These open-air works of art await you all year round, whatever the season, for a moment suspended in time.
To enjoy a magnificent sunrise or sunset in the Alps, you need to know the right spot. Rest assured, we’ve got 6 to suggest! So grab your phone or your SLR and let’s go!
What are the most beautiful sunrises in the Alps?
The sunrise belongs to those who get up early. So you’ll have to wake up early to enjoy it, but the result will be well worth the effort!
Sunrise at Petit Mont Rond
To see the sunrise behind Mont Blanc, you’ll have to walk a little, but don’t worry, it’s easy! Go to the Col de la Faucille and more precisely to the Petit Mont Rond at an altitude of 1540m to observe this spectacle of nature and this magnificent view of the Alps.
You can park your car in the car park next to the telecombi and take the hiking trail to Petit Mont Rond. On this short stroll, you’ll walk between woodland paths and ski slopes. Be careful with your legs, there are plenty of steps along the way! You’ll be there in 45 minutes: all you have to do is wait. If you’re lucky, you’ll see Mont Blanc. We’ve got our fingers crossed for you!
For the return journey, you can take the same route as on the outward journey. Alternatively, you can continue your walk by heading to Grand Mont Rond, around forty minutes from Petit Mont Rond.
Here‘s a tip: have a hot drink while watching the sunrise!
Alternatively, for the less courageous 😉 you can park in the Pailly car park, just before the Col de la Faucille. The sunrise will also be there, but without any physical effort.
Sunrise at the Riantmont chapel
For this sunrise, we’re taking you to one of the most typical villages in the Pays de Gex: Vesancy. Its old buildings, ancient farms and château will win you over.
You’ll have to head to the heights of the village to admire our second sunrise, at the Riantmont chapel. It offers a magnificent view of the Lake Geneva basin and the Alps. Since 1868, it has been home to the Lady of Riantmont, patron saint of the Pays de Gex. Why not make a wish?
After enjoying the magnificent view of the Alps at sunrise, continue your walk back to the car park and on to Saint-Gix. This 9km loop hike takes around 3 hours and gives you the chance to stretch your legs and get the day off to a good start.
Here‘s a little tip: Bring your own tablecloth and wicker picnic basket to enjoy breakfast on site.
What are the most beautiful sunsets in the Alps?
Are you more of a night owl than an early riser? Don’t worry, the sunsets in the Alps are just as beautiful as the sunrises! Here are our must-see spots for admiring them.
Sunset from the belvedere at léaz
It’s towards the south of the Pays de Gex that we’re heading for our first sunset.
To the east of the village of Léaz is a natural rocky promontory overlooking the Rhône. This is where we suggest you set up your tripod. The Vierge de Léaz and Sainte Victoire are already waiting for you to watch the show.
You can reach the belvedere by parking in the Vierge de Léaz belvedere car park, or, if you fancy combining sunset views of the Alps with a hike, you can reach the belvedere after a 10km loop walk. The walk starts from the village of Léaz and offers lovely views over the Rhône valley.
At the top of the spur, you will discover the ruins of a surrounding wall and a quadrangular tower. These are the remains of the old village of Léaz, which stood on this site until the end of the 16th century, and of the castle.
A word of advice: bring your binoculars if you want to see Fort l’Ecluse, built into the mountainside, in the distance.
Sunset at Mont Mourex
We’re going to take you around a winding road to discover our latest spot: Mont Mourex in Grilly. Between Divonne-les-Bains and Gex, Mont Mourex is just a 15-minute walk away. This walk will give you a magnificent 360-degree view.
At the top of Mont Mourex, you can see a stone circle 145m in circumference and 47m in diameter. The site is thought to have once been a place dedicated to the worship of the sun. The monolith at the centre was recently brought back to life.
Here‘s a tip: bring your own drinks. Local beer, cheese and vegetables. What more could you ask for?
Sunset over the Alps at Crêt de Chalam
At an altitude of 1540m, the Crêt de Chalam offers a splendid view of the Reculet, the Crêt de la Neige and Mont Blanc on a clear day. To get there, set off from the commune of La Pesse and embark on a walk lasting around 2 hours and covering 230m of ascent.
At the top, you can enjoy the magnificent view before heading back down to the valley. A sunset over the Alps just the way we like it!
A word of advice: Remember to take good walking shoes and poles, as the climb through the forest is quite wet.
Now that you’re in place, all you have to do is get out your phones and cameras! Now you know our 6 must-do sports for capturing sunrises and sunsets in the Alps, Pays de Gex – Monts Jura.
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