Nature Published on 12/01/2024
Feast your eyes on views saturated in colour. Be dazzled by incredible sunrises and sunsets wherever you are in the Pays de Gex and Monts Jura resort. These skyborne spectacles are broadcast live all year round and put on a show that you’ll never forget.
Would you like to find out about our four favourite spots?
Grab your phone or camera and let’s go!
The early bird catches the sunrise! You may have to set your alarm early but it will be worth it!
Petit Mont Rond sunrise
It’s a bit of a walk if you want to watch the sun rise behind Mont Blanc but don’t worry, it’s nothing too gruelling! Head to Col de la Faucille, or Petit Mont Rond to be exact, to watch nature at its best.
Park your car on the car park and hit the footpath up to Petit Mont Rond. After 45 minutes you’ll be there. Then you just have to wait.
You’ll be able to see Mont Blanc with a bit of luck. We’re keeping everything crossed for you!
Top tip: have a hot drink as you watch the sunrise!
Here’s an alternative if it’s too early for you to contemplate a walk: 😉you can park on Parking du Pailly just before Col de la Faucille. You can still enjoy the sunrise, you just get a bit more of a lie-in.
Riantmont Chapel sunrise
We’re taking you to one of the Pays de Gex’s most traditional villages for this sunrise: Vesancy. You’ll love its old buildings, farms and castle.
Head uptown to drink in our second sunrise from Riantmont Chapel. The site has fantastic views of the Lake Geneva area and Alps. It has been home to the Lady of Riantmont, the Pays de Gex’s protector, since 1868. Why don’t you make a wish?
Top tip: Bring your picnic blanket and hamper for a spot of breakfast here.
Let’s move onto the equally sensational sunsets!
Belvédère de Léaz sunset
The first sunset takes us to the south of the Pays de Gex.
A natural rocky headland above the Rhône stands to the east of Léaz village. This is where you should set up your tripod. The Virgin of Léaz and Sainte Victoire are waiting for you to watch the show.
You’ll find what’s left of a city wall and quadrangular tower at the top of the headland. These are the ruins of Léaz old town, which stood here until the late 16th century, and the castle.
Drink in views of the Rhône in all its glory.
Top tip: bring your binoculars and look out for Fort l’Ecluse built on the mountainside.
Mont Mourex sunset
Let’s take a winding road to introduce you to our last spot: Mont Mourex in Grilly. Mont Mourex is yours for the taking after a 15 minute walk between Divonne-les-Bains and Gex. This walk brings you fabulous all-encompassing views.
From the top of Mont Mourex, you can see a stone circle on the ground that’s 145m in circumference and 47m in diameter. It was once a site for sun worshippers. The monolith standing in the middle was returned recently.
Top tip: bring drinks and nibbles. Local beer, cheese and vegetables. What more could you want?
All you have to do is get your phone and camera ready! Now you know all about our 4 favourite spots to take shots of the sunrise and sunset in the Pays de Gex and Monts Jura resort.
If your photos are as amazing as the sights you’ve been lucky enough to see, tag us on social media and Instagram with @paysdegexstationmontsjura.
We will be delighted to make our followers want to follow in your footsteps! 😉
