In the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura region, the landscape changes with the seasons, offering you unique moments to capture on film. The choice wasn’t easy. But we’re sharing with you 6 of our most beautiful viewpoints in the Jura that you won’t want to miss!
1
Col de la Faucille
The Turet lookout, for a magnificent view of Mont Blanc
Leaving from the Col de la Faucille, the Turet hike is fairly easy. Accessible to all, young and old, beginners and experienced walkers alike, this 1? hour round trip takes you through forests and clearings to finish with an incredible panorama: Mont Blanc. Yes, that’s the one. But be warned, it can be capricious! It’s up to you to choose the right day to admire it! 
As well as the famous massif, you can also admire Lake Geneva and the Chablais region.
2
Vesancy
A view of the Alps from La Chapelle de Riantmont
The Chapelle de Riantmont is located in the most typical village in the Pays de Gex. We named it Vesancy. This charming little village has preserved its history through buildings such as the Chapelle de Riantmont. A true testament to the local religious heritage, it offers a magnificent view of the Lake Geneva basin and the Alps.
An easy route from Gex will take you to the heights of this village. You’ll pass the Château de Vesancy and the church of Saint-Christophe. This family hike takes around 3 hours, covering just over 10km and with an ascent of 272m.
3
Lelex
Le Truchet, a lovely viewpoint over the Jura
There’s no view of Mont Blanc here, but the panorama is just as breathtaking! Admire the whole of the Valserine valley, including the village of Lélex, and the high Jura chain from the Truchet belvedere at 1187m. You can also enjoy an incredible view of the Crêt de la Neige, the highest peak in the Jura massif.
This route is a balcony overlooking the high Jura mountain range, is accessible to all hikers. So you can easily do it as a family! The walk starts in the small village of Lélex, and takes around 3 hours for a total distance of 8.6km.
4
Divonne-les-Bains
Mont Mourex and its panoramic view of the Pays de Gex
A pleasant hike will take you around Mont Mourex. This mainly woodland route takes you to the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy a fine panorama of the neighbouring Jura, a magnificent view of Lake Geneva and the high peaks of the Chablais massif. It’s a great 360° reward for an ideal family hike!
To get started, head for the Auberge du Vieux Bois car park just outside Divonne-les-Bains. You’ll then be off for just over 3 hours over ten kilometres or so! Ready to enjoy a splendid view of the Alps?
5
Léaz
Admire the Rhône valley from the Belvédère de Léaz
In the south of the Pays de Gex, discover a surprising view of the Rhone gorge and the Fort l’Écluse, a masterpiece of military architecture built into the rock.
Easy access from the village of Léaz, this viewpoint is made up of the ruins of a surrounding wall and a tower. This walk starts from the village of Léaz and takesaround 4 hours. At 10.4km and 600m ascent, this walk is accessible to all, provided you are in good physical condition. Once you reach the belvedere, you’ll be able to enjoy views over the Jura and the Rhône valley. The site consists of the ruins of a surrounding wall and a quadrangular tower. These are the remains of the old village of Léaz.
6
Col de la Faucille
The Pailly car park, an effortless view of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc
For the less courageous among you – and we’re not forgetting you 
– the Pailly car park is the ideal place to admire a beautiful panorama without getting tired! Situated on the road leading to the Col de la Faucille, in a bend on your left, it offers views of Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva, the Pays de Gex and Geneva. Just goes to show, you don’t have to drive 10 kilometres to get a spectacular view!
What is the highest point in the Jura?
The highest peak in the Jura is the Crêt de la Neige, which rises to an altitude of 1720m. If you want to climb to the top of the Pays de Gex and enjoy an extraordinary view over the whole of the Geneva basin and the Alps, you have two options:
- The easy option is to take the cable car from Lélex, which will give you just 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the summit, with less than 300 metres of ascent;
- The difficult option is to set off on foot from Lélex. 15km and 988m of ascent later, you’ll finally be on the roof of the Jura!
Once you’re at the top, you can continue your epic ascent to the summit of Le Reculet, provided you’re still in good shape!
So, which point of view will you test first?
Thematics
