The birds are singing on their branches and the sun is finally shining on us. Bye-bye skiing, hello walks in the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura!
The rucksack and walking poles are out of the cupboard! Water bottle, cap, waistcoat… You’re all set to tackle the mountains. But wait a little before you set off! Do you know the not-to-be-missed hikes in the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura region? If not, this article is for you.
Gex – Le Creux de l’Envers
This easy 2-hour hike , with a 250m ascent, starts in Gex and takes you to the site of the Portes Sarrazines. According to a 19th century legend, the Gessians took refuge beyond these stone gates during the Saracen invasions of the 8th and 9th centuries.
Most of the route is in woodland, along the Journans river, but some is also in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.
You can admire the flora and fauna characteristic of the area, and cool off under the trees if you take this walk in Pays de Gex in summer.
Accessible to all, this pretty woodland walk is often taken by families.
Grilly – Le Mont-Mourex
This easy 1? hour loop offers exceptional views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, the high Jura chain and the Pays de Gex. Popular with families, this walk in the Pays de Gex is less than 5km long and starts in the forest and leads to the open part of the Mont. From here, you can enjoy a 360° view of the surrounding area. An orientation table will help you make out the different massifs in front of you.
Please note! This trail can be used by both pedestrians and mountain bikers!
Chézery-Forens – In the footsteps of the monks
This easy 3-hour loopalternates between forests and villages, including the picturesque hamlet of Noirecombe. Over the course of 10km, you’ll reach a number of viewpoints, each more beautiful than the last, including “le cirque de Roche Franche” and “le Rocher des Hirondelles”. You return via the “Moulin Thomas” bridge along the left bank of the “wild” Valserine.
Accessible to all, we believe this walk is one of the most beautiful in the Jura. During your walk, you’ll pass through many different landscapes, bearing witness to the diversity of this magnificent region that is Pays de Gex. Most of the walk is in the shade, ideal for hot summer days!
Take care: this route includes some steep sections.
Fort l’Ecluse – On the banks of the Rhône
This medium-difficulty 12km hike in the Pays de Gex , with more than 500m of ascent, takes around 5 hours and allows you to discover this imposing site, built into the mountainside. You’ll be amazed by the variety of pastoral landscapes on offer on this walk!
From the lower courtyard of Fort l’Écluse, exit through the Porte de Genève to reach the banks of the Rhône. You will then pass through a number of emblematic sites, including the Condières mills and the village of Léaz, before reaching the upper fort. From here, you can admire a superb panorama of the Rhône Cluse, the Vuache and the Etournel marshes.
Please note that the first part of the tour is only available when the Fort is open, from 1 April to 30 November. A car park with around sixty spaces is available at the Fort.
Lélex – The high peaks
If you’re a seasoned walker, this is the walk for you! Starting in Lélex, the Hauts Sommets route takes you along a 17km loop with a positive ascent of 1095m. Beginners beware! This demanding hike takes around 7 hours, but it’s well worth it. It’s a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the high Jura chain and admire spectacular panoramic views of the Alps, Lake Geneva and the Jura.
On this walk, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the Jura, you’ll pass the Crêt de la neige, the highest peak in the Jura massif. You can also admire our famous Croix du Reculet, with Mont Blanc as a backdrop.
Other emblematic walks in the Pays de Gex
Still haven’t had enough of hiking? We’ve got a few more up our sleeve for you!
The ascent of La Dôle is also one of the most beautiful hikes in the Jura, with its plunging views over Geneva and Lake Geneva. It is, however, slightly less strenuous than the Crêt de la Neige, with its 604m vertical drop and 11.4km.
If you’re looking for a great family outing in the Pays de Gex, why not take the Hérisson waterfalls tour? Lasting 2 hours, this hike will take you to discover 7 waterfalls, each more beautiful than the last. The perfect way to cool off in summer!
After presenting our most beautiful walks in the Jura, it’s time to say goodbye. We hope that these 5 walks will inspire you to put on your walking shoes and set off to discover the treasures of our region.
Would you like more ideas for walks in the Pays de Gex?
No problem, we’ve got plenty more to recommend! The possibilities are almost endless. Don’t hesitate to visit one of the Tourist Office information desks, where one of our holiday advisors will be delighted to help you.
We hope you enjoy your walk in the Pays de Gex and its Monts Jura resort. Be careful, follow the signs and, above all, enjoy the breathtaking panoramas.
The only risk? You're in for a real treat!
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