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Hiking: From La Faucille to the summit of Colomby de Gex
IGN cards
Description
This is one of the most beautiful trails in the Haute Chaîne du Jura, offering a hike mostly along the ridge lines of the mountains offering sublime views of the Alps.
Open from April to November, the itinerary starts from the “Petite Chaumière” hotel on the Col de la Faucille, climbs up through the forest on a pleasant, varied path, sometimes crossing ski pistes. Passing through the Crozat mountain pasture, be careful not to approach the dogs with their herds. Finally, at 1668m, the Colomby de Gex summit offers a magnificent panorama of the Lake Geneva basin and the Alps. Along the way, the landscape is marked by geology: glacial erosion, marine fossils...
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 30/11/2033
- From 01/04/2026 to 30/11/2034
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
Panoramic view
In a nature reserve
Presence of livestock and guard dogs
Type of land
Rock
Stone
Ground
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 :
3327ET - MOREZ LES ROUSSES
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).
▶ 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
(1) From the Tourist Office, turn right along the GR between the shops and the neighbouring chalet. Continue along the road called “La Maréchaude”, passing the start of the zip-line. Continue for a few hundred meters and about 400m further on take the path that climbs to the left, towards Le Grand Montrond.
(2) The path rises through the forest in a regular but steady rythm. It skirts a geological fault, crosses a small wooden bridge, and gradually emerges onto the Gélinottes ski run where a tunnel can be seen on the right. The climb continues until you reach a white path.
(3) This passes under the Gélinottes ski lift, then very quickly forks left to continue its ascent alongside the lift, before turning right into the undergrowth. It then emerges into the mountain pasture and reaches the “Vie de Chaux” crossroads.
(4) Keep to the right of the GR. The undulating path along the crest begins with an initial climb, followed by a descent to the cistern on the Crozat mountain pasture. A second ascent is necessary to reach the summit of Grand Montrond, culminating at 1596m.
(5) From this natural lookout point, continue to the right staying on the GR along the ridges. A succession of ascents and descents punctuate this section, offering superb views of the surrounding landscape, until you reach the Colomby de Gex.
(6) Here you are at the highest point of the hike, at an altitude of 1689m. The 360° view opens onto the Lake Geneva basin, the chain of the Alps, Mont Blanc and on the other side, the Jura massif unfolds its majestic ridges.
The return journey takes the same route allowing you to rediscover the landscape in a different but equally magnificent light.
Animals
No. Dogs strictly forbidden in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve
Data author
