In the footsteps of the monks from Chézery-Forens

From Valserhône, take the D991 towards Chézery-Forens. Park near the town hall.

(S/E) From the village centre, with your back to the town hall, turn right onto Route de l'Abbaye and head south. Continue to the first crossroads and the Forens bridge over the Valserine.

(1) Cross the bridge and immediately turn right onto a path above the river (Chemin de la Serve). Pass the houses on your left, staying on the same path. Further up, first turn left then right to reach Noire Combe.

(2) Take the road uphill to the right and then continue straight ahead. Leave the road at the next track at Combet.

(3) Stay on this track towards Fond des Prés. Go around two hairpin bends, then at the third, continue straight ahead. At the next one, descend towards Pont du Diable to find a fork in the road.

(4) Leave the direction of Pont du Diable and climb up to the right towards La Miérette before descending via a winding path. Cross a footbridge and follow the Valserine river to the crossroads at Moulin Thomas.

(5) Continue to the left. Cross the river and follow a wide path to a fork.

(6) Turn left towards Fontaine Bénite and the oratory dedicated to Saint Roland.

(7) Pass between two low stone walls and two houses, then continue straight ahead at the bend in the track. Turn right at the next intersection to reach the D991.

(8) Cross it and follow the path that continues straight up. Continue along this path and follow it to the hamlet of Rosset. Turn right onto Route de Rosset when you reach the hamlet. Stay on the road until you reach the fountain.

(9) Descend to the right to Le Raffour. Continue straight ahead on the path, then at the first fork, turn left onto a track and climb up towards an isolated house. Go around it on the left and cross the meadows to reach Bellaigue.

(10) After the houses, descend to the right on a path leading back to the village of Chezery and continue straight ahead to the town hall. At the crossroads, turn right and continue to the starting point (S/E).

Follow the yellow markings.

Before setting off:

• Check the general and local weather forecast to ensure 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 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.

(5) The Thomas Mill was commissioned during the 18th century. Its millstones ground the grain produced around the hamlets of Noirecombe, Rosset, La Rivière and the many isolated houses scattered across the slopes of the valley. The old footbridge was swept away by exceptional floods in 1910.