Valleiry walks

Set in the heart of the Geneva countryside, this lovely circular walk allows you to discover the region’s agricultural traditions, as you make your way through the fields and crops of the plain. You’ll also pass through the magnificent Bois aux Reynauds and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains!

This signposted route, suitable for both walking and horse riding, invites you to explore the Grands Bois, a forest on the Geneva plain situated in the municipalities of Valleiry and Viry, along the French-Swiss border.

Spanning four local authorities, this long circular walk allows you to explore the Pays du Vuache, a region rich in rural and natural heritage that remains well preserved. After passing through the Bois du Mont (Chênex) and enjoying its cool shade, you’ll reach the Longues Reisses plateau, where the panoramic view stretches from the Haute-Chaîne du Jura to the Alps (orientation board). Continue your walk along the botanical trail and head towards the village of Epagny. Walk along the edge of the Vuache Massif at the end of the walk.

On this long circular walk linking Vulbens to Valleiry, come and discover the Geneva plain, surrounded by the Vuache and Salève massifs and the Haute-Chaîne du Jura. Then, along the Vosogne – a small tributary of the Rhône – enjoy the forest paths that run alongside the Franco-Swiss border, once used by customs officers. Historical heritage (notably border markers) and interpretative displays punctuate your walk.

A family walk in the Chancy woods (Geneva, Switzerland) leading to the banks of the Rhône. There are some lovely surprises to discover along the way, such as a suspension bridge, views of the Jura and Vuache mountains, and streams. The perfect hike for hot summer days!

A long journey through the Jura mountain range. Between the Défilé de l’Écluse and the medieval village of Chaumont, Mont Vuache offers a striking contrast, from its eastern forest to its western cliffs!

Starting from Chevrier, I suggest you walk the entire length of the Vuache, through a largely wooded landscape, dotted with some lovely viewpoints. The return route follows the foot of the mountain on the eastern side, offering beautiful panoramic views. The main challenge is the distance to be covered.

Created as part of a project to explore cross-border heritage along the paths of the Geneva basin, this circular walk takes you from Malagny (Viry / France) to Avusy and Sézegnin (Switzerland). As you pass through the three villages, you’ll be able to enjoy a well-preserved built heritage, including Champlong Castle, Avusy Church, the fountains of Sézegnin and the bridges over the River Laire. You’ll also appreciate the diversity of the natural environments you’ll encounter, including the woods of Humilly, the remarkable protected biotope of the Teppes de la Repentance, the banks of the River Laire and the vineyards of the Geneva Champagne region.

Straddling the municipalities of Vers and Viry, this charming little circular walk takes you along the ancient paths of the Pays du Vuache. During this walk, you can choose to make a round trip to the Notre-Dame des Voyageurs Chapel. From the top of this oratory, a stunning panoramic view of the Geneva plain, surrounded by the Jura and Salève mountain ranges, awaits you. A picnic area is available for your use.

A lovely circular walk through the agricultural plain of Viry, taking you on a journey of discovery through the history of the commune and its former parishes. Ten information panels mark the route.

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

Open from mid-June to mid-October, during the Fort's opening hours. A trail combining history and nature, starting within the fort itself. The final ascent rewards walkers with an exceptional panorama before descending back to the fort. Starting from Fort l'Écluse when it is open (from June to September), the path enters the forest before reaching the banks of the Rhône. It winds its way between stone steps, medieval ruins and wooded passages to the heights of Léaz, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Rhône valley. The route then continues to the heights of the Upper Fort, offering a panoramic view of the Rhône gorge, the Vuache and the Étournel. The descent to the Lower Fort concludes this circular route rich in history and emotion.

Featuring 16 information panels, this route introduces you to the region’s flora, fauna, geology and history.

The aim of the route is to reach the Crêt de la Goutte via the Crête du Fort l'Écluse. The main difficulty will be encountered during the ascent; the slope is quite steep up to the red and white high-voltage pylon, and at times you will need to use your hands (avoid this when descending and on wet ground). From Chalet Bizot, the route is straightforward.

A lovely circular route, skirting the headwaters of the Parnant (a small tributary of the Rhône) and offering varied routes through farmland, woodland or across an ancient glacial moraine where the views are stunning. Moderator’s note -problem in (2), see reviews 02/08/2022

This circular walk, which winds its way along the foot of the Vuache, will introduce you to the natural (Rocher Bataillard, sharp limestone pavement, cliffs) and historical heritage of the area around Chaumont. Don’t forget to make a round trip to the ruins of Chaumont Castle and enjoy the panoramic view.

This moderate-difficulty circular walk takes you across the Plateau des Daines. During the walk, you’ll discover the Frangy vineyards with their iconic grape variety: the Roussette.

An easy walk with magnificent views of the Retord, Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc and the mountains around Lake Annecy.

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.

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.

A circular with limited elevation gain, winding through mountain pastures, allowing you to visit three of the ridges that form the Grand Crêt d'Eau (including the highest point) and enjoy breathtaking views of the Genevois and the Alps.

