Perte de la Valserine walks

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. First stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. Starting from Bellegarde station, the route runs past Mussel Castle and the hamlet of Ochiaz before climbing up to the Retord plateau. After a 1½-hour climb through the forest, a splendid panorama of the Jura and the Alps awaits you. The stage ends at La Charnay, with the option of staying overnight at the Ferme de Retord or continuing on to the Conay mountain hut.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. Fifth and final stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. The route climbs gradually towards the Plateau de Retord, offering a glimpse of the path already covered and, in good weather, a panoramic view of the Alps. The stage crosses Giron (1,000 m), the highest commune in the Ain department, before reaching Lélex and ending at the Pertes de la Valserine. Protected area: dogs and tent camping are prohibited in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. Second stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. Starting from the town. Starting from the Retord farm, the route crosses the open and wooded landscapes of the plateau before beginning the descent towards Lalleyriat, with a viewpoint overlooking the Autoroute des Titans. In Saint-Germain-de-Joux, a detour is a must to discover the impressive Giant’s Potholes carved out by the Semine. The stage ends on the northern slope, in Giron.

Open from1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. Second stage of the “La petite boucle de la Valserine” circular walking route, from Chézery to Lélex. This stage, starting from Chézery, will take you through a beautiful variety of landscapes, including wild rivers, lush forests, panoramic viewpoints and Jura valleys. Make the most of this stage to take in the stunning views.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. The third stage of the hiking tour: from Mijoux to Chézery-Forens via the Haute Chaîne du Jura. Set off on a crossing of the Haut-Jura between Mijoux and Chézery-Forens, through varied landscapes of valleys, peaks and forests. Over three days, you will walk along the Jura ridges, passing by the Grand Mont Rond, the Crêt de la Neige and the Reculet, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. This crossing takes you to the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura, for an authentic experience in the heart of nature. As you will need to carry your own food, remember to bring supplies so you can enjoy this adventure to the full.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. Third stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. From the Roche Fauconnière viewpoint and its panoramic view of the Cirque d’Orvaz, the trail leads to the Lion marker — a historic marker of the Franco-Comtois border in the 17th century and a key site of the Resistance. It is here that the GR® de Pays crosses the Grande Traversée du Jura and the GR® 5, before a long, gentle descent towards Lélex, a ski resort nestled in the Valserine valley.