Nature Archives - Pays de Gex Tourist Office and its Monts Jura resort

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Nature

Your hike to Crêt de la Neige, the roof of the Jura

Whether you're a good walker or a novice, the Crêt de la Neige hike offers several options for enjoying exceptional views over the whole of the Lake Geneva basin and the Alps. The Crêt de la Neige, a summit rich in biodiversity The Crêt de la Neige peaks at 1720 m. It lies between the…

By Juliette, on 12 Sep 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

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Nature

Touring in the Jura mountains

The aim is to savour every moment and take in the sights! Here's all our advice on how to prepare for and enjoy your 3-day walk in the Jura. Preparing your trek in the Jura Before embarking on your tour, it's important to prepare your hike and your belongings meticulously. And yes, a 3-day loop…

By Juliette, on 28 Aug 2025

Reading time: 3 min.

Balade avec les chiens dans le Pays de Gex

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Nature

Our walks with our dog friends

Many of us are accompanied by our four-legged companions in the Pays de Gex and its Monts Jura resort. Despite this, it's not always easy to find walks where dogs are allowed. The 11,000 hectares of the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve (or RNNHCJ) forbid the presence of dogs, even when kept on…

By Anaïs, on 28 Jul 2025

Reading time: 6 min.

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Family
Nature

When we took to the road… on a bicycle (or a bike)!

Whether you're a novice or an experienced cyclist, the region is dotted with numerous paths and greenways. Follow us to (re)discover them, with family or friends, on an electric or muscle bike. Cycling in Pays de Gex: The Tattes green route A pedestrian and cycle path, the Tattes green route passes through the hamlet of…

By Stéphanie, on 28 Jul 2025

Reading time: 5 min.

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Family
Nature

Le Creux de l’Envers, a green interlude

Beforehand, we took the time to download the detailed information sheet for Le Creux de l'Envers, an accessible, shady walk that's ideal for warming up before your next mountain hike! The route starts in Gex and then quickly moves out into the countryside. After a short climb, we are greeted by pretty flowers and melodious…

By Stéphanie, on 21 Jul 2025

Reading time: 2 min.

Parc du château de Voltaire, face au Mont Blanc

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4 good reasons to come to Pays de Gex in spring…

Nature is awakening: the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining on us more and more... We just love this time of year! It's also the perfect time to get out and about in the great outdoors: hiking, walking and markets are all part of the programme. And much more…

By Stéphanie, on 15 Jul 2025

Reading time: 6 min.

Culture
Family
Know-how
Nature

A day out to visit the Pays de Gex!

From the mountains of the Jura to the shores of Lake Geneva, the Pays de Gex will give you a magical, unforgettable experience! You won't want to leave ... 4, 3, 2, 1, let's go and follow us! On the plain, culture and science beckon! Even centuries apart, great minds meet in Ferney-Voltaire. Discover Voltaire's…

By Anaïs, on 04 Jul 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

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The Pertes de la Valserine: a real natural treasure

Just a stone's throw from our beloved Pays de Gex - Monts Jura lies a rare gem of nature, the Pertes de la Valserine, a unique site in the region. Come and discover the passage left by the Valserine over time in the small town of Valserhône. Looking for a change of scenery and a…

By Anaïs, on 03 Jul 2025

Reading time: 3 min.

Culture
Nature

Croix du Reculet

We hope you enjoy the story. Happy reading! A little geography "Le Reculet is the2nd highest peak in the Jura massif, after Crêt de la Neige. It reaches an altitude of 1719m. It lies to the south-west of the Crêt de la Neige and to the north-west of Geneva in the commune of Thoiry. Its…

By Anaïs, on 03 Jul 2025

Reading time: 3 min.

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Culture
Nature

But how long have we been skiing in the Monts Jura?

Since the dawn of time In the Nordic countries, skiing has been an innate means of transport for some people since the dawn of time. In fact, prehistoric hunters would set off to track their game with 4.5 m boards and a rowing stick. The start of skiing in France Skiing took off in France…

By Juliette, on 03 Jul 2025

Reading time: 5 min.

