The high peaks from Thoiry

(S/E) From the church square, follow the yellow markings (PR®) and turn right onto Rue Brian Stresemann. Then turn left onto Rue de la Vierge and continue until the fourth street on the left: Rue Mollard.

(1) Follow this street to the end, then turn right onto Rue du Quart. Then take the second street on the left: Rue des Fergots, and follow it to the end. You will then come to Chemin des Écoliers. Follow it straight ahead, then turn right onto Rue du Mont. A few metres further on, take Rue du Reculet on the left until you reach the path on the right.

(2) Take this path, which climbs gently into the forest, with a gradual elevation gain of 250 metres over a little more than a kilometre. Keep right at the crossroads. The path leads to the Tiocan chalet, a well-known landmark in the area.

(3) Continue right on Route du Reculet. After 200 metres, leave the road on the left. Further on, on the left, you will come to a path that climbs uphill.

(4) Take this path. Keep left. The path crosses a first stream, then arrives at a fork.

(5) Continue to the right to join the white path of La Croisée. Follow it to the right, then immediately turn left to continue the ascent. The path crosses a resurgence before reaching a new intersection.

(6) At this junction, turn left towards Chalet de Narderans.

(7) Just before you get there, turn right to climb the rock faces known as the Voûtes de Narderans. The location is superb, but the climb is steep. Continue along this path until you reach the GR® trail, near the summit of Reculet (panoramic view).

(8) Continue on the GR® trail to the right, descending on the other side towards Crêt de la Neige. At the first intersection, stay on the GR® trail, continuing straight ahead.

(9) At the fork, take the left-hand path, still following the GR®. The terrain becomes hilly: the path starts off wide, then take a small path that descends to the left, skirting the remains of an old hamlet, and, continuing straight ahead, gradually climbs back up. It crosses an area of mountain pines, then the path becomes steeper as it approaches the summit, with views of the Crêt de la Neige canyons. Reach the summit of Crêt de la Neige (panoramic view).

(10) Follow the GR® eastwards towards Sous le Crêt. After about 50 metres, take a yellow-marked path on the right leading to Le Curson. It descends rapidly, winding between the rocks, and joins the Curson mountain pasture.

(11) Pass between the two water reservoirs to rejoin a wide white path towards Thoiry-devant until you reach the reservoir.

(12) Take the path on the right, which more or less follows the contour line until you reach another fork.

(13) Then turn left: further on is the Chalet de Thoiry devant.

(14) Continue downhill on the white path that runs alongside cisterns, then joins a ridge before descending through the woods. Continue downhill until, a little further on, the path reconnects with the Croisée intersection.

(6) Turn left and follow the path you took on the way there in the opposite direction to return to the crossroads after the track.

(5) Take a small detour to the right to reach the Chalet du Tiocan more quickly. Turn left at the track, then right and left again towards the chalet.

(3) From Tiocan, retrace your steps to return to the starting point (S/E).

Info: rnn-hautechainedujura.fr

▶ This route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Please respect its regulations.

Among the rules to observe
Dogs are strictly prohibited, even on a leash.
Picking plants and collecting minerals is also prohibited.

The trail crosses a Quiet Zone, which is closed from 15 December to 30 June.
An exception is made for the use of the GR® trail, provided you stay strictly on the marked path. It is forbidden to leave the path.

▶ Before setting off

Check the general and local weather forecast to ensure there will be no precipitation
Find out about the approach walk, the height of the route, the walking time, and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, topo guide, etc.)
Assess the possible risks by consulting mountain professionals, refuges, lodges
Inform a friend or family member of your plans and contact them again in case of any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person's telephone 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 complete first aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
In case of an emergency, call 112 (European emergency number).

▶ Patou or guard dogs: how should you behave?

When hiking, it is common to encounter flocks of sheep or goats guarded by protection dogs, known as Patous. These dogs, which are formidable against predators such as wolves, bears and lynxes, can frighten hikers with their barking.
The Patou protects the flocks completely independently. Its main role is to deter intruders and alert the shepherd. Raised among the sheep from an early age, it learns to protect them at all times, often in groups.

▶ To avoid problems with a patou

Identify grazing areas before setting off.
Keep your distance and go around the flocks if possible.
If you encounter a herd, remain calm, turn around slowly or stop to let the dog sniff you.
Do not attempt to pet or feed the animals, avoid sudden movements, do not run, and avoid taking photos.

▶ For trail runners

Do not run when approaching a herd.
Remove your earphones so you can hear the dog barking.

By adopting these behaviours, you will be able to coexist peacefully with guard dogs during your hikes.

The Reculet cross was erected on the initiative of Father Monnet, parish priest of Thoiry, who wanted to reaffirm the Catholic faith in the face of Protestants and anti-clericals from Geneva. The cross was made by François Nallet, a blacksmith from Thoiry, and then transported piece by piece by four villagers (Louis and Auguste Girod, Aimé Fusier and Faustin Antonioli). It was inaugurated on 25 July 1892.