Lélex - Mijoux

First stage of the 3-day, 2-night Crêts en Combes hiking tour.
Starting from Lélex, this circular route combines the main GTJ route with the alternative route via Mijoux and the Col de la Faucille.
The crossing of the Hautes-Combes jurassiennes, the Valserine valley and the ridges of the Haute Chaine du Jura promise breathtaking landscapes. On one side, the view overlooks the ridges, on the other, it overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and partly in the Haute-Chaîne Nature Reserve, this hike takes place in a preserved natural area.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: From Crêts en Combes to Lélex

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 16.14 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,047 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 947 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,686 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 892 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Red and whiteGR®® trail markings

(S/E) From the village of Lélex, turn right onto the Voie du Col de Crozet,GR®® 509, then take the track towards the peaks of the Haute Chaîne du Jura until you reach a path.

(1) Take it on the right. At the green downhill ski slope, turn right then left until you cross it a second time. Continue straight ahead and, at the intersection under "les Gindres", continue on the left. The path climbs up a small single track that winds through the woods and leads to the Refuge du Ratou.

(2) Go around the refuge on the right and climb, still on theGR®®, making a loop and then turning right. The path crosses the white path twice before continuing its ascent through the woods.

(3) From the Refuge de la Loge, the climb is gentler and the view opens up. There is more undergrowth and high mountain pastures. Turn left towards La Catheline and the Col de Crozet on theGR®® 9. Continue straight ahead to the top of the cable car.

(4) Stay on the opposite side, turn left, then right and finally left again to reach the Col de Crozet.

(5) Continue straight ahead, still on theGR®®9towards Colomby de Gex. The path is hilly with views of Mont Blanc, the Alps and Lake Geneva. There are at least three steep climbs before reaching the highest point of the stage: Colomby de Gex.

(6) Opposite, begin the descent, still on theGR®®9towards La Faucille and Les Montronds. On this section, the path runs along the ridge and is also hilly. It leaves the nature reserve before reaching Grand Montrond.

(7) Enjoy the last panoramic view, then descend to the left, staying on the GR® and continuing along the ridges, to reach the Vie de Chaux crossroads.

(8) Continue downhill to the centre of the resort. Pass under the Gélinotte ski lift. After this, pass along a tunnel on the ski slope, then the path on the left leads into the woods. It crosses the Petit Montrond road.

(9) Go straight ahead to pass through the woods again and rejoin the road on the right, which leads back to the centre of La Faucille resort. Keep to the right again, going downhill, then descend a slope. When you reach the road, keep to the right and continue to Col de la Faucille.

(10) Go behind the Petite Chaumière and continue left downhill towards Mijoux via the blue trail. The path runs alongside cliffs and other chasms before finally arriving at a trail.

(11) Descend to the right, then rejoin the track and follow the Sentier des Arts opposite. First turn left then right onto Rue Royale, go straight ahead at the next crossroads and arrive at the village of Mijoux (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 892 m - Village of Lélex
  2. 1 : km 0.27 - alt. 931 m - Trail
  3. 2 : km 1.61 - alt. 1,217 m - Refuge du Ratou
  4. 3 : km 2.63 - alt. 1,432 m - Refuge de la Loge
  5. 4 : km 3.15 - alt. 1,446 m - Upper station of the - Télécabine de la Catheline
  6. 5 : km 3.6 - alt. 1,478 m - Crozet Pass
  7. 6 : km 7.65 - alt. 1,686 m - Colomby de Gex
  8. 7 : km 10.98 - alt. 1,597 m - Grand Montrond
  9. 8 : km 12.19 - alt. 1,498 m - Crossroads of La Vie de Chaux
  10. 9 : km 12.99 - alt. 1,424 m - Petit Montrond route
  11. 10 : km 14.06 - alt. 1,320 m - Col de la Faucille
  12. 11 : km 15.61 - alt. 1,080 m - Fork in the road
  13. E : km 16.14 - alt. 985 m - Village of Mijoux

Notes

Before you go

- Check the general and local weather forecast to make sure there is no rain.
- Find out about the approach walk, the height of the route, the walking time and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.).
- Assess the possible risks by consulting mountain professionals, refuges and lodges.
- Inform a friend or relative of your plans and contact them if there are any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person's phone number, vehicle(s), parking.
- Avoid setting off alone, use equipment that is suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, including a head torch, a comprehensive first aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
- In case of a problem, call 112 (European emergency number).

Additional advice and recommendations.
For more information about our destination, visit our website: Pays de Gex Tourisme.

Part of the route is located in a nature reserve. Please respect the specific regulations for this area
Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash.

Camping in tents is prohibited.

Good accommodation.

Stay at the Michaille bed and breakfast.
The Valserine communal lodge.
Les Berlicants residence.

Be well equipped
Good equipment is the key to a successful hiking trip. Bring a suitable backpack (around 10 kilos) and don't forget the essentials:

  • Technical clothing for cold weather;
  • Sleeping bag or ground mat;
  • Sunglasses;
  • Food and water;
  • Headlamp;
  • Walking sticks;
  • Complete first aid kit.
  • Water management

Water is essential. Find out about water sources along your route and bring purification tablets in case you don't have access to clean water.

This route passes through multiple protected areas, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

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-lining, tree-top adventure courses, golf, and more.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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