Itinerant hiking : From Mijoux to Chézery-Forens via the Haute Chaîne du Jura

▶ Day 1: Mijoux → Refuge de la Loge
⏱ Approximately 6.5 hours – 8.4 miles – Elevation gain: 900 m / Elevation loss: 448 m
From Mijoux, with its typical narrow streets and murals, follow the GR9 (red and white markings) towards the Col de la Faucille. Turn right at the summer toboggan run, then climb towards Grand Mont Rond. Continue to Colomby de Gex, then descend to Col de Crozet and the Catheline cable car. Arrive at Refuge de la Loge, surrounded by nature.

▶ Day 2: Refuge de la Loge → Refuge du Gralet
⏱ Approx. 4.5 hours– 11.2 km – Elevation gain: 435 m / Elevation loss: 435 m
From the refuge, follow the signs for “Sous le Crêt.” After about 1.5 hours, you will reach the summit of Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m), the highest point in the Jura. The route, which is aerial and magnificent, then heads towards Reculet (1,719 m). As an option, an alternative route allows experienced hikers to reach the Grotte Marie du Jura. The trail continues through the woods to Refuge du Gralet, nestled in a forest setting.

▶ Day 3: Refuge du Gralet → Chézery-Forens
⏱ Approx. 4 hrs – 12.5 km – Elevation gain: 124 m / Elevation loss: 970 m
From Le Gralet, head towards La Poutouille through the undergrowth. Join the GR9 trail for 6 km, then begin the descent to Menthières (several variants possible). At the Col de Menthière, join the yellow PR trail towards Chez le Bon Claude and continue along the Grand Essert trail to Chézery-Forens.

Return transport
From Chézery-Forens, you can:

Return to Mijoux via the A53 highway

Or travel to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine to catch the train