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Walking: the Fleutron la Dole
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Description
A challenging hike with a steep gradient, alternating between deep forests and high Jura mountain pastures. The route crosses the Franco-Swiss border before reaching the summit of La Dôle (1677 m), offering a breathtaking 360° panorama.
This superb out-and-back hike takes you from Divonne-les-Bains to the iconic summit of La Dôle. Demanding but rewarding, it is aimed at hikers in search of effort and grandiose scenery. The route crosses the Franco-Swiss border before reaching La Dôle, the second highest peak in the Swiss Jura (1677 m) and the fifth highest in the Jura massif. From its summit, the reward is just as high: a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of Lake Geneva, the Alps and Mont Blanc.
A wonderful mountain adventure, between forest shadows and open ridges, in a wild and peaceful atmosphere.
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
Date and time
- From 16/04/2026 to 30/11/2026
Additional information
Contact
Phone : 04 50 20 01 22
Email : accueil@divonnelesbains.com
Website :
http://www.divonnelesbains.com
https://www.paysdegex-montsjura.com/
Open period
From 16/04 to 30/11 daily.
Environments
Panoramic view
Type of land
Ground
Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)
Topo guides and map references
Topo guides references :
Hiking in the 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 de Divonne-les-Bains - 20/11/2025
www.divonnelesbains.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 April: access is forbidden during this period, and access to the path is then tolerated from 16 April.
▶ 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) Start at Fleutron, near the Huttopia campsite, in the hills above Divonne-les-Bains. Take the Vattay forest road, following the yellow markings. Turn left towards the Piste Cavalière. The first few meters follow a wide white path that runs alongside a small stream, crosses it, then begins a steady climb through the forest.
(2) Once you reach the Piste Cavalière, continue straight ahead at the junction with a white path. The trail climbs again until the next crossing of the forest road, with a 110 m elevation gain. Continue climbing on the same trail: another 100 m elevation gain to the passage called La Combe de l'Eau.
(3) The trail continues to climb, with an additional 140 m of elevation gain, until it crosses the Vattay forest road and reaches the Baraque de Divonne. From there, the slope becomes gentler. The trail continues through the forest to the junction called Malassay, which marks the entrance to a quiet zone closed from December 15 to April 15. Continue straight ahead until the next crossing, called Les Rochettes.
(4) The climb remains gradual until the point called Le Portail (1,350 m), then to the Col de Combe Blanche. The trail descends slightly to join the forest road at the intersection called La Cabosse.
(5) Follow the white trail to the right towards La Grande Grand. The path climbs through the forest to the chalet, then leaves the wooded area and the quiet zone. A beautiful view of La Dôle then opens up from the heights of the Vattay plateau.
(6) Descend on the other side of the chalet to reach the Chalet de la Sonnailley and rejoin a forest road. This is where you cross the Swiss border. Follow the road to the right for about 200 m, then take the first intersection on the left, still on the forest track. Climb until you find a path leading off to the right.
(7) The trail climbs more steeply and reaches the ridge. It crosses a low stone wall and follows it for about 700 m. A final climb takes you to the summit of La Dôle (1,677 m), the second highest peak in the Swiss Jura and the fifth highest in the Jura massif. The view is spectacular.
(8) To begin the return journey, retrace your steps along the ridges for about 70 m and take the first path on the left, following it for 1.5 km to reach the Chalet de la Dôle.
(9) From this point, take the road on the right and follow it for about 420 m. The trail continues straight downhill and crosses the road four times, with several consecutive hairpin bends. At the fifth road crossing, the trail turns left before reaching the three Bauloz cottages.
(10) The path continues on the right. This section through the forest is slightly uphill. After a kilometer, it reaches a cleared area called La Gerle. The trail continues on the left, crosses the field, and returns to the forest. It climbs up on the right and eventually joins a forest road, arriving at Combe de Faoug.
(11) The marked trail continues to the left of the farm and climbs slightly at the end of the valley, crossing the border again. The path continues for 350 m before rejoining the forest road that connects La Vattay to Divonne-les-Bains. Continue on this road to the Baraque de Divonne.
(12) From this point, take the trail used on the way up and descend via the same route to the starting point.
Animals
No. Dogs strictly forbidden in the Haute Chaîne du Jura Nature Reserve
