Refuge de la Loge - Lélex

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

From the Refuge de la Loge to Mijoux via the Haute Chaîne: second stage of the three-day "Le balcon du Léman"hiking tour.

An exceptional route through the highest peaks of the Jura mountains and the wild landscapes of the Haut-Jura plateau, with spectacular panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from the highest peaks of the Jura mountain range. These wild spaces full of surprises and wonders will make this multi-day hike unforgettable.

Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:
Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead, and camping in tents is also prohibited.
Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: The Balcon du Léman from Lélex

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.94 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 413 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 950 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,717 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 844 m

Description of the walk

(S) From the Refuge de la Loge, facing the refuge, turn left onto the GR® for 500 metres until you reach Brillonne d'en haut.

(1) Turn left.

(2) At the intersection, leave the GR® and take the path on the right to Les Brulats Frésy, then rejoin the GR®.

(3) Follow it to the right and stay on the right, still on the GR®.

(4) On the ridges, below the crest, turn right and stay on the right along the ridges until you reach Crêt de la Neige. The highest point in the Jura (1,720 metres), Crêt de la Neige rewards hikers with an exceptional panorama of the Alps.

(5) Continue on the GR®, going straight ahead, for another marvel, further on, a 45-minute walk away.

(6) At the "Sur les Brulats" intersection, continue straight ahead on the GR® to the place called "Sur Thoiry".

(7) Continue straight ahead and follow the GR®.

(8) At the crossroads, continue straight ahead for 300 metres, following the Reculet (altitude 1718).The Reculet is thesecondhighest peak in the Jura mountains, after the Crêt de la Neige.

(9) Equally beautiful, after admiring the view, turn back for 300 metres.

(8) Turn left onto the Sentier des Trente-Deux Contours, which takes you down from the ridges.

(10) At the crossroads, continue straight ahead to descend.

(11) Cross the road towards Plat des Menues and take the path that descends opposite, slightly to the left, along the edge of the Valserine.

(12) After a steep descent, cross the Niaizet bridge on the left and continue straight ahead.

(13) At the crossroads, turn right to follow the Valserine river for a peaceful return to Lélex. At the end of the track, continue to the right and cross the Pont de la Fruitière bridge. Go to the end of the road. Turn left and you will reach a crossroads.

(14) Take the road on the left, then the one on the right, which goes uphill, to reach the Tourist Office. The hike ends in Lélex, where a well-deserved snack awaits you (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 1,433 m - Refuge de la Loge
  2. 1 : km 0.43 - alt. 1,458 m - Brillonne from above
  3. 2 : km 0.86 - alt. 1,481 m - Combe des Voyettes
  4. 3 : km 1.69 - alt. 1,614 m - Les Brulats Frésy
  5. 4 : km 2.18 - alt. 1,682 m - Sous le Crêt
  6. 5 : km 3.45 - alt. 1,712 m - The Crêt de la Neige - Crêt de la Neige
  7. 6 : km 4.03 - alt. 1,675 m - On the Brulats
  8. 7 : km 4.79 - alt. 1,654 m - About Thoiry
  9. 8 : km 5.09 - alt. 1,646 m - Crossroads of the 32 contours trail
  10. 9 : km 5.36 - alt. 1,717 m - Le Reculet - Le Reculet
  11. 10 : km 6.07 - alt. 1,558 m - Crossroads after Thoiry Derrière
  12. 11 : km 8.76 - alt. 876 m - Plats des Menues - Valserine (rivière)
  13. 12 : km 9.38 - alt. 850 m - The Niaizet Bridge - Valserine (rivière)
  14. 13 : km 9.75 - alt. 856 m - Le Niaizet - Valserine (rivière)
  15. 14 : km 12.48 - alt. 887 m - Crossroads towards the mayor of Lélex
  16. E : km 12.94 - alt. 900 m - Lélex

Notes

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 in case of any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person's phone 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 about water sources along your route and bring purification tablets in case you do not have access to clean water.

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

Worth a visit

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-top adventure courses, golf, and more.

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

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.