Vesancy walks

This accessible, family-friendly hike through forests and panoramic views offers a splendid 360° view of both the Alps and the Jura from Mont Mourex. The trail passes through a pleasant forest before reaching the open heights, offering an exceptional panorama of the Alps and the Jura. A landscape information table allows you to identify the surrounding peaks. An intriguing circle of stones, approximately 45 metres in diameter, is believed to have been used for sun worship. In its centre is a block of stone that is thought to have been deposited there by the Rhône glaciers during an ice age. It adds to the enigmatic nature of the place. The descent is gentle, through meadows.

The walk is so named because part of it was laid out by the military engineering corps to provide a link in the country’s defence system prior to theSecond World War. This circular route runs mainly through woodland, which provides shade in summer, and offers a few views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. The route follows unmarked tracks and paths, with a few steep sections and a short stretch across a path in poor condition. It is accessible outside the snow season.

A lovely, easy walk taking you through the Jura forests and mountain pastures above Vesancy, a charming historic village in the Pays de Gex. Please note! Hiking is not permitted between 15 December and 30 June

An easy walk offering beautiful views of the Alps and the Jura. Border crossing, so please bring your ID card.

In summer, you can stick to the forest track a little less and head closer to the banks of the Grand Journans to seek shelter under the trees.

Partly running alongside the River Journans, the path passes through the canyon of the mysterious Portes Sarrazines. This trail, with its lush and varied landscapes, is situated in a protected area. This pleasant walk, accessible from April to November, follows the course of the River Journans. The ‘Au fil du bois’ interpretive trail highlights human activities linked to the forest and water. Finally, the Portes Sarrazines, which frame a gorge carved out by the river, take their name from a local legend: the inhabitants of Gex are said to have taken refuge behind these stone gates during Saracen invasions in the Middle Ages. The route offers a variety of landscapes, alternating between forest paths, roads and steeper sections. Access is restricted; dogs are not permitted within the Reserve.

Panoramic view of Lake Geneva, the Alps, the high Jura mountains and the Pays de Gex

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.

An easy walk centred on the Journans and its ‘little brother’, the Petit Journans. Born from the torrential streams of the Creux de l’Envers valley, the Journans rushes down the slopes of the Jura. It then flows through the northern part of the Pays de Gex before joining the Lion in the commune of Saint-Genis-Pouilly. This circular route largely follows the river’s course but also takes in the surrounding countryside.

A beautiful Franco-Swiss hike to the Dôle, offering magnificent panoramic views of the Jura to the north, Lake Geneva to the south, the northern Alps and, consequently, Mont Blanc.

Open from 16 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. A challenging and immersive hike to the summit of La Dôle (1,677 m). From Le Fleutron, the route alternates between deep forests, open ridges and high-altitude pastures. After crossing the French-Swiss border, you will reach one of the iconic peaks of the Swiss Jura, offering a 360° panorama of Lake Geneva, the Alps and Mont Blanc. This demanding but spectacular route crosses unspoilt natural areas in the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment (see the practical information section).

Ascent to the Colomby de Gex via the Chalet de Branveau and its cirque, where it is common to spot numerous chamois. The descent via the Pas de l’Echine is a little technical at the start. Return to Gex via the Creux de l’Envers, taking the footpath rather than the somewhat monotonous Chemin Neuf. A circular walk offering lovely panoramic views over the Lake Geneva basin and the Haut-Jura mountain range.

A challenging approach to a summit offering a 360° view of Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura. The Pas de L'Échine, a tricky and steep but very popular passage, provides direct access to the ridge in a beautiful setting. The best time to visit is in May, when it is still partially snow-covered and you have to squeeze between the snow and the rock face. However, it is strongly advised not to venture onto the nearby slopes, which are very exposed.

The main feature of this walk is the River Versoix. 22 km long, it rises in the hills above Divonne-les-Bains, where it is known as the Divonne, before becoming the Versoix once it enters Swiss territory. For many kilometres, its course forms the border between the two countries. Further on, in the commune of Versoix, it flows into Lake Geneva. As well as the Versoix, this walk offers numerous views of the Jura and Alpine ranges.

An easy walk on the edge of the nature reserve. There are several vantage points along the route, particularly offering views of Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva and the Lake Geneva basin. You’ll see dinosaur footprints. Depending on the season, you may also see a small stream, the Crotte.

Walk in the woods of Versoix. Very pleasant in the undergrowth and on the galloping tracks.

Open from 1 December to 30 March - subject to the opening of the Vattay Nordic Centre A beautiful route in the Vattay area, crossing the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve (you must comply with the regulations in force). There is an admission charge to access the Vattay site. This route is groomed and marked in purple. It is accessible with children.

Open from 1 December to 30 March - subject to the opening of the Vattay Nordic Centre A beautiful route in the Vattay area, on a groomed and marked purple trail, accessible with children and crossing the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve (you must comply with the regulations in force). There is a charge to access the Vattay site.

Open from 1 December to 30 March - subject to the opening of the Vattay Nordic Centre This hike on the Jura plateau, in a vast area dedicated to Nordic activities, takes us to the summit of La Gélinotte, where the view of the Alps and Mont Blanc is absolutely superb. The signage (purple stakes and signposts) is very well done.A very beautiful route in the Vattay area, crossing the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve (you must comply with the regulations in force). There is an admission charge to access the Vattay site.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. A challenging but accessible hike in the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura for lovers of wide open spaces. From the village of Échenevex, the trail crosses meadows and woods before beginning the ascent to the Col de Branveau. Here you can often see friendly chamois and heifers grazing in the mountain pastures, enjoying the beautiful weather and the breathtaking panorama of the Jura ridges. The climb continues to the summit of Mont Chanais at 1,446 metres, where a 360° view rewards walkers for their efforts. From here, you can admire Mont Blanc, the Alps and the valley below, before descending this route in the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura.