Refuge de la Loge - La Poutouille

(S) From the Loge refuge, follow the GR® (red and white) towards Crêt de la Neige. A wide, ascending path quickly enters the forest, crosses the ‘Les Asters’ red-marked downhill ski run and reaches the Brillonne d’en Haut junction.

(1) The path climbs to the left into a pretty valley, runs past a ruin on the right, briefly dives back into the forest and then emerges into the Combe des Voyettes. It goes round the water reservoir before a fairly steep climb up to Les Brûlats.

(2) The route heads right, follows the contour line, climbs along a small cirque and reaches a first viewpoint, “Sous le Crêt” (1,683 m).

(3) Keep to the right on the GR®. The path becomes undulating and winding, dotted with sharp limestone pavements and exposed boulders. Magnificent canyons lined with mountain pines come into view before reaching the highest point of the stage: the Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m).

(4) Continue to the “Sur les Brûlats” junction.

(5) Continue straight on the GR®; the path descends into the hollow of a valley near the ruins of an old mountain village, then climbs back up the ridge to the second highest peak of the stage: the Reculet (1,718 m).

(6) Turn right to the other side; the path becomes a dirt track and skirts a vast cirque where the Narderans arches are visible in the distance. The ridge narrows and runs alongside the magnificent Roche Franche to the Grotte de la Marie du Jura (caution: the passage to the other side is neither signposted nor secured; you must stay on the official path.)

(7) At the “Sur la Chaz” crossroads, continue straight ahead and descend to the Polvette mountain pasture. Follow the ridge then head down into the forest along a steep section before coming to a pretty valley: this is the Passage du Gralet. Reach the Gralet refuge.

(8) Go round the refuge and stay on the GR® trail, which heads into the forest and follows the ridge through dense, lush greenery. The undulating terrain makes for easy going before you emerge into the Poutouille valley, where you’ll find the refuge of the same name (E).

Part of the route is within a Nature Reserve; 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 trek. Bring a suitable rucksack (around 10 kg) and don’t forget the essentials:
- Technical clothing for cold and wet weather
- Sleeping bag or sleeping mat
- Sunglasses
- Food and water
- Head torch
- Walking poles
- Fully stocked first-aid kit

Water is essential. Find out about water supply points along your route and take purification tablets with you in case you don’t have access to drinking water.

Before you set off
- Check the weather forecast to ensure there is no rain.
- Find out about the approach walk, the altitude of the route, the walking time and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.).
- Assess potential risks by consulting mountain professionals, mountain huts 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 phone number, vehicle(s), car park.
- Avoid setting off alone; use equipment suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, including a head torch, a fully stocked first-aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
- In the event of an emergency, call 112(the European emergency number).

Information websites: Les Grandes Traversées du Jura, Pays de Gex Monts Jura Tourist Office.

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-top adventure course, golf, etc.

A Regional Nature Park is, above all, a remarkable natural and scenic area whose significance is recognised at national level, embodying a strong cultural identity. This is certainly the case for the Jura mountains. The Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park brings together 109 municipalities and 10 communities of municipalities. It spans the departments of Doubs, Jura and Ain, across the two regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.