A lovely family hike in the forest starting from the Col de la Faucille.
The Turet lookout offers a magnificent panorama of Gex, the Lake Geneva plain, the Alps (Mont Blanc) and the ridge line between La Faucille and Colomby de Gex. The route is hilly, with several different sections: stony ground, soft ground (pine needles...), paved road or a slightly steeper single track.
Markings: GR9 (red/white) at the start, then yellow + markings on trees (activity logos).
This area is in a quiet zone from 15/12 to 20/06, so please stay on the specially marked itinerary.
Fauna/flora: Take a look at the many anthills along the route.
Look out for the "Apollo" butterflies (white with black spots...) which are often seen in this area. (protected species).
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step: The trailhead is on Route Départementale 1005, opposite the Hôtel de La Couronne. The start is next to the "Col de la Faucille" road sign. Nature Reserve signs mark the start. Follow the GR9 signs (in red and white) "Le Turet", and the signs on the trees. The path joins a tarmac forest road (approx. 15 minutes from the start). Take this road to the right, following the "Le Turet" signs. Go past the forest chalet, then take a small path in the undergrowth that joins the asphalt road, following it for about 200m. Then turn right onto a wide grassy/earth track, then stony, to reach a pretty clearing. After a fence/mountain bike, turn right...downhill, then onto a plateau, past a small concrete cross. Continue downhill on the steep path for about 100 metres until you reach the viewpoint. There's a wooden bench where you can admire the panorama (Alpine side) and take a rest. The Turet lookout overlooks the Route de la Faucille. Stay away from the precipice! Return: same route as outward journey. In winter, this route is also accessible and signposted for snowshoeing. This area is in a quiet zone from 15/12 to 20/06, so please stay on the specially-marked itinerary.
More information:
Safety instructions: This trail is located in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, so please respect its regulations:Before setting off :- Check the general and local weather forecast, and make sure there's no precipitation.- Find out about the approach route, the height of the itinerary, the time it will take to complete the climb, and any possible escapes (IGN map, GPS, topo-guide, etc.).- Evaluate possible risks by asking mountain professionals, refuges and gîtes.- Inform someone close to you of your objective, and contact them again in the event of any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with telephone numbers for each, vehicle(s), parking, etc.- Avoid setting off alone, and use equipment that is suitable for the activity, adjusted and in good condition: headlamp, complete first-aid kit, survival blanket, etc.In the event of a problem, call 112 (European emergency number).
Itinerary
In detail
- Distance: 5.4 km
- Markup: BALISE
- Elevation gain : 118 m
- Negative elevation gain : 118 m
- Daily duration: 100 min
- Type of route: ALLER_RETOUR
- Beaconing accuracy: Follow the purple signs, marked for hiking, snowshoeing and ski touring.
- Tricky passage: From December 15 to June 30, the Quiet Zone is closed, but you can still use the marked path. You must stay on the path.
- Nature of the land: Stone
- Nature of the land: Ground
- Nature of the land: Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)
- Nature of the land: Not suitable for strollers
Opening
From 01/04 to 30/11.
Rates
Free access.
Facilities & services
Facilities
- Car park
- Free car park
Host language(s)
- French
