Menthières hiking trail: Menthières – Chalet du Sac – Crêt des Frasses

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The mountain pastures of Menthières and the landscapes of the Chalet du Sac offer wide-open spaces for an escape in the heart of the Monts Jura.

Itinerary details

Chézery-Forens

Loop

Marked

Stone, Ground, Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring), Grit, Not suitable for strollers

Autumn, Summer, Winter, Spring

Pets are not allowed

Closed temporarily.

Description

Between forest and mountain pastures, this varied trail which is open from April to November, offers superb panoramic views. The trail starts from the parking lot opposite the Rendu chairlift, skirting the go ape tree park before climbing to the Col de Menthières. It passes through emblematic places that serve as landmarks for hikers: the “Grange Velue” and the “Chalet du Sac” which offer panoramic views of Valserhône, the Retord plateau and the Alps.

The route takes you through 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.

Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Free car parkCar parkPublic WCPedestrian sportsHiking itinerary

DifficultyMediumDuration04h30Elevation560 D- / 560 D+Distance11.8 kmAltitude Max.1049 m

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Menthières hiking trail: Menthières – Chalet du Sac – Crêt des Frasses

Distance : 11.8 km

Altitude Max. : 1049 m

Your itinerary

Getting to the starting point Report a problem

Step 1: Menthières

From the main parking lot in Menthières, turn left along the GR towards the La Gentiane restaurant. Follow it to the right, then start climbing. The path crosses the Col de Menthières road twice, passes to the left of the accrobranche course, then enters the forest until the first crossroads.

Step 2: Col de Menthières

At the Col de Menthières, keep right around the farm, then follow the signs for Grange Velue. The fairly wide path crosses an open meadow before skirting the edge of the forest to a new intersection with the GR.

Step 3: Grange Velue

Turn left to follow the GR. The path, always comfortable, climbs slightly and then forks right towards La Pelaz. A gentle climb leads to a wide, open combe.

Step 4: La Pelaz

At mid-comb, leave the GR and turn right on the yellow PR towards Col du Sac. Here you enter a quiet area, then the Nature Reserve. The path follows the contour line. At the first junction, keep left, cross the Col du Sac, then keep right and continue towards the Chalet du Sac.

Step 5: Chalet du sac

Go around the chalet and turn left onto the path that climbs up to the Pierre à Fromage. The climb is steady, skirting a small cirque before reaching a turnstile.

Step 6: Pierre à Fromage

Follow the fence to the right to stay on the ridges and reach the Crêt des Frasses, the highest point of the Menthières resort.

Step 7: Crêt des Frasses

Continue downhill along the ski lift for about 200 m, then fork left. The path emerges from the woods into a beautiful combe that leads directly to La Corne.

Step 8: La Corne

At this point, keep to the left. The undulating, shady path winds through the forest until it reaches La Grange Velue, thus completing the loop. All that remains is to turn left onto the GR and return to Menthières by the same route as before.

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