This unspoilt region offers a varied landscape, with a mix of green mountains, deep forests and wild rivers.
Why discover the Valserine valley?
The Valserine, a wild river
The Valserine, the first French river to be awarded the prestigious Rivière Sauvage label, is much more than just a waterway. It is the beating heart of the valley and an invitation to contemplation and adventure.
The river is home to an exceptional population of wild trout, known as fario trout, which are particularly popular with anglers.
Thanks to sensible fishing practices and strict regulations, the river retains its unique ecosystem. Fishing enthusiasts need a permit, which is available from local associations and from the tourist information offices of the Pays de Gex Tourist Office.
As well as fishing, the river is ideal for walks along its banks, where the murmur of the water and the surrounding biodiversity plunge you into absolute tranquillity.
Villages with character
The Valserine valley is full of authentic mountain villages! Soak up their atmosphere and discover :
- Chézery-Forens , with its picturesque narrow streets, Romanesque church and traditional stone houses.
- Lélex is a family-friendly village resort renowned for its skiing and outdoor activities in both summer and winter.
- Mijoux, the border village nestling at the foot of the majestic Crêt de la Neige, the highest point in the Jura.
Unmissable walks
The Valserine Valley is an ideal playground for hikers of all abilities. Marked trails take you through forests, alpine meadows and breathtaking panoramas. Whether you’re looking for simplicity or adventure, you’ll find routes to suit you.
A must: the climb to Crêt de la Neige, the highest peak in the Jura at 1,720 metres, offering spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
A living pastoral tradition
For centuries, the Valserine valley has been the cradle of livestock farming and pastoralism. Its verdant meadows, fed by the river’s pure water, are home to herds of dairy cows whose milk is used to make emblematic cheeses such as Comté and Bleu de Gex.
The know-how trail invites you to discover this living tradition through guided tours of farms such as the Gaec du Ban du Char in Chézery-Forens, where you can learn more about local agriculture, milking cows and the secrets of cheese-making.
The Valserine Valley offers you a multitude of experiences to reconnect with nature. Are you ready to disconnect?
For the Valserine valley
Prepare your visit!
Practical information
Access
Would you like to come and discover the Valserine valley? You can go there:
- By car: The valley is accessible via the D904 departmental road, which links the valley’s main villages. From Geneva, it will take you around 45 minutes by car to reach Lélex, Mijoux or Chézery-Forens, providing a good introduction to the valley.
- By public transport: The regular A53 service links Valserhône to Lélex and Mijoux all year round. At weekends during the school holidays, additional shuttle buses run to complete the service.
To find out more about Pays de Gex…
- The know-how trail
Come and meet the local craftsmen and producers: cheese makers, soap makers, wooden ski makers… An exciting route to discover the wealth of local crafts and delicacies. - Monts Jura resort: A destination for winter and summer sports enthusiasts, with something for all the family.
- Fort l’Écluse: an impressive historical tour with breathtaking views over the Rhône.
