car park at the Fleutron reservoir

Notes

An easy walk requiring no special equipment (a few short sections that may be damp at times, animal tracks).

The route runs wholly or partly through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Please observe the regulations: https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/reg...

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

Take an interest in the place names:
‘Chemin du Comte’ may refer to the de la Forest Divonne family, who held the seigneury of Divonne.
‘Chemin de la Baronne’, like the farm of the same name situated below.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
adubout
adubout

Hello and thank you for your feedback. Whilst it is true that the circular loop has a steeper section shortly after the start, it does have the advantage of allowing you to coast downhill along the road, which requires less concentration…
It’s worth noting that the first hairpin bends on the anti-clockwise route are also quite steep and that you’re exposed to road traffic (light) for longer.

Machine-translated

Ranchera34
Ranchera34

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 15, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Contrary to what is stated in the description, I would advise turning right to start.
In other words, do the circular motion anti-clockwise.
If you turn left at the start, the climb is quite steep.

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking La Dôle, starting from Divonne-Les-Bains

Visorando Member
↔14.12 mi ↗+4,514 ft ↘-4,511 ft ◔10h 25 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Divonne-les-Bains (Ain)
A beautiful Franco-Swiss hike to the Dôle, offering magnificent panoramic views of the Jura to the north, Lake Geneva to the south, the northern Alps and, consequently, Mont Blanc.

Walking The Dôle loop starting from Fleutron

Tourist office
La Dôle en boucle au départ du Fleutron
↔13.29 mi ↗+4,003 ft ↘-3,996 ft ◔9h 35 ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Divonne-les-Bains (Ain)
Open from 16 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. A challenging and immersive hike to the summit of La Dôle (1,677 m). From Le Fleutron, the route alternates between deep forests, open ridges and high-altitude pastures. After crossing the French-Swiss border, you will reach one of the iconic peaks of the Swiss Jura, offering a 360° panorama of Lake Geneva, the Alps and Mont Blanc. This demanding but spectacular route crosses unspoilt natural areas in the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment (see the practical information section).

Walking Mont Mourex

Visorando Member
↔6.06 mi ↗+823 ft ↘-827 ft ◔3h 30 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Divonne-les-Bains (Ain)
Panoramic view of Lake Geneva, the Alps, the high Jura mountains and the Pays de Gex

Walking Chalet de la Vesancière

Visorando Member
↔8.48 mi ↗+1,742 ft ↘-1,739 ft ◔5h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Vesancy (Ain)
A lovely, easy walk taking you through the Jura forests and mountain pastures above Vesancy, a charming historic village in the Pays de Gex. Please note! Hiking is not permitted between 15 December and 30 June

Walking The Marais des Bidonnes

Tourist office
Le Marais des Bidonnes
↔1.95 mi ↗+23 ft ↘-23 ft ◔0h 55 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Divonne-les-Bains (Ain)
A pleasant walk along boardwalks through a marshy area with themed information panels about the local flora and fauna. Starting from the hamlet known as ‘Les Îles’, an educational trail runs alongside the Crans Canal. This canal, also known as the Coppet Canal, has been used since 1265 to divert part of the waters of the Versoix towards Bogis and Commugny in Switzerland. The rich variety of flora and fauna (reeds, alders, oaks, lungwort, etc.) found here is highlighted by themed information boards. As you cross the Bidonnes marsh on wooden footbridges, you may spot beavers. Finally, an observation deck offers a superb view of this fragile ecosystem, where a herd of hardy cows helps to prevent natural reforestation.

Walking The River Versoix from Divonne-les-Bains

Visorando Member
La Versoix depuis Divonne-les-Bains
↔14.44 mi ↗+315 ft ↘-308 ft ◔6h 55 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Divonne-les-Bains (Ain)
The main feature of this walk is the River Versoix. 22 km long, it rises in the hills above Divonne-les-Bains, where it is known as the Divonne, before becoming the Versoix once it enters Swiss territory. For many kilometres, its course forms the border between the two countries. Further on, in the commune of Versoix, it flows into Lake Geneva. As well as the Versoix, this walk offers numerous views of the Jura and Alpine ranges.

Walking Mont Mourex in Grilly

Tourist office
Le Mont Mourex à Grilly
↔2.91 mi ↗+354 ft ↘-338 ft ◔1h 40 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Grilly (Ain)
This accessible, family-friendly hike through forests and panoramic views offers a splendid 360° view of both the Alps and the Jura from Mont Mourex. The trail passes through a pleasant forest before reaching the open heights, offering an exceptional panorama of the Alps and the Jura. A landscape information table allows you to identify the surrounding peaks. An intriguing circle of stones, approximately 45 metres in diameter, is believed to have been used for sun worship. In its centre is a block of stone that is thought to have been deposited there by the Rhône glaciers during an ice age. It adds to the enigmatic nature of the place. The descent is gentle, through meadows.

Walking Walk in the Geneva countryside

Visorando Member
↔4.77 mi ↗+217 ft ↘-210 ft ◔2h 25 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Grilly (Ain)
An easy walk offering beautiful views of the Alps and the Jura. Border crossing, so please bring your ID card.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.