Hiking: the high peaks from Lélex
Description
From the banks of the "La Valserine" river to the 2 highest peaks in the Jura Massif, this challenging route offers a fine gradient in a rich, wild and unspoilt natural environment. A must for good walkers!
A hike to the highest peak in the Jura Mountains, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps, Lake Geneva and the Jura.
Between Le Reculet and Le Crêt de la neige, in the hollow of a combe, walkers can see the footprint of a former high-altitude village. The 20 barns encircled a central building where cheese was made. This hamlet was granted to the commune of Thoiry by Count Amédée de Savoie on October 4, 1394. The combe is called "de la maison neuve" or "du desert".
Part of the route lies within the Haute Chaine du Jura National Nature Reserve. It also runs alongside a wildlife tranquility zone (active from December 15 to June 30). Please check the regulations before setting off.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Lélex-Crozet : ski resort
One of the classified ski area of the Monts Jura resort, at the foothill of the Jura's highest peaks with one of the best panoramas in Europe with a stunning view of Mont Blanc and the Alps.The longest and steepest slopes (800 metres) of the entire Jura massif. Lélex-Crozet attracts all level skiers, with its numerous ski lifts, its varied slopes, its powder snow "spots" and its 140 snow-making machines. Limitless field of expression for snowboarders and freeriders. Kite-surfers can reach the peaks on the Crozet side to practise their skills. The ski area is nearby the Jura Haute Chaine National Nature Reserve. It is essential to respect the regulations in force. 900m-1680m - 20km of pistes - 7 green, 6 blue, 6 red, 2 black - 10 lifts including 2 gondolas, 1 télécombi, 1 chairlift, 5 button lift, 1 rope lift.
Réserve Naturelle Nationale de la Haute Chaîne du Jura
With an area of 10 909 ha spread over 18 towns, the High Jura Nature National Reserve is among the largest in France. It shelters a wealthy heritage, to be discovered and protected.It stretches from the Franco-Swiss border in the north to the Rhône gap in the south, it is 580m to 1720m high, at the “Crêt de la Neige”. It hosts a wide biodiversity of flora, fauna, geology, landscape, architecture, ... By respecting the rules, you allow the protection of the natural environments and their hosts.
Date and time
- From 01/04/2024 to 30/11/2024
- From 01/04/2025 to 30/11/2025
Additional information
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
From the village of Lélex (A), follow the signs to Vieille Chapelle (B), then take the GR long-distance hiking trail to Pont de la Fruitière (C) and then Niaizet (D).
Passing a peat bog, continue along the wide path to Pont du Niaizet (E), then climb to Plat des Menues (F), passing an old customs office on the right.
Here begins the "32 Contours" path (32 bends) leading to Thoiry-Derrière (G) and then to the Reculet cross (erected 1892) (H). Return to the previous crossroads, then take the GR towards Crêt de la Neige (I), considered the highest point in the Jura massif at 1720m. Continue towards Grand Crêt; at "Sous le Crêt" (J), cross the turnstile and descend on the GR towards Brillones d'en Haut (K). Turn left to Les Brulats-Frésy (L), then right to descend to Chalet du Ratou (M), then Lélex.
Environments
Panoramic view
Presence of livestock and guard dogs
Close to GR footpath
In a nature reserve
Lake view
Mountain view
Updated by
Office de Tourisme du Pays de Gex - 18/04/2024
www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Report a problem
Open period
From 01/04 to 30/11.
Contact
Phone : 04 50 28 09 16
Email : contact.montsjura@paysdegex-tourisme.com
Website : www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Reception complements
Before setting off:
- Find out about general and local weather conditions, making sure there's no precipitation.
- Find out about the approach to the route, its height, how long it will take to reach the summit 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).
Data author
