Itinerary details
Description
The route takes in the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, and part of the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected, unspoilt area to be explored with respect.
Good to know – Protected area
Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to special regulations:
Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead.
Camping in tents prohibited.
Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
Your itinerary
Step 1: Place Perdtemps
From Place Perdtemps in Gex, take Avenue Perdtemps towards the RN5. Cross the road, then join Chemin des Combes, which rises gently above the town.
Step 2: Chemin des combes
At the first intersection, continue straight ahead. The climb continues through meadows and woods to the last houses on the edge of town.
Step 3: Le Moulin
At the end of the road, it becomes a dirt track at a place called “Le Moulin”. Follow this path to the next fork in the road.
Step 4: La patte d'oie
Turn left towards “Hauts de Galas”. The path rises gently, skirting the border of the Nature Reserve. The undergrowth gradually becomes more sparse.
Step 5: Le Haut des Galas
The path briefly leaves the nature reserve to join a forest road. Follow this track, which meanders quietly before re-entering the Reserve, and reaching a forest parking lot, a discreet landmark.
Step 6: Creux de l'Envers Road
Continue along the forest road around the side of the mountain. It soon leads to the Creux de l'Envers, a peaceful green setting.
Step 7: Creux de l'Envers
Keep to the right, cross the Journan stream, then follow the path as it descends slightly before ascending over rocky steps. The atmosphere becomes wilder.
Step 8: Les Séblines
At Les Séblines, continue along the forest road, then follow the signs for Portes Sarrazines, a remarkable geological formation and natural gateway to the Jura landscape.
Step 9: Portes Sarrazines
Just before you reach it, turn right to cross a footbridge over the Journans river. Enjoy the mysterious, majestic site of Portes Sarrazines, nestled in the heart of the forest.
Step 10: The Journans footbridge
Return by the same route: cross the footbridge again, then continue straight on past it to join the Chemin des Combes, which descends gently towards Gex and Place Perdtemps, bringing the hike to a close.