Thoiry walks

Hike accessible from 1 April to 30 November. Set off on a challenging and scenic loop through the peaks of Reculet and Crêt de la Neige, the highest in the Jura mountains. This demanding circuit offers a wide variety of landscapes: Jura forests, open ridges and vast mountain pastures. From the heights, enjoy a 360° panorama of Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva, Geneva and the Valserine Valley.The route crosses the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: dogs are not allowed, even on a leash. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment.

This is a very popular hike to the Croix du Reculet, the second highest peak in the Jura, offering superb views of Geneva, Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc and the entire Alps in good weather. For geocachers, there are a few caches along the hike.

This challenging trail takes you to the highest point of the Jura mountains! It combines woodland, open ridges and superb views of the Lake Geneva basin and Mont Blanc. A beautiful immersion in varied environments, between light and shade. In summer, the Fierney cable car (open on certain days) provides easy access to the route without detracting from the richness of the landscape. The route runs through the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and crosses part of the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this environment (see the practical information section).

Open from 1 April to 30 November, depending on snow conditions.Set out to conquer the highest peak in the Jura mountains on a varied hike through forests, open ridges and superb panoramic views of the Lake Geneva basin and, on clear days, Mont Blanc. The route alternates between shade and light, offering a beautiful immersion in the Haute Chaîne du Jura.In summer, on certain days, the Fierney cable car provides easy access to the route while preserving the essence of the landscape.The route crosses the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and part of the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, a protected area: please respect the regulations.Dogs are not permitted, even on a leash.For information on the rules in force, see the link in the practical information section.

A perfect forest walk for families, combining discovery, observation and learning about nature. A special moment to share, filled with curiosity, relaxation and wonder in the heart of the woods. This 2.5 km circular themed trail (106 m elevation gain) crosses the forest alongside downhill mountain bike trails — watch out for cyclists! Easy and enjoyable, it is dotted with information panels about the Eurasian lynx, making for an informative and fun outing for the whole family.

Hike open all year round. Set off on a family walk through vineyards and woodland, crossing the border. An ideal getaway for young and old alike, combining nature, relaxation and enchanting landscapes. Discover a family hike that takes you from Challex to Dardagny, along charming paths lined with vineyards. Walk through sun-drenched vineyards and let yourself be charmed by the tranquillity of the landscape. The route offers views of the Rhône and the Jura Mountains. At each stage, between the undergrowth and open fields, nature reveals itself in all its splendour, whatever the season!A charming getaway that combines wine discoveries and wide open spaces.

Put on your snowshoes and set off to explore the famous Crêt de la Neige, the highest point in the Jura mountains, offering spectacular scenery! The route is marked with purple posts for snowshoeing and is signposted for hiking all year round. This route can be accessed by taking the Catheline cable car.

The second stage of the hiking tour: from Mijoux to Chézery-Forens via the Haute Chaîne du Jura. Set off on a crossing of the Haut-Jura between Mijoux and Chézery-Forens, through varied landscapes of valleys, peaks and forests. Over three days, you will travel along the Jura ridges, passing by the Grand Mont Rond, the Crêt de la Neige and the Reculet, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc, the Alps and Lake Geneva. This crossing takes you to the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura, for an authentic experience in the heart of nature. As you will be self-sufficient in terms of food, remember to bring your own supplies so that you can enjoy this adventure to the full.

The third stage of the hiking tour: from Mijoux to Chézery-Forens via the Haute Chaîne du Jura. Set off on a crossing of the Haut-Jura between Mijoux and Chézery-Forens, through varied landscapes of valleys, peaks and forests. Over three days, you will travel along the Jura ridges, passing by the Grand Mont Rond, the Crêt de la Neige and the Reculet, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. This crossing immerses you in the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura, for an authentic experience in the great outdoors. As you will need to carry your own food, remember to plan your supplies so that you can fully enjoy this adventure.

The Crêt de la Neige, the highest point in the Jura at 1,720 metres, offers an exceptional view of Lake Geneva and the Alps, with Mont Blanc as a bonus.

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.

From Lélex to Mijoux via the Haute Chaîne: the first stage of the two-day "On the roof of the Jura mountains" hike. 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.Good to know – Protected areaPart 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.Camping in tents is prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

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 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, this hike takes place in a preserved natural area.

A less frequented and less direct approach to the highest point in the Jura than the traditional routes. Once you reach the ridge, you'll find yourself back among people, and the descent offers several options depending on the ski slopes.

Ce tour propose un parcours varié, et exigeant, depuis les rives de la Valserine jusqu’aux plus hauts sommets du Jura. Un sublime panorama s’étend sur les Alpes, le Léman et les montagnes jurassiennes, s’offrant aux randonneurs dans un cadre préservé. Praticable d'avril à novembre, le chemin débute depuis le village de Lélex et part en direction du Pont de la Fruitière et du Niaizet. Il se poursuit en longeant la Valserine en fond de vallée et passe par sa tourbière. Une flore remarquable y pousse aux beaux jours. , avant d'entamer l'ascension des Monts Jura et du Reculet (1719m). Une croix de 1600 kg y fut hissée en 1892 par quatre habitants de Thoiry. Le sentier se poursuit jusqu'au Crêt de la Neige, point culminant du massif, à 1720 m. Avant de redescendre dans le village de Lélex, remarquez aux abords du sentier les vestiges d'anciennes constructions, qui témoignent de l'activité humaine dans les Monts Jura et de sa tradition alpagiste.

This route, overlooking the upper Jura mountain range, is accessible to all hikers and offers panoramic views of the Valserine valley, including Lélex, and the upper Jura mountain range.

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.

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

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.

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

Hike accessible from 17 April to 30 November. Set off on a hike to Colomby de Gex (1,682 metres above sea level), with superb views of Mont Blanc and the Geneva basin. This circuit, emblematic of the Grande Marche Populaire de Gex, follows the ridges of the Haute Chaîne before descending into the forest along the Journans. The route passes through varied landscapes: mountain pastures, deciduous and coniferous forests. It runs through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and, in part, the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, a protected area that must be treated with respect. Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment.

Hike accessible from 16 May to 30 November. Set off from Gex on a loop to the Col de Branveau, passing through the Platières mountain pastures. Formerly part of the Petite Marche Populaire de Gex, this varied circuit offers beautiful views of the Haute Chaîne du Jura and the Alps. It passes through forests of deciduous and coniferous trees before a refreshing descent along the Journans. An accessible and enjoyable hike between ridges, mountain pastures and undergrowth.Part of the route is located in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: dogs are not permitted, even on a lead. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment.