Refuge de la Loge - Lélex

(S) From the Refuge de la Loge, turn right towards Crêt de la Neige on the GR®. A wide forest path quickly leads into the woods, crosses a ski run and joins the Brillonne d’en Haut junction.

(1) Continue the ascent to the left as you enter the valley, skirting a ruin and briefly crossing a wood.

(2) At the next junction, stay on the GR®, go round the water reservoir to the left and climb up to the Combe des Brulats Frésy.

(3) Continue climbing on the GR®; the path winds its way through mountain pines, valleys, fir trees and geological cirques until it reaches the ridge at the ‘Sous le Crêt’ junction.

(4) From here, follow the ridges to the right towards the Crêt de la Neige along a undulating route. The view is magnificent, taking in the Alpine arc, the Lake Geneva basin and Mont Blanc. The path winds its way along refreshing faults and gorges before reaching the highest point of the Jura (1,720 m).

(5) Continue straight on along the GR®; the route descends and then climbs again towards another stunning viewpoint, about a 45-minute walk away.

(6) At the ‘Sur les Brulats’ junction, continue straight on along the GR® and begin the climb to the^{second-highest} peak in the Jura massif: the Reculet (1,718 m).

(7) Take in the views from the Reculet and its majestic cross before turning back for 300 m and starting the return journey to Lélex on the left.

(8) At the Thoiry de Derrière hut, turn right and descend to the edge of the forest, where the 32 Contours trail begins. Be careful, as the slope becomes steep about a kilometre after entering the forest. Reach a road (D991) at Plat des Menues.

(9) Cross the road and take the path opposite, slightly to the left, to reach the Valserine.

(10) Cross the Niaizet bridge on the left and continue along the forest track which gradually leads back to Lélex.

(11) At the Niaizet junction, turn right and continue along the track. The path turns into a road and leads to the first houses of Lélex. Cross the Pont de la Fruitière on the right and head up through the centre of the village to the Vieille Chapelle junction.

(12) Take the road on the right as it climbs to reach the Tourist Office, where this beautiful four-day hike ends (S/E).

Before you go
- Check the weather forecast to make sure there will be 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 relative 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.

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 kg) 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 don't have access to clean water.

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

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 entity whose importance is recognised at national level and which has 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.