Come and make your own memories - Pays de Gex

Gastronomy
Know-how

What if you were a Gessian consumer?

Did you know that Gascony producers grow vegetables, prepare meat, make cheese and yoghurt, apple juice, flour and oil, harvest honey, and that Gascony craftsmen create soaps and jewellery? Here are a few good addresses! The vegetable garden at your fingertips It's in Vesancy, a small village not far from Gex, a little way up…

By Stéphanie, on 30 Jun 2025

Reading time: 8 min.

Ma semaine de vacances dans le Pays de Gex

Activity
Culture
Family
Gastronomy

My summer holiday week in the Pays de Gex!

I didn't know this region but Mum said it would be nice to go to the mountains. So I got out my map of France and asked her to show me where we were going to spend our next summer holidays. Between the Jura and Switzerland, that is! Mum had put together a great programme…

By Stéphanie, on 27 Jun 2025

Reading time: 9 min.

Activity

Why not try your hand at golf here in the Pays de Gex?

In the Pays de Gex - Monts-Jura, golf is easy to discover. With its varied landscapes, accessible facilities and formats to suit all levels, there's something for everyone, whether you're curious, a beginner or a regular golfer. A wide range of golf courses Pays de Gex is home to several golf courses with different characteristics,…

By Anaïs, on 24 Jun 2025

Reading time: 6 min.

Activity
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 18 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.

Culture
Family

A combined ticket to discover the Château de Voltaire and Fort L’Ecluse

A twin ticket for two emblematic cultural sites in the Pays de Gex for just 12 euros? It's possible! We'll explain everything and give you a taste of what's in store. Voltaire's castle In the 21st century, fine minds still meet at Voltaire's château in Ferney. Built by the illustrious writer, this residence has seen…

By Anaïs, on 14 May 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

Culture
Gastronomy

Focus on… Le Bleu de Gex du Haut-Jura

Dating back to the 13th century, this blue-veined cheese is made from the raw milk of Montbéliard cows. A PDO cheese for 25 years! Bleu de Gex Haut-Jura has had a Protected Designation of Origin since 1996. The specifications are very precise and must be scrupulously respected by the 4 workshops that make this cheese,…

By Anaïs, on 14 May 2025

Reading time: 4 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 14 May 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 14 May 2025

Reading time: 6 min.

Activity
Family

Cycling in Pays de Gex

It's a sensory immersion where the scenery flashes before your eyes, the scents of nature tantalise your nostrils, and every pedal stroke becomes a playful and varied pleasure. Whether you're into cycle touring, mountain biking, gravel or electric-assist bikes, there's something for everyone. In the Pays de Gex-Monts Jura region, there are plenty of opportunities…

By Juliette, on 14 May 2025

Reading time: 5 min.

Culture
Gastronomy

Pays de Gex markets

Whatever the season, people go to the market to do their shopping, but also to meet new people and chat with the traders and producers. All your senses are awakened, and you're sure to feast your eyes and nostrils! Come on, let's take you on a tour of the Pays de Gex markets. Tuesday in…

By Stéphanie, on 14 May 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

Culture
Family

A day at Fort l’Ecluse

A former military building, Fort l'Écluse is the venue for a wide range of activities: via ferrata, concerts, exhibitions, walks... Why not spend a day there with your family to discover all its secrets? Every year, it closes for a few months to give itself a facelift. A great opportunity to pay it another visit.…

By Anaïs, on 14 May 2025

Reading time: 7 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 14 May 2025

Reading time: 2 min.

Activity
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 14 May 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

Know-how

The Trabbia Vuillermoz house

But what's interesting here? Well, we're off to meet the Maison Trabbia Vuillermoz, the last stonemason in the Pays de Gex. Once upon a time... It all began in 1946. The grandparents Trabbia Vuillermoz started their lapidary business. At first, they worked out of their small flat at the bottom of the village. It was…

By Anaïs, on 14 May 2025

Reading time: 5 min.

Activity
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 14 May 2025

Reading time: 3 min.

