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Hiking: Colomby de Gex from Le Pailly
IGN cards
Description
From the ridges, this hike offers a unique panorama of Lake Geneva and the Alps. The entrance to the cirque de Branveau reveals bucolic landscapes! Watch out ... the chamois are never far away!
The Colomby pylon, built in Paris and then transported to Gex, was assembled and erected for the Ain Mutualité congress held in Gex in 1907. Originally, it was topped by a cupola, and the plaque recounted the event.
The route lies within the Haute Chaine du Jura National Nature Reserve. In addition, a wildlife tranquility zone is active from December 15 to May 15. As a result, the route is only accessible from May 16. Find out about the regulations before you set off.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Date and time
- From 16/05/2025 to 30/11/2025
- From 16/05/2026 to 30/11/2026
Additional information
Open period
From 16/05 to 30/11.
Subject to favorable weather.
Updated by
Office de Tourisme du Pays de Gex - 25/03/2025
www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Report a problem
Environments
Lake view
Close to GR footpath
Presence of livestock and guard dogs
Mountain view
Panoramic view
In a nature reserve
Contact
Phone : 04 50 28 09 16
Website : www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Type of land
Rock
Stone
Ground
Grit
Not suitable for strollers
Location complements
The Pailly parking lot is 2 km from the Col de la Faucille in the direction of Gex.
Topo guides and map references
Topo guides references :
Hiking in Pays de Gex and the Haute Chaine du Jura: on sale at Pays de Gex tourist agencies: 9€.
Map references :
IGN map: 3327.ET
Reception complements
Limited parking spaces.
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).
This route borders a mountain pasture where patous sheep are present:
The Patou or guard dog: what attitude should you adopt?
When out hiking, it's not uncommon to come across flocks of sheep or goats guarded by guard dogs known as patous. These dogs, formidable against predators such as wolves, bears and lynxes, can frighten hikers with their barking.
The patou protects flocks in total autonomy. Its main role is to deter intruders and alert the shepherd. Raised among the ewes from an early age, he learns to protect them at all times, often in groups.
To avoid problems with a patou:
-Identify grazing areas before setting off.
-Keep your distance and go around flocks if possible.
-In the event of an encounter, stay calm, turn back slowly or stop to let the dog sniff you out.
-Don't try to pet or feed the animals, avoid sudden movements, don't run, and avoid taking photos.
For runners:
-Do not run when approaching a herd.
-Take off your headphones to hear the dog's barking.
-By adopting these behaviors, you'll be able to cohabit serenely with guard dogs on your hikes.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
From the Pailly parking lot (A), take the small tarmac road for 100m, then climb to the right along a path called "La Vie de Chaux" (closed from December 1 to May 15, and to be used with caution in late winter).
The path leads to a crow's-foot (B) (with ridge path). Follow signs for "Grand Montrond/Colomby". The path leads to the Crozat mountain pasture.
Reach the Chalet du Crozat (C) and turn left, following the white and red GR signs to Grand Montrond (D) and Colomby de Gex (E).
Leave the GR and descend to the left, through a mountain pasture, towards Chalet de Branveau (F), following the yellow markers on the ground.
A turnstile marks the entrance to the Branveau hollow. Climb above the chalet to a small pass (G), at the foot of Pas de l'Echine.
Switch to the other side (Creux de l'Envers forest), via a descent that becomes more technical in the undergrowth.
At the "Chemin Neuf" junction (H), turn left towards the Chalet des Platières (I).
Finish the loop by first following a wide track, then at a crow's-foot (J) a path to the Chalet de la Quible (k), then reach Le Pailly.
Animals prohibited
dogs strictly forbidden.
Data author
