Hiking circuit : La Faucille – Les deux Montronds

This itinerary in loop towards the crests offers one of the most beautiful panoramas on the chain of the Alps including the Mont-Blanc as well as all the region of Lake Geneva and the Jura.

This is one of the major hikes to discover from La Faucille, accessible to most hikers.

This route is forbidden to dogs because it follows a private property: (the Alpage du Crozat). The presence of dogs outside disturbs the work of the "patous". Thank you for your understanding.

To discover :

360° panorama on the summits : all the Lemanic basin : Pays de Gex, Lake Geneva. The chain of the Alps (with the Mont-Blanc), side Jura: Les Hautes Combes. At the foot of the Monts-Rond : the Creux de l'Envers forest.

Flora on the trail : in the undergrowth : petasites and Alpine lettuce. In the Alpine meadows: orchis, spring and Koch's gentian, large yellow and vertre gentian, carnations.

The Nature Reserve is very close : More info : National Nature Reserve of the Haute Chaîne du Jura www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr.


Landmark : From Petit Montrond, in the distance, towards the South, you can see the Colomby de Gex pylon (1689 m alt).

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step: 1st part: Follow the "yellow" markers on the path that winds through the forest to reach Petit Montrond at 1533 m (white and red markers). The surface is mainly crushed stone, with numerous steps. On the upper part of the route, 3 wooden platforms with picnic tables and benches facing the panorama await you. At the summit, the viewpoint is equipped with an orientation table and binoculars.The high-altitude restaurant is open in July and August. (at the same times as the gondola). Check opening days.The 2nd part of the route involves crossing the ridges to the south to reach the Grand Montrond at 1596 m. Yellow markings then the GR9 (red and white) at the foot of the Grand Montrond/Crozat.Part 3: the descent from Grand Montrond to return on the GR9 trail, passing the Crozat chalet and its mountain pastures. Passage via the Gelinottes ski lift/trail and descent through the forest to the resort center.

More information:
Safety instructions: This trail is located in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, so please respect its regulations:Before setting off :- Check the general and local weather forecast, and make sure there's no precipitation.- Find out about the approach route, the height of the itinerary, the time it will take to complete the climb, and any possible escapes (IGN map, GPS, topo-guide, etc.).- Evaluate possible risks by asking mountain professionals, refuges and gîtes.- Inform someone close to you of your objective, and contact them again in the event of any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with telephone numbers for each, vehicle(s), parking, etc.- Avoid setting off alone, and use equipment that is suitable for the activity, adjusted and in good condition: headlamp, complete first-aid kit, survival blanket, etc.In the event of a problem, call 112 (European emergency number).

Itinerary

In detail

  • Distance: 6.7 km
  • Markup: BALISE
  • Elevation gain : 375 m
  • Negative elevation gain : 375 m
  • Daily duration: 180 min
  • Type of route: BOUCLE
  • Beaconing accuracy: Follow the GR9 (red and white) to the Grand Mont Rond, then follow the yellow markings to the Petit Mont Rond.

Opening

From 01/04 to 30/11.

Rates

Free access. Pedestrian pass for the gondola, payable at the lift ticket off.

Facilities & services

Facilities

  • Car park
  • Free car park
  • Public WC
  • Orientation board

Host language(s)

  • French