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Refuge du Ratou walks
Les hauts sommets du massif du Jura depuis Lélex
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions
This tour offers a varied and challenging route, from the banks of the Valserine to the highest peaks of the Jura, with sublime views of the Alps, Lake Geneva and the Jura mountains.
Starting from Lélex, the path runs alongside the Valserine and its peat bog before beginning the ascent of the Reculet (1,719 m) and the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif at 1,720 m. On the way back down to Lélex, note the remains of old buildings, evidence of the alpine farming tradition of the Jura Mountains.
Lélex - Mijoux
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
From Lélex to Mijoux via the Haute Chaîne: first stage of the two-day hiking tour "On the roof of the Jura mountains".
From the wild Valserine valley to the balcony of Lake Geneva, this route immerses you in the authenticity of the Haut-Jura. As you cross the Hautes Combes, you will be struck by the raw beauty of the wide open spaces, the silence of the deep forests and the open horizon of the plateaus. The trail climbs gradually, revealing exceptional panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine range. A life-size immersion in a land of traditions and high-altitude landscapes.Please note – Protected areaPart of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead.Camping in tents is prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
On the roof of the Jura Mountains from Lélex
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
From the wild Valserine valley to the balcony of Lake Geneva, this route immerses you in the authenticity of the Haut-Jura. As you cross the Hautes Combes, you will be struck by the raw beauty of the wide open spaces, the silence of the deep forests and the open horizon of the plateaus. The trail climbs gradually, revealing exceptional panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine range. A life-size immersion in a land of traditions and high-altitude landscapes.Please note – Protected areaPart of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead.Camping in tents is prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
Lélex - Menthières
Accessible from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
Fourth stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. The route climbs gradually towards the Plateau de Retord, with a view of the remaining path and, in good weather, a panorama of the Alps. The stage then crosses Giron (1,000 m), the highest commune in the Ain, 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.
GR® de Pays - Grand Tour de la Valserine
Accessible from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
This hike quickly leaves the town behind and gradually climbs to the Retord Plateau. You will have a beautiful view of the path ahead and, if you are lucky, a panoramic view of the Alps. Then head to the other side of the Jura mountains via Giron 1000, the highest commune in the Ain department. The Monts Jura resort in the village of Lélex will welcome you and help you prepare to climb the highest peaks of the Jura! Finish in style with a visit to the Pertes de la Valserine.
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 leash, and camping in tents is also prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
The little circular loop of the Valserine
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
From Lélex, set off to conquer the highest peak in the Jura: the Crêt de la Neige, at an altitude of 1,720 metres. Following the Balcon du Léman trail, you will enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramas in Europe, with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine range. Finally, you will reach Crêt de Chalam, at an altitude of 1,545 metres. This iconic summit offers a last breath of freedom, nature and wild beauty before concluding this unforgettable circular route.
Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations: dogs are not permitted, even on a lead, and camping in tents is also prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
Lélex - Chézery-Forens
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
First stage of the "La petite boucle de la Valserine" circular hiking trail, from Lélex to Chézery-Forens.
From Lélex, climb up to Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m), the highest point in the Jura, with an exceptional panorama of Mont Blanc and the Alps. The stage ends at Crêt de Chalam (1,545 m).
Protected area: dogs and tent camping are prohibited in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.
From Crêts en Combes to Lélex
Accessible from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.
The official route of the hike called "De Crêts en Combes depuis Lélex" (From Crests to Valleys from Lélex).
This route is part of the official GTJ (Grande Traversée du Jura) itineraries.
This large circular route offers an immersion in the iconic landscapes of the Haut-Jura: crossing the Hautes-Combes, the Valserine valley and the Haute Chaîne ridges. The route alternates between views of the Jura mountains, Lake Geneva and the Alps, in the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park.
Protected area: part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this exceptional environment.
Lélex - Mijoux
Open from 1 April to 30 November - subject to snow conditions
First stage of the 3-day, 2-night Crêts en Combes hiking tour.Starting from Lélex, this circular route combines the main GTJ route with the suggested alternative via Mijoux and the Col de la Faucille.The crossing of the Hautes-Combes jurassiennes, the Valserine valley and the peaks of the Haute Chaine du Jura promise breathtaking landscapes. On one side, the view overlooks the ridges, on the other, it overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and partly in the Haute-Chaîne Nature Reserve, this hike takes place in a preserved natural area.