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Menthières hiking trail: col de Menthières - Chalet du Sac
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Description
The mountain pastures of Menthières and the landscapes of the Chalet du Sac offer wide-open spaces for an escape in the heart of the Monts Jura.
Between forest and mountain pastures, this varied trail which is open from April to November, offers superb panoramic views. The trail starts from the parking lot opposite the Rendu chairlift, skirting the go ape tree park before climbing to the Col de Menthières. It passes through emblematic places that serve as landmarks for hikers: the “Grange Velue” and the “Chalet du Sac” which offer panoramic views of Valserhône, the Retord plateau and the Alps.
The route takes you through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, and part of the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected, unspoilt area to be explored with respect.
Good to know - Protected area
Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to special regulations:
Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead.
Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Date and time
- From 01/04/2025 to 30/11/2035
- From 01/04/2026 to 30/11/2036
Additional information
Contact
Phone : 04 50 28 09 16
Email : contact@paysdegex-tourisme.com
Website : https://www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Open period
Closed temporarily.
Environments
Mountain view
Panoramic view
Forest location
Mountain location
In a nature reserve
Resort centre
Type of land
Stone
Ground
Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)
Grit
Not suitable for strollers
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 :
3328OT - CRÊT DE LA NEIGE
3330OT - BELLEGARDE-SUR-VALSERINE
Updated by
Office de Tourisme du Pays de Gex - 02/12/2025
www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Report a problem
Reception complements
▶ This route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Please respect the regulations.
The rules include the following:
Dogs are strictly forbidden, even on a lead.
Plant picking and mineral collecting are also prohibited.
▶ 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, mountain huts 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).
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
(1) From the main parking lot in Menthières, turn left along the GR towards the La Gentiane restaurant. Follow it to the right, then start climbing. The path crosses the Col de Menthières road twice, passes to the left of the accrobranche course, then enters the forest until the first crossroads.
(2) At the Col de Menthières, keep right around the farm, then follow the signs for Grange Velue. The fairly wide path crosses an open meadow before skirting the edge of the forest to a new intersection with the GR.
(3) Turn left to follow the GR. The path, always comfortable, climbs slightly and then forks right towards La Pelaz. A gentle climb leads to a wide, open combe.
(4) At mid-comb, leave the GR and turn right on the yellow PR towards Col du Sac. Here you enter a quiet area, then the Nature Reserve. The path follows the contour line. At the first junction, keep left, cross the Col du Sac, then keep right and continue towards the Chalet du Sac.
(5) Go around the chalet and turn left onto the path that climbs up to the Pierre à Fromage. The climb is steady, skirting a small cirque before reaching a turnstile.
(6) Follow the fence to the right to stay on the ridges and reach the Crêt des Frasses, the highest point of the Menthières resort.
(7) Continue downhill along the ski lift for about 200 m, then fork left. The path emerges from the woods into a beautiful combe that leads directly to La Corne.
(8) At this point, keep to the left. The undulating, shady path winds through the forest until it reaches La Grange Velue, thus completing the loop. All that remains is to turn left onto the GR and return to Menthières by the same route as before.
Animals
No. Dogs strictly forbidden in the Haute Chaîne du Jura Nature Reserve
Data author
