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Itinerant hiking : The little loop of the Valserine

Itinerant hiking : The little Valserine tour_Lélex
Itinerant hiking : The little loop of the Valserine
Itinerant hiking : The little loop of the Valserine
Itinerant hiking : The little Valserine tour_Lélex
Itinerant hiking : The little loop of the Valserine

Description

An exceptional route between ridges and valleys, with Le Crêt de la Neige as the highest point. Descend via the wild Valserine, climb back up to Crêt de Chalam, then return via the Borne au Lion, a place steeped in history. A complete immersion experience.

From Lélex, set off to conquer the highest peak in the Jura: the Crêt de la Neige, at an altitude of 1720 metres. If you follow the Balcon du Léman route, you'll enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramas in Europe, with a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine chain.

After this grandiose crossing, your route takes you to Chézery-Forens, a village steeped in history: in the past, Cistercian monks came here to clear the land, settle and make this valley, through which the peaceful Valserine flows, prosper.

The final objective of this wonderful Jura adventure: to reach the Crêt de Chalam, culminating at 1545 metres. An emblematic summit, offering a final breath of freedom, nature and wild beauty before concluding this unforgettable loop.
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.

Camping in tents prohibited.

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

Technical Information

Walking
Difficulty
Very easy
Dist.
35 km
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Altimetric profile

Starting point

01410   Lélex
Lat : 46.304447Lng : 5.943398

Points of interest

Date and time

  • From 01/04/2026 to 30/11/2036
  • From 01/04/2027 to 30/11/2037

Additional information

Contact

Phone : 04 50 56 61 83

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

Open period

Closed temporarily.

Environments

Mountain location
In a nature reserve

Type of land

Rock
Ground
Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)
Grit
Not suitable for strollers

Topo guides and map references

Map references :
3328OT - CRÊT DE LA NEIGE

Updated by

Office de Tourisme du Pays de Gex - 29/01/2026
www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
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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

▶ Day 1: Lélex → Chézery-Forens
⏱ Approximately 6h30 – 17,9 km – D+ 908 m / D- 1 231 m
From Lélex, take the GR (red and white markings) towards Ratou, the Loge refuge, then climb Crêt de la Neige (1720 m) and Reculet. Then leave the GR to follow the yellow markings towards Vernay du Dessus, descend towards Rivière, then reach Chézery-Forens, nestling on the banks of the Valserine.

▶ Day 2: Chézery-Forens → Lélex (via Crêt de Chalam)
⏱ Approximately 6h - 17.1 km - D+ 1,083 m / D- 758 m
From Chézery, climb towards Forens (yellow markings), then pass the Étrès waterfall, Petit and Grand Mannet to Crêt de Chalam (1,545 m). Descend to Borne au Lion via Sous le Crêt. Rejoin the GR to finish at Les Closettes, Le Niaizet and return to Lélex.

1ʳᵉ stage - Overnight stay in Chézery-Forens
For your stopover in the heart of the Valserine valley, there are several accommodation options to suit you:
▶ Le Camping le Valserine for a night as close to nature as possible
▶ Le Gîte Chez Dario or Le Gîte de la Poivrière for a warm and friendly atmosphere
▶ Les Chambres d'hôtes du Commerce for a comfortable stay right in the centre of the village.

Animals

No. dogs strictly forbidden.

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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! 🌳🥾