Valserhône - La Ferme du Retord

(S) From the station, head towards the roundabout at the end of Rue Lafayette.

(1) Take the second exit and follow Rue de l'Industrie for 250 metres.

(2) Turn right onto Rue du Ponthou and continue to Rue de l'Avenir.

(3) Turn right onto Rue de la Grimpette, which certainly lives up to its name.

(4) Continue straight on along Rue du Lotissement for 60 metres, then turn right onto Route d'Ochiaz.

(5) At the car park, known as ‘En Châtenay’, continue straight on along the GRP® path to the entrance to the village of Ochiaz via Route de Mussel, and continue the climb.

(6) Turn left onto the D991 for a few metres, then immediately turn right onto Rue du Four Banal.

(7) Cross the Route du Retord and climb towards Saint-Étienne Church, then follow the road to the right for 100 metres.

(8) Leave the road and take the GR® path which climbs to the right towards Catray. The ascent is short; cross a forest track before reaching Catray d’en Bas.

(9) Go round the ruins and continue along the GR® to the Catray orientation point. There is a beautiful view over the Bellegarde basin, the Sorgia and the Alpine arc with Mont Blanc.

(10) At Catray, turn left and continue straight on the GR® for 2.5 km, passing the paragliding launch site. The path gradually slopes to the right and reaches the more undulating parts of the Retord plateau. Join the Pra de Devant forest track.

(11) Turn left onto it and follow it straight on for 2 km.

(12) At La Charnay, turn right towards the Ferme du Retord. Over 1.5 km, the track passes through a wooded area and gradually descends to the farm (E), where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest in the heart of this refreshing journey.

Packing the right gear
Good equipment is the key to a successful multi-day hike. Make sure you have a suitable rucksack (around 10 kilos) and don’t forget the essentials:
- Technical clothing for cold and wet weather
- Sleeping bag or sleeping mat
- Sunglasses
- Food and water
- Head torch
- Walking poles
- Fully stocked first-aid kit

Water is essential. Find out about water supply points along your route and take water purification tablets with you in case you don’t have access to drinking water.

Before you set off
- Check the weather forecast to ensure there is no rain.
- Find out about the approach walk, the altitude of the route, the walking time and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.).
- Assess potential risks by consulting mountain professionals, mountain huts and lodges.
- Inform a friend or family member of your plans and contact them again if there are any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person’s phone number, vehicle(s), car park.
- Avoid setting off alone; use equipment suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, including a head torch, a fully stocked first-aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
- In the event of a problem, call 112(European emergency number).

Additional tips and recommendations
To find out more about our destination, visit our website: Pays de Gex Tourisme. Terre Valserhône Tourisme

A topographical map is available for purchase: https://reservation.terrevalserine.fr/topo-carte-des-rives-de-la-valserine-aux-sommets-du-jura.html

The Retord Chapel is located in the hamlet of Vézeronce on the Retord plateau in the Ain department.

The surrounding area has been a parish since 1674. A chapel once stood on the same site. It was replaced in 1852 by the current building. In 1909, the last parish priest, Émilien Favre, left the area when the parish was merged with that of Grand-Abergement. The chapel then fell into ruin. Abbot Frédéric Tarpin-Bernard, parish priest of Grand-Abergement from 1940 to 1978, then undertook its restoration.