Alert
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The disappearance of the Valserine trail
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Description
From the heart of Bellegarde, this hike leads to the bowels of the Valserine, an affluent of the Rhône.
This trail includes several walkways, allowing to either walk along or cross the river, as well as a picnic area. In less than 2 hrs - there and back -, equipped with the fold-out provided by the Tourist Office, you will discover no less than half a dozen curiosities and remnants, both natural and man-made, attesting to the town's industrial culture:
A hydroelectric plant and an old biscuit factory
A customs guardhouse
A telemechanic pillar
The tram bridge
The Métral dam
The Pont des Oules bridge
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Additional information
Departure
Railway viaduct, Bellegarde-sur-Valserine
Arrival
Railway viaduct, Bellegarde-sur-Valserine
Ambiance
In these wild gorges, men had the tenacity to build constructions to exploit the driving force of the water. At its peak, where the waters of the Valserine disappear into the canyon, the Pont des Oulles bridge offers a view of a very strange geological phenomenon.
Access
Depart from the SNCF viaduct in Bellegarde, or 2 km away via the D1084 towards Chatillon-en-Michaille.
Advised parking
Near to each departure point
Public transport
TGV station of Bellegarde-sur-Valserine. To visit and get about in the High-Jura, visit www.reshaut-jura.fr, the eco-mobility portal listing all means of transport within the Park.
Advice
Closed in the winter, this trail can be taken from 20 May to 30 November.
When following the Valserine into its gorges, it is strongly recommended that you remain on the waymarked path and its walkways. Beware, the large stone slabs can be slippery in some areas. Wear appropriate footwear!
Wild flowers are beautiful, they may be rare and protected and often wilt quickly. Do not pick them! They will delight the next hikers.