Circular walk starting from Les Usses, at the hamlet of Chez les Gay. Climb via Le Muralet, passing by Marlioz Castle, the forest and its chapel, then on to Le Sion. Arrival at Pierre 33, descent to Minzier, and return via the Route de la Forêt and the Chemin du Muralet. A fairly easy walk, even though the climbs are quite steep; the paths are passable, although sometimes muddy.

A lovely walk through the countryside around Saint-Julien and Geneva, straddling the border between Switzerland and France.Lovely views of the Salève, the Jura, the Vuache and the very pretty surrounding countryside.Ideal on fine winter’s days as it’s at a low altitude.The fact that it’s classified as a medium-difficulty walk is mainly down to the length of the route (around 13 km); apart from that, the walk is easy going, even with teenagers.

Route taking the most direct path to the orientation table at the highest point in the southern Jura, offering a 360-degree view stretching from Lake Geneva to Lake Bourget. The route starts from a small tarmac road leading to the Pré Bouillet refuge.

Walk on the Grand Crêt d'Eau at the far end of the Jura. The route starts at the top of Farges, passes via the Crêts du Miroir, du Milieu and de la Goutte, then descends to Menthières where you can stop for a bite to eat or a drink at the Bistrot de La Gentiane. We then head back up via Le Vélu and Le Pelaz. Beautiful alpine landscapes and views over the Pays de Gex, the Genevois, the Valserine Valley and Menthières

This circular route, just a few kilometres from the city, immerses you in nature in a surprising way, allowing you to discover two rivers in the Canton of Geneva, then the vineyards of Dardagny. It can be done in either direction.

A walk that varies between forest paths, following streams and crossing vineyards, and the old village of Dardagny.Can also be done by mountain bike (except for one section - from point (7): bypass via Essertines).

Circular loop for trail running training, offering beautiful scenery and varied terrain.

A family hike offering views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Pays de Gex

Explore a former circular bend in the Rhône which has become a nature reserve since the river was straightened in 1938.

Open from1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. The section between La Poutouille and Lancrans is the third stage of the six-day walking tour, “The GTJ from Mijoux”. The GR®9 enters the Ain department via Mijoux, before following the spectacular ridges of the Monts-Jura, passing through the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crosses the Retord plateau, and then crosses the Grand Colombier. The trail continues its route to Culoz and the Rhône Valley, before leaving the Ain to reach Savoie and continuing southwards. Part of the route passes through 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.

Open from 1 April to 30 November ( subject to there being no snow) Third stage of the Grande Traversée du Jura walking route: from La Borne au Lion to Culoz, in 6 days. The GTJ links Mandeure (Doubs) to Culoz (Ain) in 15 to 20 days, crossing the Jura Mountains and the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park. The route proposed here corresponds to the second half of the itinerary. The route winds through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected area to be explored with respect. Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs arenot permitted, even on a lead, and camping in tents is prohibited Please respect these rules to preserve this exceptional environment.

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.

Open from 1 December to 30 March. From the small resort of Menthières, head towards an alpine chalet, where you can admire panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Alps, the Lake Geneva basin and the Hautes-Combes du Jura.The trail is marked in purple for snowshoeing and marked for hiking all year round.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. The fifth and final stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. The stage begins in the forest before reaching the mountain pastures and the Pierre à Fromage. The Crêt de la Goutte (1,621 m) offers a breathtaking panorama of the Alps, Mont Blanc and the three great lakes — Lake Geneva, Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget. The descent crosses the nature reserve between the Crêt du Miroir and Crêt du Milieu to Sorgia-d’en-Haut, then the path heads into the forest before following the banks of the Valserine to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine. Protected area: dogs and tent camping are prohibited in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. If the Valserine riverside path is closed, follow the diversion via the Voie du Tram to reach the centre of Bellegarde.

A circular route on the Grand Crêt d'Eau massif at an altitude of 1,600 metres, passing through pine forests and crossing a large hilly plateau with views of the Mont Blanc massif, among other things. Moderator's warning: route presents a risk of avalanches.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. The Menthières mountain pastures and the landscapes around the Sac chalet offer wide open spaces for a getaway in the heart of the Jura Mountains. Between forest and mountain pastures, this varied route, open from April to November, offers superb panoramic views. The trail starts from the car park opposite the Rendu chairlift, runs alongside the tree-top adventure park and then climbs towards the Col de Menthières. It passes by iconic landmarks that serve as reference points for hikers: the "Grange Velue" and the "Chalet du Sac", which offer panoramic views of Valserhône, the Retord plateau and the Alps. Dogs, even on a lead, are not allowed in this area, which is part of a nature reserve.

Walk starting from the Chosal farm, including the Land Art trail and its twenty or so installations in the heart of nature.

A forest walk well suited to hot weather. Wildlife quiet zone. The undergrowth is very pleasant. Quite lush vegetation. The path is well marked. However, there are few views of the valley

Here is a double circular route that stays at low altitude, making it suitable for all seasons. It first takes you on a Land Art route at the Ferme de Chosal, then follows the right bank of the Usses upstream to the Ponts de la Caille, passing by the former thermal spa site of the Bains de la Caille, before returning along the wooded left bank.