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(1) From Place Gambetta, walk along the town hall and take Rue de l'Horloge. Cross the rue du Commerce, then take the small pedestrian crossing that runs alongside the buildings and leads to the passage de l'Abondance. Turn right onto rue Léone de Joinville.
(2) Go up to the top of the street, then turn left onto chemin des Galas. Follow it to the end to find a path that joins the Route du Piémont. Continue along this road to the left, then a few dozen metres further on, take the path rising to the right. This climbs through the forest and reaches the end of the Chanais forest road.
(3) Follow the path furthest to the right to continue climbing. The path crosses the forest road twice before leading to a white track leading to the Branveau chalet. This runs along the contour line for several hundred metres, then forks right and climbs gradually towards the mountain pasture.
(4) When you reach the chalet, go around it to the right. A turnstile marks the entrance to the Col de Branveau. Continue up to a small pass at the foot of the Pas de l’Echine.
(5) Switch to the other side via a more technical descent through pretty undergrowth, into the Creux de l’Envers forest.
(6) At the Chemin Neuf crossroads, turn left towards the Chalet des Platières.
(7) Continue on a wide track, then at a crow’s-foot, take the path that leads to the Chalet de la Quible, and continue as far as Place Menoud.
(8) Take the white path down to Les Sébines, then follow the Creux de l’Envers path. This brings you gently back to Gex, via the Chemin des Combes and Rue Charles Harent, to complete this pleasant loop.
Itinerary details
Description
Today, the route can still be walked as far as the Col de Branveau, offering magnificent views of the Haute Chaîne du Jura on one side and the Alps on the other. The route passes through a forest of contrasts – from deciduous to coniferous – before reaching the Platières mountain pastures.
The descent then plunges into a fresh, invigorating forest, bordered by the waters of the Journans, for a soothing return to the streets of Gex.
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.