Mijoux - Refuge de la Loge

(S) From the centre of Mijoux, follow the GR® (red and white) 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 climbs to the left of the source of the Ondine. The route climbs steeply along a narrow path.

(3) It eventually crosses the forest track again; turn left and continue the climb.

(4) At the next hairpin bend, the path narrows and cuts across the track, rejoining it a little further up.

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

(6) Keep to the right on the GR® towards Grand Montrond. The route soon joins a forest track, passes in front of 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 GR® alongside the chairlift to the Vie de Chaux crossroads.

(9) Turn right towards Grand Montrond, staying on 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 (360° panorama over Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Haut Jura).

(10) Continue towards Colomby de Gex along a undulating route to the highest point of the stage (1,680 m).

(11) The route begins its descent, whilst still featuring a few climbs. The landscape opens up onto vast mountain pastures, always offering beautiful views.

(12) The path descends and joins the Chemin de la Maréchaude; continue to the left.

(13) At the Col de Crozet, continue along the GR® 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)

Before you leave:
- Check the 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, 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 if there are 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.

Part of the route is located in a nature reserve, so please respect the specific regulations for this area.

Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash.
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 and rainy weather
- Sleeping bag or groundsheet
- Sunglasses
- Food and water
- Head torch
- Walking sticks
- Complete first aid kit

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

Monts Jura is a four-season resort offering a wide range of activities, including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, hiking, downhill mountain biking, tobogganing, giant zip-lining, tree climbing, golf, and more.

Always be careful and plan ahead when hiking. Visorando and the author of this guide cannot be held responsible for any accidents or inconveniences that may occur on this route.

The GR® and PR® trail markings are the intellectual property of the French Hiking Federation.