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Itinerant hiking: the balcony of Lake Geneva

Itinerant hiking: the balcony of Lake Geneva
Itinerant hiking: the balcony of Lake Geneva
Itinerant hiking: the balcony of Lake Geneva
Itinerant hiking: the balcony of Lake Geneva

IGN cards

3328OT - CRÊT DE LA NEIGE OYONNAX LÉLEX PNR DU HAUT-JURA
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 25 ET SÉRIE BLEUE
Scale : 1:25 000
13.90€
TOP75012 - HAUT-JURA
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 75
Scale : 1:75 000
9.80€
TOP100D39 - JURA PAYS DE DOLE ET VAL D'AMOUR CHAMPAGNOLE LES ROUSSES PNR DU HAUT-JURA
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 100
Scale : 1:100 000
8.40€
TOP100D74 - HAUTE-SAVOIE ANNECY THONON-LES-BAINS MASSIF DU MONT BLANC CHAÎNE DES ARAVIS
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 100
Scale : 1:100 000
8.40€
TOP100D01 - AIN BOURG-EN-BRESSE AMBÉRIEU-EN-BUGEY PAYS DE GEX
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 100
Scale : 1:100 000
8.40€
202 JURA ALPES DU NORD
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 200
Scale : 1:200 000
6.80€
89026 - GRANDES TRAVERSÉES DU JURA - GTJ
Editor : IGN
Collection : DECOUVERTE DES CHEMINS
Scale : 1:105 000
9.10€
D01-69 AIN RHÔNE
Editor : IGN
Collection : CARTES DÉPARTEMENTALES IGN
Scale : 1:150 000
5.90€
D25-39 DOUBS JURA
Editor : IGN
Collection : CARTES DÉPARTEMENTALES IGN
Scale : 1:150 000
5.90€
NR15 AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES RECTO/VERSO MASSIF ALPIN
Editor : IGN
Collection : CARTES RÉGIONALES IGN
Scale : 1:250 000
6.80€
NR09 BOURGOGNE FRANCHE-COMTÉ
Editor : IGN
Collection : CARTES RÉGIONALES IGN
Scale : 1:250 000
6.80€
NR14 AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES RECTO/VERSO MASSIF CENTRAL
Editor : IGN
Collection : CARTES RÉGIONALES IGN
Scale : 1:250 000
6.80€
EUROPE
Editor : IGN
Collection : DÉCOUVERTE DES PAYS DU MONDE IGN
Scale : 1:2 500 000
7.00€
SUISSE
Editor : IGN
Collection : DÉCOUVERTE DES PAYS DU MONDE IGN
Scale : 1:303 000
7.00€

Description

An exceptional route through the highest peaks of the Jura massif and the wild landscapes of the Haut-Jura plateau, with spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the Alps in the background.

An exceptional route through the highest peaks of the Jura massif and the wild landscapes of the Haut-Jura plateau, with spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the Alps in the background.

The route takes in 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 is prohibited.

Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Technical Information

Walking
Difficulty
Easy
Dist.
41 km
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Altimetric profile

Starting point

01410   Lélex
Lat : 46.304269Lng : 5.943255

Points of interest

Additional information

Open period

Closed temporarily.

Updated by

Office de Tourisme du Pays de Gex - 02/12/2025
www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Report a problem

Environments

Close to GR footpath
Mountain location
In a nature reserve

Contact

Phone : 04 50 28 09 16

Email : contact@paysdegex-tourisme.com

Website : https://www.paysdegex-montsjura.com

Type of land

Stone
Ground

Topo guides and map references

Map references :
3328OT - CRÊT DE LA NEIGE and 3327ET - MOREZ LES ROUSSES

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.

Tricky passages

The descent of the 32 contours, just after the summit of Le Reculet, is relatively steep and requires a little care, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

▶ Day 1: Lélex → Mijoux
⏱ Approximately 4 h - 14.4 km - D+ 471 m / D- 372 m
Follow the yellow markings towards Moulin Pierre Louis, then pass through La Pralouse, Croaby and Sous Cariche. Rejoin the GR (red and white) to Le Manon, cross Lajoux and finish in Mijoux.

▶ Day 2: Mijoux → Refuge de la Loge
⏱ Approximately 6 h - 13.8 km - D+ 899 m / D- 451 m
Take the red and white GR, go through the village towards La Faucille. Continue towards Grand Mont Rond, Colomby de Gex, Col de Crozet, as far as Refuge de la Loge. You are partly in the National Nature Reserve.

▶ Day 3: Refuge de la Loge → Lélex (via Crêt de la Neige)
⏱ Approximately 5h30 - 12.8 km - D+ 416 m / D- 950 m
Follow the red and white GR towards Brillonne d'en Haut, les Brulats Frézy, sous le Crêt, then Crêt de la Neige and le Reculet. Then take the yellow PR back down to the Menues flat via the 32 contours, cross the road, then the Pont du Niaizet and end up in Lélex.

▶ 1ʳᵉ stage - Mijoux: Overnight stay at La Michaille or the Gîte Communal, for a warm and friendly welcome.
▶ 2ᵉ stage - Refuge de la Loge: Overnight in a mountain refuge, for an authentic immersion in the heart of the Jura crests.

Animals

No. dogs strictly forbidden.

Ratings and reviews

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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