Refine your search for walks in Saint-Germain-de-Joux
Semine Valley

A refreshing short hike with multiple panoramic views.
Tour of the viewpoints in Giron

In a typical Jura setting, this loop offers exceptional panoramic views, such as the Roche Fauconnière.
The Cirque des Avalanches

After leaving the village of Champfromier and all its amenities, walk through pastures and forest paths. The highlight of this circular: the magnificent panorama from Les Avalanches over the Jura mountains.
Crêt de la Goutte via Le Sac and Varambon

Tour of the chalets of the Col du Sac and Varambon via the Crêtes du Sorgia - 360° view at the Crêt de la Goutte with orientation table to discover the Monts d'Ain, Lake Geneva and its water jet, the start of the Jura mountain range, the Swiss and French Alps including the Matterhorn in good weather and the majestic Mont Blanc.
The Landéron leat

Hike with panoramic views of Lake Nantua and the cliffs in the first part, then descend along the Landéron, which you will cross twice.
Col de Menthières, La Pelaz et le Chalet du Sac

Les alpages de Menthières et les paysages du chalet du Sac offrent de grands espaces pour une évasion au cœur des Monts Jura.
Entre forêt et alpages, ce parcours varié ouvert d'avril à novembre, s'ouvre sur de superbes panoramas. Le sentier débute depuis le parking face au télésiège du Rendu, longe le parc accrobranche avant de monter vers le Col de Menthières. Il passe par des lieux emblématiques servant de repères pour les randonneurs : la "Grange Velue" et le "Chalet du Sac", qui offrent des vues panoramiques sur Valserhône, le plateau de Retord et les Alpes. Les chiens, même tenus en laisse, sont interdits dans cet espace situé en Réserve Naturelle.
The Gorges and Pertes de la Valserine

A pleasant walk along the Valserine Gorges, from Les Pertes to Bellegarde. Very popular in hot weather as much of the route is in the woods and always close to the river.
Please note that a municipal by-law dated 11 April 2024 prohibits continuing the hike beyond point 5 along the banks of the Valsorine (footbridges closed)
Crêt de Chalam from Chézery-Forens

The aim of this hike is to reach Crêt de Chalam (1,545 m) from Chézery-Forens, covering a circular route of approximately 14 km. Although the path to the summit is a little steep, the return journey is gentler but longer.
The Étrès waterfall from Forens

Here is an accessible and enjoyable walk, perfect for enjoying summer days in the shade of trees, to the rhythm of a refreshing stream. The trail passes through peaceful, green surroundings and leads you to the Cascade de l'Etrès waterfall, nestled discreetly in the landscape. A well-deserved refreshing break. A simple and rejuvenating outing in nature to share with your family.
Lac Genin from Oyonnax

The aim of this hike is to take you to Lac Genin from the centre of Oyonnax. The route is mainly a loop. Once you arrive at the lake, you are free to spend as much time there as you like.
Boucle d'Oyonnax à la Prairie d'Échallon

Il est proposé un parcours en boucle un peu sportif, dont la finalité est de rejoindre à partir d'Oyonnax la Prairie d'Echallon, puis de revenir via le Lac Sous les Mousses (et à proximité du lac de Viry) puis le Mont de la Chaux et la Pointe de Biez.
Crêt de Chalam via Montagne des Moines

Here is a circular route to reach Crêt de Chalam from Chézery-Forens: the outward journey follows a little-known route via Montagne des Moines (you won't meet many people). The return journey follows the "classic" route.
Overview of Nantua

A panoramic walk overlooking the town of Nantua and its famous lake, in an exceptional environment that alternates between countryside and coniferous forest. The mountainous route retains a good sporting aspect.
Les Pertes de la Valserine and much more
This is a long hike that allows you to visit and admire not only the Pertes de la Valserine area, but also to walk along the banks of this river, which has profoundly shaped the landscape over the centuries and enabled industrial activity in the 19th century.
Roche d'Au-Delà

A beautiful, moderately difficult hike with panoramic views overlooking Lake Nantua and the Autoroute des Titans.
At the summit, weather permitting, you can see Mont Blanc.
Chemin des Fècles and Belvédère de la Colonne

Hike on the heights overlooking Lake Nantua with beautiful views of the lake.
The areas sheltered under the trees provide respite from the summer sun.
The hike can be rounded off with a refreshing dip in the lake.
Some sections are a little technical.
The Jura Mountains via Le Gralet and Menthières from Chézery-Forens

Starting from Chézery-Forens, I propose a lovely route to the Monts Jura between Le Gralet and Menthières. On the whole, it's a relatively easy route in a wooded environment punctuated by a few open spots offering some fine views.
The water ridges

Plateau of the Jura mountain range, overlooking the valleys of Bellegarde sur Valserine and Fort l'écluse. The highest point of the Crêt de la Goutte offers a 360° panorama of the Jura Natural Park and Lake Geneva on the Geneva side, with a horizon dominated by the Alps, including Mont Blanc.
Le Reculet via Le Rosset, Le Gralet, and the Grotte de la Marie du Jura

Here is a second circular route to reach the Reculet (the first route can be seen here). You will be able to enjoy numerous views of the Valserine Valley and Lake Geneva (including Geneva and Mont Blanc). I can only say one thing: the landscapes are truly magnificent.
Fort l'écluse loop via the Belvédère de Léaz

Fort l'Ecluse, a fortified military structure dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Léaz viewpoint.
Panoramic view of the Rhône valley.
The Crêt de Chalam

Short hike with magnificent views of Reculet, Crêt de la Neige and Mont Blanc (in clear weather).
Moderator's addition on 07/08/2021: Since this hike was created, the trail for the return seems to have deteriorated and some hikers have preferred to do the round trip. See reviews
Cuchet viewpoint

This moderately difficult hike will allow you to discover unspoilt nature and a unique panorama from the Cuchet viewpoint.
In autumn, the colours are sublime...
The Couloirs circuit starting from Les Bouchoux

A short hike from the village of Les Bouchoux, which allows you to gain some height to see the surrounding area and take a short detour to a superb waterfall.
Crêt de Chalam from La Pesse

A beautiful winter snowshoe hike.
Once you reach the summit, which looks a bit like a sugar loaf (1,545 m), you will discover a 360° panorama (the Haut Jura mountain range and, of course, Mont Blanc in good weather).
Please note that depending on snow conditions, there may be a risk of avalanches at the Crêt de Chalam.
A walk on the Retord plateau

A gentle walk on the Retord plateau.
The Crêt du Nu / Retord Plateau

An easy loop along Retord Plateau taking you past the "Gouffre de la Bauche" sinkhole and the "Crêt du Nu" viewpoint.
Les Moussières - Lélex

The third and final stage of the 3-day, 2-night Crêts en combes hiking tour.
Starting from Lélex, this loop route combines the main GTJ route with the alternative route via Mijoux and the Col de la Faucille.
The crossing of the Hautes-Combes jurassiennes, the Valserine valley and the ridges 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, the hike takes place in a preserved natural area.
The trail is marked with GR® (red and white) signs