Itinerary details
Description
The Colomby de Gex pylon was originally built in Paris, then transported and erected in Gex in 1907. An inscribed stone commemorates Fernand Fluckiger, a Swiss aviator who was killed in a plane crash on June 2, 1932.
The route takes in the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, and part of the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected, unspoilt area to be explored with respect.
Good to know – Protected area
Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to special regulations:
Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead.
Camping in tents prohibited.
Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
Your itinerary
Step 1: Pailly car park
From the Pailly parking lot, turn right onto the small forest road which descends for around 100 metres. Then take the path that climbs to the right, towards the ridges. The path winds through the forest and eventually reaches the mountain pastures via the junction with the Vie de Chaux trail (closed from December 1 to May 15, and to be used with caution in late winter).
Step 2: Crossroads of La vie de Chaux
The path ends at a crow's-foot (junction with the crest path). Turn left onto the GR and follow the signs for “Grand Montrond / Colomby”.
Step 3: The cisterns
The trail follows the crest of the ridge through undulating countryside, offering a fine view of the Lake Geneva basin. There's a short climb before reaching the summit of Grand Montrond.
Step 4: Grand Montrond
From Grand Montrond, descend towards Chalet du Crozat, then turn left and continue on the white and red GR towards Colomby de Gex.
Step 5: Colomby de Gex
Follow the GR to a crossroads, then leave the main path and descend to the left through a mountain pasture, following the yellow markers on the ground towards Chalet de Branveau.
Step 6: Branveau mountain pasture
A turnstile marks the entrance to Col de Branveau. Climb above the chalet to a small pass at the foot of Pas de l'Echine.
Step 7: Col de Banveau
Switch to the other side via a descent that becomes more technical in the undergrowth, in the Creux de l'Envers forest.
Step 8: Chemin Neuf
At the Chemin Neuf junction, turn left towards Chalet des Platières.
Step 9: Chalet des Platières
Continue on a wide track, then, at a crow's-foot, take the path leading to the Chalet de la Quible.
Step 10: Menoud Square
Return to the Pailly parking lot, the starting point of the loop. This itinerary on the Haute Chaîne du Jura promises immersion in an unusual, wild and unspoilt setting. After reaching the Crozat mountain pasture, then the Colomby de Gex summit at 1688 m, the descent begins via the cirque de Branveau before reaching the chalet des Platières. The trail, varied and sometimes technical, is marked with yellow milestones.