Gastronomy
Know-how

The Domaine de Mucelle in Challex

Come along with me! Join Frédéric on a tour of the Domaine de Mucelle in Challex, a wine-producing village in the Pays de Gex region. Frédéric Péricard, who has run the estate since 2000, is originally from the Loire. For 40 years now, he has been a Gessien by adoption. How did he get from…

By Anaïs, on 14 May 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

Gastronomy
Know-how

Génération butcherie Grosgurin “Au Bon Saucisson

The Grosgurin butcher's shop has been delighting gourmets in the Pays de Gex - Monts Jura region for many years thanks to its traditional expertise. With its passion, tradition and love of good sausages, this is one address you won't want to miss! A little history You probably know the Grosgurin butcher's shop in Lélex!…

By Stéphanie, on 14 May 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

Gastronomy
Know-how

À la gessienne, traditional liqueurs made in Pays de Gex

In the Pays de Gex, La Gessienne offers a wide range of traditional liqueurs, each more delicious than the last. How are they made? How was the liqueur created? How do you drink these eaux-de-vie? Follow the guide! What are the origins of the liqueur? Liqueur is one of the oldest spirits there is. Its…

By Stéphanie, on 14 May 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

Know-how

Shingles, an ancestral tradition

For all you newcomers to the Pays de Gex, whether you're curious or a lover of craftsmanship, we're going to tell you the wonderful story of tavaillons, small planks of spruce wood, 40 to 45 cm long and 2 cm thick, used as shingles in a typical mountain décor! Once upon a time, the cob…

By Anaïs, on 14 May 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

Culture
Family
Gastronomy
Know-how

What to do when it rains in Pays de Gex?

From cultural visits to gourmet breaks and moments of relaxation, here are a few ideas to turn a grey day into a great adventure. It's raining, shepherdess, great visits! Are the raindrops pounding on your windows? It's the perfect opportunity to push open the doors of places steeped in history! Voltaire's château, open all year…

By Anaïs, on 14 May 2025

Reading time: 4 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 14 May 2025

Reading time: 6 min.

Culture
Gastronomy

Let’s cook up a sweet, local recipe together!

Now you're ready to listen to our culinary podcast with a highly original sweet recipe created by chef Eloïse Monziès and Clap Audio. Help, I don't know how to cook! No need to panic! You're here to treat yourself to an original, easy recipe that you'll want to make again and again. Guaranteed! Before you…

By Anaïs, on 14 May 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

Activity
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 20 Mar 2025

Reading time: 6 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 02 Jan 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 11 Dec 2024

Reading time: 3 min.

Activity
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 14 Nov 2024

Reading time: 4 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 14 Nov 2024

Reading time: 2 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 14 Nov 2024

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 13 Aug 2024

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 20 Jun 2024

Reading time: 4 min.

Activity
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 07 May 2024

Reading time: 3 min.

Activity
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 14 Dec 2023

Reading time: 5 min.

Activity
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 13 Dec 2023

Reading time: 9 min.

Activity
Family
Know-how
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 08 Dec 2023

Reading time: 7 min.

Activity
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 15 Nov 2023

Reading time: 5 min.

Family
Gastronomy

We’re going to make a big deal of it!

A few years ago, Daniel Michelin, a cheese ripener, set up his cheese bar in Grilly, which became the Restaurant des Bergers at the end of 2019. It is run by Philippe Standaert, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and his wife Sandra. Portrait of Pays de Gex's only MOF! Originally from Burgundy and having grown up…

By Stéphanie, on 11 Oct 2023

Reading time: 3 min.

Activity
Culture
Family
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 16 Aug 2023

Reading time: 2 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 08 Aug 2023

Reading time: 2 min.

Culture
Know-how

Rural housing in the upper Valserine valley

They are an undeniable feature of our landscape... A little history A border area, the Valserine valley is at the crossroads of the Haut-Bugey and Haut-Jura regions. Behind the architectural diversity, rural housing is everywhere. Farmers and stockbreeders now live throughout the valley. Farmhouses in a single block, where the residential and agricultural functions coexist.…

By Anaïs, on 11 Jul 2023

Reading time: 4 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 06 Jul 2023

Reading time: 4 min.

Culture
Gastronomy
Know-how

The legend of snow eggs in the Monts Jura resort…

But do you know the legend of the snow eggs? But who is Dame Pernette? What did she do to get her name on a village square and street? Quite a story: In 1314, Guillaume de Joinville was Lord of Gex. At that time, the village of Mijoux belonged to the seigneury of Gex. The…

By Anaïs, on 04 Jul 2023

Reading time: 5 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 06 Jun 2023

Reading time: 4 min.

Activity
Family
Nature

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 11 Apr 2023

Reading time: 3 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 05 Apr 2023

Reading time: 2 min.

The authors

Anaïs

Juliette

Stéphanie