Itinerary details
Description
Even today, this route can be taken as far as Colomby de Gex (1,682 m), following the ridges of the Haute Chaîne. The route passes through a changing forest, from deciduous to coniferous, before reaching the mountain pastures, then descending peacefully along the Journans to the streets of Gex.
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.
Your itinerary
Step 1: Gex, Gambetta Square
From Place Gambetta, walk past the town hall and take Rue de l'Horloge. Cross Rue du Commerce and take the small passageway opposite, which leads behind the buildings to Passage de l'Abondance. Turn right onto Rue Léone de Joinville.
Step 2: Méribel
Walk to the top of the street, then turn left onto Chemin des Petits Contes and left again onto Chemin des Galas. Continue to the end of the street to reach a path that leads to Route du Piémont. Follow this road to the left, then, a few dozen meters further on, take the path climbing up to the right. It climbs and joins the end of the Chanais forest road.
Step 3: Sous Montchanais
Take the path furthest to the right to continue the ascent. This path crosses the forest road twice before joining a white path that leads to the Branveau chalet. This path follows the contour line for several hundred meters, then branches off to the right to climb gradually up to the mountain pasture.
Step 4: Branveau mountain pasture
When you reach the chalet, go around it and keep to the left to follow the trail towards Colomby de Gex. The first few meters run along the Branveau cirque, then the trail switches to the other side and continues climbing to the highest point of the hike.
Step 5: Colomby de Gex
At the top of Colomby de Gex, enjoy the view, then join the GR (red and white markings) towards Grand Montrond. Follow this hilly ridge to the Crozat mountain pasture, then reach the Vie de Chaux crossroads.
Step 6: La Vie de Chaux
Leave the GR at this crossroads and head towards Le Pailly on the right.
Step 7: Le Pailly
urn right again to reach the Quible mountain pasture, then continue to Place Menoud.
Step 8: Places Menoud
Then take the white path down to Les Sébines.
Step 9: Bornue
Follow the descent along the Creux de l'Envers trail. This brings you back to Gex via the Chemin des Combes and Rue Charles Harent, completing this beautiful loop.