




Starting from Saint-Amour (39), the GR® 9 links the Jura massif to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. It crosses the east of the Ain département from north to south over around 100 km, between ridges, plateaux and valleys.
The GR® 9 enters the Ain département via Mijoux, before following the spectacular ridges of the Monts-Jura, passing the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point in the massif. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crossing the Retord plateau and crossing the Grand Colombier. The trail continues as far as Culoz and the Rhône valley, before leaving the Ain and heading south into Savoie.
The route runs 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.
Camping in tents prohibited.
Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
Mountain location
In a nature reserve
Panoramic view
Presence of livestock and guard dogs
Less than 10 min walk from a train station
Less than 10 minutes from a bus stop on foot
Aintourisme - 08/12/2025
www.ain-tourisme.com
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Phone : 04 74 32 38 67
Email : ain@ffrandonnee.fr
Website : https://ain.ffrandonnee.fr/
▶ 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.
▶ Jour 1 : Mijoux -> le Refuge de la Loge, environ 6h.
Vous parcourez le sentier dans la Réserve nationale.
Distance : 13,8 km
Dénivelé :D+899 m/ D-451 m.
Itinéraire : Partir sur le GR (rouge et blanc), traverser le village direction la Faucille, puis le Grand Mont Rond, Colomby de Gex, col de Crozet, Refuge de la Loge.
▶ Jour 2 : Refuge de la Loge -> le Refuge du Gralet. Environ 4h.
Vous parcourez le sentier dans la Réserve nationale.
Distance : 11,2 km
Dénivelé : 435 D+ / 435 D-
Itinéraire : au départ du refuge de la Loge, suivre la direction « sous le crêt » une bonne heure et demie pour arriver au point culminant du massif du jura : le Crêt de la Neige 1720m. Ce beau sentier aérien mène ensuite au sommet du Reculet (1719 m) et succinctement sur différentes crêtes. Une variante existe, pour les plus téméraires (et si le temps le permet). Un chemin mène à la grotte Marie du Jura. Le chemin s’enfonce ensuite dans les sous-bois, puis arrive au Refuge du Gralet
▶ Jour 3 : Refuge du Gralet -> Lancrans. Environ 6h
Vous parcourez le sentier dans la Réserve nationale.
Distance : 17,8 km
Dénivelé : 462D+/1419 D-
Itinéraire : Depuis le Gralet sur le GR (rouge et blanc) prendre direction la Poutouille, la Pelaz, La Corne, Chalet du Sac, Pierre à Fromage, Crêt de la Goutte, Sorgia d’en Haut, Métral, et Lancrans.
▶ Day 4: Lancrans -> Les Bergonnes
Distance: 22.15 km
Difference in altitude: 1099 D+ / 379 D-
Itinerary: From Lancrans, follow the GR, descend towards les pertes de la Valserine, Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, Gare de Bellegarde, Rue Lafayette, Mussel, Ochiaz, Catray, Pra devant, la Charnay, le Tumet, Crêt du Nu and Croix des Terments. (A short detour to Les Bergonnes for the night).
▶ Day 5: Les Bergonnes -> Chalet D'Arvière. Approx. 4h30
Distance: 15.3 km
Difference in altitude: 349 D+/ 334D-
Itinerary; From Les Bergonnes, take the GR at Croix des Terments, Planvanel, Crêt Dauphin, Col de Richmond, Grange d'en Haut, Grange d'en Bas and Chalet d'Arvières.
▶ Day 6: Chalet D'Arvière -> Culoz; Approx. 6h00
Distance: 19.8 km
Difference in altitude: 386 D+ /1333 D-
Itinerary: From Chalet D'Arvières still on the GR, follow the Sapin Daubré, Col de Charbemène, Croix du Colombier, Col du Colombier, Grange à Masse, Granges neuves, then Culoz.