How about taking some time out this weekend to recharge your batteries?
In the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura region, there are plenty of places to relax, far from the hustle and bustle: ponds, rivers, lakes and marshes. Have you noticed that all these places have one thing in common? Water! And yes, it’s renowned for its soothing benefits, ideal for restoring your health.
The Marais de L’Etournel for birdwatchers
A sensitive natural area and Natura 2000 site, the Marais de l’Etournel is a vast wetland covering 190 hectares. It is made up of 9 ponds. Located in the Pays de Gex, it straddles the Ain and Haute-Savoie départements, in the communes of Pougny, Collonges Fort l’Écluse, Chevrier and Vulbens.
Formerly a pebble quarry, this marshland is a prime reservoir of biodiversity. You can see deer, beavers, dragonflies and all kinds of birds. In fact, it is an essential migratory stopover site, making it ideal for birdwatching.
To discover this site, you can take the fully accessible interpretation trail. On this walk you may come across deer, black woodpeckers, beavers, marsh copper butterflies and other protected species! Keep your eyes peeled for a pleasant surprise!
Lake Divonne-les-Bains for lovers of spa towns
The Divonne artificial lake is located in the commune of Divonne-les-Bains, on the edge of the Jura mountains… it’s so much fun to stroll around!
It covers an area of 45 hectares and has a small plant island (not accessible), a sandy beach – accessible in summer – and a base for water sports activities.
There are plenty of things to do in the 3 km it takes to walk around it. Walking, cycling, rollerblading, jogging, fitness trails, yoga – the list goes on and on, and all without a car!
When the weather’s fine, there’s an ice-cream parlour for gourmets, while children can play in the adjoining playground or try to tame the indomitable swans!
Situated right next to the racecourse and its golf course, a media library and a water sports centre, the Divonne lake stands out like a figure from where you can see its castle on the heights that watches over this pretty spa town. A must-see in the Pays de Gex.
The Valserine for nature-addicts
The Valserine , the historic border between the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté regions, is a treasure trove. It rises at an altitude of 1,200m and meanders through the pastures and rich forests of the surrounding Haut-Jura mountains, swollen by numerous springs fed by melting snow, before hiding, hemmed in by limestone walls, in the spectacular gorges of the Valserine losses.
Enchanting, fragile, wild, tumultuous and ever-changing, the Valserine’s clear, cool waters are home to the fario trout that are so popular with fly fishermen. It is also home to many insects that appreciate the high quality of the water.
The riverbanks are lush, with a rich palette of colours, especially in autumn. Take the path along the riverbank for some great views of this remarkable site. A rejuvenating walk guaranteed!
The Cessy lake for fishing enthusiasts
A veritable haven of peace, the Etang de Cessy is a popular place to walk and relax for everyone in the Pays de Gex, especially anglers. The pond covers an area of 2.7 hectares. To enjoy your favourite sport, you’ll need a fishing permit (on sale at the Pays de Gex Tourist Office, Gex branch). You can fish mainly for carp, tench, roach, catfish and, in small numbers, pike and perch.
If fishing isn’t your thing, get together with family and friends for a picnic on the barbecues, benches and tables! Then take a walk along one of the footpaths or the fitness trail to stretch your legs, or play a game of pétanque. A relaxing day just the way we like it!
The sources of the Allondon where tranquillity is a philosophy
These springs are fed by water that seeps down from the Jura. This watercourse is abundant when the snow melts in March, and weak during the summer months. For the record, until the last century, the liveliness of its waters was a blessing for its inhabitants. The ruins of the Naz-Dessus and Crozet mills, which you’ll come across along the way, bear witness to this fact!
As you’ll have gathered, this refreshing and rejuvenating walk is ideal during the hot summer months. The themed trail on the role of water will enable you to learn more about the history of this spring. Picnic tables will also be available for you to enjoy a peaceful break in the middle of the forest, with the only sound in the background… flowing water!
Want to do a bit more walking? Choose the Roulave and Allodon gorges loop. As well as discovering the springs, you’ll also pass some of Geneva’s finest wine cellars, which offer wine tastings along the way. A walk that’s as rejuvenating as it is tasty!
So, are you inspired by these 5 rejuvenating spots in the Pays de Gex?
Looking for other inspiring sites?
Feel free to browse our website or visit us at one of the Tourist Office information desks. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions!
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