Mijoux - la Loge

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.

Three-day crossing of the Haut-Jura, from Mijoux to Chézery-Forens, via the Jura ridges and the peaks of Grand Mont Rond, Crêt de la Neige and Reculet, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. Self-sufficient hike.

Protected area: part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs and tent camping are prohibited. Please respect these rules to preserve this exceptional environment.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: From Mijoux to Chézery-Forens via the Haute Chaîne du Jura

Details

67177325
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.78 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 943 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 506 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,687 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 991 m

Photos

Description of the walk

(S) From the centre of Mijoux, follow the GR® (Red and White) trail up Rue Royale, pass the Tiapi and continue straight on at the crossroads towards the Sentier des Arts.

(1) The Sentier des Arts winds its way between the various sculptures; from above, there is a lovely view of the village of Mijoux. Continue along the forest track.

(2) Almost opposite the Sentier des Arts, the GR® path continues straight on, crossing the track and climbing to the left of the Source de l’Ondine. The route climbs steeply along a narrow path.

(3) At the forest track, turn left and continue the climb.

(4) At the next hairpin bend, take the path and rejoin the track a little further up.

(5) Turn left onto the Chemin de la Vieille Faucille and reach the pass, arriving to the right of the Petite Chaumière.

(6) Keep to the right on the GR® towards Grand Montrond. The route soon joins a forest track, passes the Tyrolienne Géante and continues for several hundred metres.

(7) Leave the Route de la Maréchaude via the path climbing to the left. The route alternates between steep climbs and gentle ascents through a dense, stony forest, before joining the Gélinottes ski run as you emerge from the forest.

(8) Pass to the left of the Gélinottes tunnel, cross the forest track and follow the chairlift along the GR® to the Vie de Chaux crossroads.

(9) Turn right towards Grand Montrond, following the red and white markings. The view opens up over the Lake Geneva basin and the Alpine range. The path alternates between ascents and descents, passing to the left of a cistern before reaching the summit of Grand Montrond (1,596 m).

(10) Enjoy the 360° panorama of Mont Blanc and the Haut Jura. Continue towards Colomby de Gex along a undulating route until you reach it, the highest point of the stage (1,680 m).

(11) Begin the descent opposite, whilst still encountering a few climbs. The landscape opens up onto vast mountain pastures, always offering beautiful views. Reach a track (Chemin de la Maréchaude).

(12) Follow it downhill to the left and reach the Col de Crozet.

(13) Continue along the GR® trail, keeping to the right towards the upper station of the Catheline cable car.

(14) Continue for less than a kilometre to reach the Refuge de la Loge, where this stage ends peacefully, surrounded by nature and serenity (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 991 m - Centre of the village of Mijoux
  2. 1 : km 0.1 - alt. 1,000 m - Art Trail - Valserine (rivière)
  3. 2 : km 0.27 - alt. 1,027 m - Source de l'Ondine
  4. 3 : km 0.47 - alt. 1,081 m - Forest track junction
  5. 4 : km 1.23 - alt. 1,181 m - Intersection with Route de la Faucille
  6. 5 : km 1.46 - alt. 1,251 m - Route de la Vielle Faucille
  7. 6 : km 2.03 - alt. 1,321 m - Col de la Faucille
  8. 7 : km 2.62 - alt. 1,328 m - Route de la Maréchaude
  9. 8 : km 3.61 - alt. 1,457 m - Les Gélinotte ski lift
  10. 9 : km 4.09 - alt. 1,499 m - Life in Chaux
  11. 10 : km 5.34 - alt. 1,597 m - Grand Montrond - Montrond (Mijoux)
  12. 11 : km 8.7 - alt. 1,687 m - Colomby de Gex
  13. 12 : km 11.62 - alt. 1,529 m - Crossroads, forest track
  14. 13 : km 12.76 - alt. 1,478 m - Col de Crozet
  15. 14 : km 13.21 - alt. 1,446 m - The Catheline cable car
  16. E : km 13.78 - alt. 1,434 m - Refuge de la Loge

Notes

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.

Part of the route is located in a nature reserve, so please respect 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 hiking trip. Bring a suitable rucksack (around 10 kilos) and don't forget the essentials:
- Technical clothing for cold weather
- Sleeping bag or groundsheet,
- Sunglasses,
- Food and water,
- Head torch,
- 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 drinking water.

You are now ready to embark on your adventure and explore the Jura Mountains. Whether it's for the scenery, the people you meet or the beauty of the surroundings, every moment is an invitation to discovery.

Before you set off
- Check the general and local weather forecast to make sure there is no precipitation.
- Find out about the approach walk, the height of the route, the journey 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 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).

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

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 line, tree climbing, golf, etc.

Part of the course is located in a nature reserve, so please respect the specific regulations for this area.
The course is located in the Haut Jura Natural Park.

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 two regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

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.