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Léaz walks
Grand Crêt d'Eau via the Crête du Fort l'Écluse
The aim of the route is to reach the Crêt de la Goutte via the Crête du Fort l'Écluse.
The main difficulty will be encountered during the ascent; the slope is quite steep up to the red and white high-voltage pylon, and at times you will need to use your hands (avoid this when descending and on wet ground).
From Chalet Bizot, the route is straightforward.
On the banks of the Rhône from Fort l'Écluse
Open from mid-June to mid-October, during the Fort's opening hours.
A trail combining history and nature, starting within the fort itself. The final ascent rewards walkers with an exceptional panorama before descending back to the fort.
Starting from Fort l'Écluse when it is open (from June to September), the path enters the forest before reaching the banks of the Rhône. It winds its way between stone steps, medieval ruins and wooded passages to the heights of Léaz, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Rhône valley. The route then continues to the heights of the Upper Fort, offering a panoramic view of the Rhône gorge, the Vuache and the Étournel. The descent to the Lower Fort concludes this circular route rich in history and emotion.
Fort l'écluse loop via the Belvédère de Léaz
Fort l'Ecluse, a fortified military structure dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Léaz viewpoint.
Panoramic view of the Rhône valley.
The water ridges
Plateau of the Jura mountain range, overlooking the valleys of Bellegarde sur Valserine and Fort l'écluse. The highest point of the Crêt de la Goutte offers a 360° panorama of the Jura Natural Park and Lake Geneva on the Geneva side, with a horizon dominated by the Alps, including Mont Blanc.
Les Pertes de la Valserine and much more
This is a long hike that allows you to visit and admire not only the Pertes de la Valserine area, but also to walk along the banks of this river, which has profoundly shaped the landscape over the centuries and enabled industrial activity in the 19th century.
Valserhône - La Ferme du Retord
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
First stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. Starting from the town, the route climbs gradually towards the Plateau de Retord, with a view of the remaining path and, in good weather, a panorama of the Alps. The stage then crosses Giron (1,000 m), the highest commune in the Ain, before reaching Lélex and ending at the Pertes de la Valserine.
GR® de Pays - Grand Tour de la Valserine
Accessible from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
This hike quickly leaves the town behind and gradually climbs to the Retord Plateau. You will have a beautiful view of the path ahead and, if you are lucky, a panoramic view of the Alps. Then head to the other side of the Jura mountains via Giron 1000, the highest commune in the Ain department. The Monts Jura resort in the village of Lélex will welcome you and help you prepare to climb the highest peaks of the Jura! Finish in style with a visit to the Pertes de la Valserine.
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 also prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
Circular at Grand Crêt d'Eau
A circular with limited elevation gain, winding through mountain pastures, allowing you to visit three of the ridges that form the Grand Crêt d'Eau (including the highest point) and enjoy breathtaking views of the Genevois and the Alps.
The Gorges and Pertes de la Valserine
A pleasant walk along the Valserine Gorges, from Les Pertes to Bellegarde. Very popular in hot weather as much of the route is in the woods and always close to the river.
Please note that a municipal by-law dated 11 April 2024 prohibits continuing the hike beyond point 5 along the banks of the Valsorine (footbridges closed)
From Bois de Chancy to the banks of the Rhône
A family walk in the Chancy woods (Geneva, Switzerland) leading to the banks of the Rhône. There are some lovely surprises to discover along the way, such as a suspension bridge, views of the Jura and Vuache mountains, and streams. The perfect hike for hot summer days!
Crêt de la Goutte via Le Sac and Varambon
Tour of the chalets of the Col du Sac and Varambon via the Crêtes du Sorgia - 360° view at the Crêt de la Goutte with orientation table to discover the Monts d'Ain, Lake Geneva and its water jet, the start of the Jura mountain range, the Swiss and French Alps including the Matterhorn in good weather and the majestic Mont Blanc.
De Menthières à la Poutouille
Open from 1 December to 30 March.
From the small resort of Menthières, head towards an alpine chalet, where you can admire panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Alps, the Lake Geneva basin and the Hautes-Combes du Jura.The trail is marked in purple for snowshoeing and marked for hiking all year round.
Menthières - Valserhône
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
Fifth and final stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. The route climbs gradually towards the Plateau de Retord, offering a glimpse of the path already covered and, in good weather, a panoramic view of the Alps. The stage crosses Giron (1,000 m), the highest commune in the Ain department, before reaching Lélex and ending at the Pertes de la Valserine.
Protected area: dogs and tent camping are prohibited in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.
Along the Valserine at the start of the Pont des Pierres
The route forms a circular loop in the Valserine valley between Montanges (Pont des Pierres) and Champfromier. The outward route follows the Valserine river. The return route follows the Lancrans tramway from Chézery. There are two small tunnels to pass through along the way.
There are a few difficulties between points (1) and (2) on a trail that is moderately passable at times. The rest of the route does not present any major difficulties.
The Vuache from Chaumont
An easy walk with magnificent views of the Retord, Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc and the mountains around Lake Annecy.
Le Grand Crêt d'Eau
A circular route on the Grand Crêt d'Eau massif at an altitude of 1,600 metres, passing through pine forests and crossing a large hilly plateau with views of the Mont Blanc massif, among other things.
Moderator's warning: route presents a risk of avalanches.
Col de Menthières, La Pelaz et le Chalet du Sac
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
The Menthières mountain pastures and the landscapes around the Sac chalet offer wide open spaces for a getaway in the heart of the Jura Mountains.
Between forest and mountain pastures, this varied route, open from April to November, offers superb panoramic views. The trail starts from the car park opposite the Rendu chairlift, runs alongside the tree-top adventure park and then climbs towards the Col de Menthières. It passes by iconic landmarks that serve as reference points for hikers: the "Grange Velue" and the "Chalet du Sac", which offer panoramic views of Valserhône, the Retord plateau and the Alps. Dogs, even on a lead, are not allowed in this area, which is part of a nature reserve.
Pont des Pierres and Paul de Vanssay monument
This walk from Montanges offers a view of the famous stone bridge over the Valserine and takes you past the monument to Paul de Vanssay, hero of the Resistance.
The wild banks of the Rhône at the start of Challonges
This moderately difficult circular route will allow you to discover a particularly wild stretch of the Rhône. However, this part of the Rhône upstream from Seyssel has been affected by human activity due to the extraction of asphalt and Seyssel stone.
From Challex to Dardagny: the Franco-Swiss border through the vineyards
Hike open all year round.
Set off on a family walk through vineyards and woodland, crossing the border. An ideal getaway for young and old alike, combining nature, relaxation and enchanting landscapes.
Discover a family hike that takes you from Challex to Dardagny, along charming paths lined with vineyards. Walk through sun-drenched vineyards and let yourself be charmed by the tranquillity of the landscape. The route offers views of the Rhône and the Jura Mountains. At each stage, between the undergrowth and open fields, nature reveals itself in all its splendour, whatever the season!A charming getaway that combines wine discoveries and wide open spaces.
The Cirque des Avalanches
After leaving the village of Champfromier and all its amenities, walk through pastures and forest paths. The highlight of this circular: the magnificent panorama from Les Avalanches over the Jura mountains.