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Walking tour : La Marche Populaire de Gex
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Description
From Gex, head for the Col de Branveau and then the Platières mountain pasture. The descent plunges you into a fresh, invigorating forest, bordered by the Journans river, perfect for bringing the loop to a peaceful close.
The Marche Populaire de Gex was a route designed for a friendly event, bringing walkers together on a trail with varied landscapes.
Even today, this circuit can be followed to the Col de Branveau, offering magnificent views of the Haute Chaîne du Jura on one side and the Alps on the other. The route passes through a forest rich in contrast—from deciduous to coniferous trees—before reaching the Platières mountain pastures.
The descent then plunges into a cool, invigorating forest, bordered by the waters of the Journans, for a peaceful return to the streets of Gex.
Please note – Protected area
Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:
Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash.
Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Date and time
- From 16/05/2026 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 the regulations.
The rules include the following:
Dogs are strictly forbidden, even on a lead.
Plant picking and mineral collecting are also prohibited.
The path crosses a Quiet Zone, closed from 15 December to 15 May: access is forbidden during this period.
▶ 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, then take the small pedestrian passage opposite that runs alongside the buildings and leads to Passage de l'Abondance. Then turn right onto Rue Léone de Joinville.
(2) Walk to the top of the street, then turn left onto Chemin des Petits Contes and left again onto Chemin des Galas. Follow it to the end to find a path that joins Route du Piémont. Continue left on this road, then, a few dozen meters further on, take the path climbing to the right. This climbs into the forest and joins the end of the Chanais forest road.
(3) Follow the path furthest to the right to continue the ascent. The path crosses the forest road twice before leading to a white path that leads to the Branveau chalet. The latter follows the contour line for several hundred meters, then branches off to the right to climb gradually towards the mountain pasture.
(4) At the chalet, go around it on the right. A turnstile marks the entrance to the Branveau pass. Continue climbing to a small pass at the foot of the Pas de l'Échine.
(5) Cross over to the other side via a more technical descent through pretty undergrowth in the Creux de l'Envers forest.
(6) At the Chemin Neuf junction, turn left towards the Platières chalet.
(7) Continue along a wide path, then at a fork, take the left-hand path leading to Place Menoud, passing by the Chalet des Platières.
(8) Next, take the white path down towards Les Sébines, then follow the Creux de l’Envers trail. This trail gently leads back to Gex, passing by Chemin des Combes and Rue Charles Harent, to conclude this pleasant loop.
Animals
No. Dogs are not allowed in the Haute chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.
Data author