Culture
Nature

The history of Colomby de Gex

How many of you don't know the Colomby de Gex story? For those of you who are curious, Anne-Marie has gone to the archives to tell you her story! Where is Colomby de Gex? Located in the high Jura mountain range, at an altitude of 1689 m, to the left of the Creux de l'Envers…

By Anaïs, on 03 Jul 2025

Reading time: 3 min.

Nature

Discovering Crêt de la Neige

The Crêt de la Neige peaks at 1720 m. It lies between the communes of Lélex and Thoiry, overlooking the Pays de Gex and Lake Geneva on one side and the Valserine valley and the entire Jura massif on the other. It lies in the Haute Chaîne du Jura national nature reserve, and from up…

By Juliette, on 03 Jul 2025

Reading time: 2 min.

Activity
Nature

Summit meetings at Le Turet

An enchanting setting... Having only recently arrived in the region, I decided on this lovely sunny day in June to go for a walk at Le Turet, which I'd heard a lot about. The view from the top of the Col de la Faucille is already taking my breath away... I can't wait to see…

By Anaïs, on 03 Jul 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

Nature

The Napoleon Fountain – The story of an experiment

How many times have I glimpsed this modest fountain, a discreet refuge for thirsty cyclists, without ever stopping? One day, however, curiosity got the better of me: why a fountain in this very spot? What's its history? And above all... what does Napoleon have to do with all this? To satisfy my curiosity, I decided…

By Anaïs, on 30 Jun 2025

Reading time: 2 min.

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Nature

In the footsteps of the groomers at Monts Jura resort

For us, it's a bit early in the morning, but that's nothing compared to the time when Vincent and Stéphane start... Today, it's 2 o'clock. Ouch, we swallow our tiredness, our motivation is there, we're ready to discover this job that is unknown to many of us, including you perhaps... The dama what? Standing still…

By Anaïs, on 30 Jun 2025

Reading time: 5 min.

Nature

Discovering temporary lakes

Clear water run-off and melting snow have filled this large natural basin. I'll be talking mainly about my two favourite temporary lakes in the Valserine valley: Lac du Creux au Niaizet in Lélex and Lac de la Tremblaine in the hamlet of Les Sept Fontaines. They can be deep in the middle and much shallower…

By Anaïs, on 27 Jun 2025

Reading time: 2 min.

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Nature

Nordic skiing at La Vattay for beginners

Today, we're not offering you a book for dummies, but an article for cross-country skiing beginners like Brenda and me! We'd like to give you our impressions and advice on how to start Nordic skiing! Let's get started! She's Brenda and I'm Anaïs. We're not just fun, friendly people. Above all, we're curious and sometimes…

By Anaïs, on 27 Jun 2025

Reading time: 9 min.

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Culture
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Nature

In the footsteps of the dinosaurs at Dinoplagne

We invite you to visit our neighbours at Terre Valserhône, just a stone's throw from our beloved Pays de Gex - Monts Jura. So head to the little village of Plagne to see the big picture! Dinoplagne The Dinoplagne palaeontological site reveals the tracks left by a dinosaur, a sauropod (you know what we're talking…

By Anaïs, on 27 Jun 2025

Reading time: 2 min.

Nature

Would you like to know more about the fabulous story of the formation of the Jura?

From the caves and canyons of the Crêt de la Neige to the sheer cliffs of the Col de Branveau and the wide valleys with their enchanting streams, the Jura is full of fascinating geological surprises. Like the many marine fossils that can be seen on the trails. But why did all this happen here?…

By Juliette, on 27 Jun 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

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Family
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Nature

Your winter holidays in Pays de Gex – Monts Jura

And now you're finally there: feet in the snow and in the Pays de Gex - Monts Jura. We don't know who's more eager to get started: you or your children! You want to do everything and discover everything because it's your first time here. But, hop hop hop, before you get started, we've put…

By Anaïs, on 25 Jun 2025

Reading time: 7 min.

