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Walking : The Grande Marche Populaire de Gex
IGN cards
Description
This hike leads up to Colomby, with fine views of Mont Blanc and the Geneva basin. The trail follows the ridges of the Jura before descending into the forest along the Journans for a cool finish.
The Grande Marche populaire de Gex used to be a popular meeting place, attracting large numbers of walkers along a route rich in scenery.
Even today, this route can be taken as far as Colomby de Gex (1,682 m), following the ridges of the Haute Chaîne. The route passes through a changing forest, from deciduous to coniferous, before reaching the mountain pastures, then descending peacefully along the Journans to the streets of Gex.
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 17/04/2026 to 30/11/2026
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
Lake view
In a nature reserve
Type of land
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 its regulations.
Among the rules to observe:
Dogs are strictly forbidden, even on a lead.
Gathering plants and minerals is 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 Place Gambetta, walk past the town hall and take Rue de l'Horloge. Cross Rue du Commerce and take the small passageway opposite, which leads behind the buildings to Passage de l'Abondance. Turn right onto Rue Léone de Joinville.
(2) (2) Walk to the top of the street, then turn left onto Chemin des Petits Contes and left again onto Chemin des Galas. Continue to the end of the street to reach a path that leads to Route du Piémont. Follow this road to the left, then, a few dozen meters further on, take the path climbing up to the right. It climbs and joins the end of the Chanais forest road.
(3) Take the path furthest to the right to continue the ascent. This path crosses the forest road twice before joining a white path that leads to the Branveau chalet. This path follows the contour line for several hundred meters, then branches off to the right to climb gradually up to the mountain pasture.
(4) When you reach the chalet, go around it and keep to the left to follow the trail towards Colomby de Gex. The first few meters run along the Branveau cirque, then the trail switches to the other side and continues climbing to the highest point of the hike.
(5) At the top of Colomby de Gex, enjoy the view, then join the GR (red and white markings) towards Grand Montrond. Follow this hilly ridge to the Crozat mountain pasture, then reach the Vie de Chaux crossroads.
(6) Leave the GR at this crossroads and head towards Le Pailly on the right.
(7) Turn right again to reach the Quible mountain pasture, then continue to Place Menoud.
(8) Then take the white path down to Les Sébines.
(9) Follow the descent along the Creux de l'Envers trail. This brings you back to Gex via the Chemin des Combes and Rue Charles Harent, completing this beautiful loop.
Animals
No. Dogs are not allowed in the Haute chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.
Data author
