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Just a few kilometres north of Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, pass through the village of Lancrans and park in the car park opposite the cemetery (with the school right next to it).
(S/E) With your back to the cemetery gate, take the gravel path leading down to the right, signposted ‘no through road’. Follow the yellow and red markings.
(1) At the junction at the foot of a telecoms mast, turn left onto the Voie du Tram and follow it for about 150 metres.
(2) Leave the Voie du Tram and follow the path to the right towards the Pertes de la Valserine. Pass between a few houses. After a short but steep descent, you’ll reach the Pertes site. Then head towards the Pont des Oulles.
(3) Cross the river, then follow it upstream on the right for about 300 metres. Note how calm the water is upstream, in stark contrast to its fury as it enters Les Pertes. The damp atmosphere of the area has draped the trees in ghostly moss.
(4) Retrace your steps back to the Pont des Oulles and cross the Valserine once more.
(3) As you leave the bridge, turn right and follow the river towards the Métral dam. Look out for the various waterfalls on both the right and left banks that flow into the river. Reach the dam (through the barred windows, look at the remains of the old pumps).
(5) Take a path on the right and follow the river as it winds through gorges carved into the rock (there are some fine overhangs and caves to look out for). The route includes steps to climb up and down. Cross the Valserine via a footbridge and reach the piers of the viaduct linking Bellegarde to Lancrans (note the impressive depth of the gorges).
(6) Pass under the viaduct and continue along the path beside the river. Walk as far as the Dumont hydroelectric power station, which used to supply Bellegarde with electricity.
(7) Return via the same route.
(3) At the Pont des Oulles, head up to the right towards Lancrans.
(2) Follow the Voie du Tram to the left for about 150 metres.
(1) Turn right and, via a fairly steep climb, head to the car park at Lancrans cemetery (S/E).
Tourist office
Very difficult 
Difficult 
Visorando Member
Easy 
