Lélex - Menthières

(S) From the Tourist Office, head left, walk past the ESF hut then turn right to begin the ascent towards Crêt de la Neige. Follow the GR® for over 2 km on a steadily rising path until you reach the Ratou junction.

(1) At Ratou, turn left for 100 m, then take the path on the right. Cross a track and climb up to the Refuge de la Loge.

(2) At the refuge, turn right towards Crêt de la Neige. Cross the summer ski run at Brillonne d’en Haut, then head left onto the GR® and continue the climb to a pretty valley.

(3) At the Combe des Voyettes, go round the water reservoir on the left towards Les Brûlats Frésy, and continue to the Sous le Crêt junction.

(4) Continue right along the GR® towards the highest point in the Jura: the Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m).

(5) From the summit, enjoy the breathtaking view before continuing straight on towards Le Reculet, the second highest peak in the massif. The ridge winds its way between gorges and mountain pines, passes through the ruins of an old mountain village and leads to the foot of the Reculet cross (1,718 m).

(6) Cross over to the other side; the path turns into a dirt track and skirts a vast cirque where the Narderans arches are visible in the distance. The ridge narrows and runs alongside the magnificent Roche Franche to a junction near the Grotte de la Marie du Jura. Caution: the passage to the other side is neither signposted nor secured; you must stay on the official path.

(7) Continue straight ahead and descend to the Polvette mountain pasture. Follow the ridge then head down into the forest along a steep section before reaching a pretty valley, the Passage du Gralet.

(8) Reach the Refuge du Gralet, go round it and stay on the GR® which heads into the forest and follows the ridge through a dense, verdant landscape. The undulating terrain makes for easy going before emerging into the Poutouille valley.

(9) The unmanned Refuge de la Poutouille offers a welcome break with views of Mont Blanc. Then rejoin the GR® as it descends towards Menthières.

(10) At the Combe de la Pelaz, continue right on the GR® for several metres of descent until you reach a dirt track. Take the hairpin bend to the left at the Beau Château junction. A short detour allows you to enjoy a beautiful view of the Valserine valley and the Crêt de Chalam. Continue the descent to the Grange Velue junction.

(11) Descend to the right for 700 m to the Col de Menthières.

(12) Go round the farm, follow the tree-top adventure course along the forest track, cross the road twice and reach the first houses of Menthières. Descend to the centre of the hamlet (E).

Part of the route is located within a Nature Reserve; please observe the specific regulations for this area

Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead.
Camping in tents is prohibited.

Be well equipped
Good equipment is the key to a successful backpacking trip. Make sure you have a suitable rucksack (around 10 kg) and don’t forget the essentials:
- Technical clothing for cold and wet weather
- Sleeping bag or sleeping mat
- Sunglasses
- Food and water
- Head torch
- Walking poles
- Fully stocked first-aid kit

Water is essential. Find out about water supply points along your route and take water purification tablets with you in case you don’t have access to drinking water.

Before you set off
- Check the weather forecast to ensure there is no rain.
- Find out about the approach walk, the altitude of the route, the walking time and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.).
- Assess potential risks by consulting mountain professionals, mountain huts and lodges.
- Inform a friend or family member of your plans and contact them again if there are any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person’s phone number, vehicle(s), car park.
- Avoid setting off alone; use equipment suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, including a head torch, a fully stocked first-aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
- In the event of a problem, call 112(European emergency number).

Additional tips and recommendations
To find out more about our destination, visit our website: Pays de Gex Tourisme. Terre Valserhône Tourisme

A topographical map is available for purchase: https://reservation.terrevalserine.fr/topo-carte-des-rives-de-la-valserine-aux-sommets-du-jura.html

Monts Jura is a four-season resort offering a wide range of activities, such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, hiking, downhill mountain biking, tobogganing, giant zip line, tree climbing, golf, etc.

A Regional Nature Park is, above all, a remarkable natural and scenic area of national interest with a strong cultural identity. This is certainly true of the Jura mountains. The Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park brings together 109 municipalities and 10 communities of municipalities. It covers the Doubs, Jura and Ain departments, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté regions.