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Culture
Family
Gastronomy
Know-how

What to do during the Easter holidays in Pays de Gex?

In the Pays de Gex-Monts Jura region, there's no shortage of ideas and discoveries! We're sharing our favourites and good ideas for the spring holidays! Do you enjoy walking in the countryside? Here are a few suggestions just for you. On the southern side of the Pays de Gex, head for the Marais de l'Etournel…

By Stéphanie, on 25 Jun 2025

Reading time: 6 min.

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Nature

La Borne au Lion: at the crossroads

Between ridges and valleys, the Borne au Lion intrigues as much as it fascinates. An ancient frontier, a strategic passage, an unexpected refuge... Its history, sometimes little-known, spans the centuries and troubled times. Why not take the time to discover what she has yet to reveal? The beginnings of a frontier : It was in…

By Juliette, on 25 Jun 2025

Reading time: 3 min.

Culture
Nature

The history of the Petit Montrond antenna

Who hasn't asked themselves the following questions: "What is the purpose of this antenna?", "Why is it located on Petit Montrond? These are questions that will not go unanswered thanks to Anne-Marie's investigations. The symbol of La Faucille! The Petit Montrond antenna or DTT transmitter is located at the top of the Montrond alpine ski…

By Anaïs, on 24 Jun 2025

Reading time: 2 min.

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Family
Nature

Let’s go fishing in the Cessy pond!

Among them, we find a wooded, quiet place, accessible to all. Do you recognise it? It's the Cessy pond. A little history before you go fishing... Located in the commune of Cessy, this private pond was created in 1985 in place of a marsh. Then, in 1991, stocking began, mainly with white fish (roach, carp,…

By Anaïs, on 24 Jun 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

Family
Nature

Walk at La Vattay: the grouse

Sunday morning, 9.30am, rucksack with hot drinks and picnic. We're determined to get some fresh mountain air at La Vattay! Off to a flying start at La Vattay! We're off with our boys, aged 9 and 10, to the Nordic site at La Vattay, well known for its cross-country skiing area. But today we decided…

By Stéphanie, on 19 Jun 2025

Reading time: 3 min.

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Family
Nature

Once upon a time in La Vattay

It has been awarded the "Site d'Excellence" label by Nordic France: the La Vattay-Valserine ski area. If you're a Nordic ski fan, we know you know this site like the back of your hand! But do you know its history? We invite you to find out! It all began in the 80s Before 1982, Gessiens…

By Anaïs, on 19 Jun 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

Nature

What you need to know about pitching your tent in the Monts Jura?

Bivouacs are made without heavy equipment or with minimal shelter, or even without shelter under the stars. This type of improvised camp must be set up after 7pm and removed before 9am. Bivouacs are not permitted everywhere in the Pays de Gex Monts Jura, where there are two distinct areas. Regulations differ between the Haute-Chaîne…

By Juliette, on 16 Jun 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

Family
Nature

6 must-see viewpoints in the Jura

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! What is the highest point in the Jura?…

By Anaïs, on 16 Jun 2025

Reading time: 2 min.

Nature

Top 5 of the most beautiful walks in the Jura

The birds are singing on their branches and the sun is finally shining on us. Bye-bye skiing, hello walks in the Pays de Gex - Monts Jura! The rucksack and walking poles are out of the cupboard! Water bottle, cap, waistcoat... You're all set to tackle the mountains. But wait a little before you set…

By Anaïs, on 12 Jun 2025

Reading time: 7 min.

Nature

5 places to recharge your batteries in Pays de Gex

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…

By Anaïs, on 12 Jun 2025

Reading time: 6 min.

Family
Nature

Our most beautiful sunrise and sunset spots

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…

By Anaïs, on 12 Jun 2025

Reading time: 6 min.

Les auteurs

Anaïs

Juliette

Stéphanie