This GR® de Pays visits the Retord plateau, then takes you to the highest commune in the Ain department: Giron. Then follow the crest of the Haute Chaine jurassienne, a balcony overlooking Lake Geneva, before finishing where it all began: at Valserhône.
Day 1: Bellegarde station to Ferme de Retord - 4hrs 40mins walk and 900m ascent.
Day 2: Ferme de Retord to Giron - 7h walk and 700m downhill then 500m uphill.
Day 3: Giron to Lélex village - 5h walk and 300m ascent
OR from Giron to Lélex refuge de la loge - 6h45 walk and 850m ascent
Day 4: Lélex village to Menthières - 9h15 walk - 800m ascent
OR from Lélex refuge de la loge to Menthières - 7h30 walk - 250m ascent.
Day 5: Menthières to Bellegarde - 4h25 - 540m ascent and 1200m descent.
More information:
Safety instructions :This trail crosses part of the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, so please respect its regulations. https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/Among these rules: Dogs forbidden, even on a leash!Before setting off :Check the general and local weather forecast, and make sure there's no precipitation.Find out about the approach to the route, its height, how long it will take to reach the summit and any possible escapes (IGN map, GPS, topo-guide, etc.).Evaluate possible risks by asking mountain professionals, refuges and gîtes.Inform someone close to you of your objective, and contact them again if there are any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with telephone numbers for each, vehicle(s), parking.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).This route borders a mountain pasture where Patous dogs are present:The Patou or guard dog: what attitude should you adopt?When 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 the herds 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, and avoid taking photos.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 during your hikes.
Itinerary
In detail
- Distance: 96 km
- Markup: BALISE
- Elevation gain : 2750 m
- Duration of itinerary: 5 day(s)
- Type of route: BOUCLE
- Beaconing accuracy: Red and yellow or red and white when the route is shared with a GR.- Red and white between Bellegarde station and La Charnay on the Plateau de Retord.- Red and yellow between La Charnay sur le Plateau de Retord and Lélex.- Red and white between Lélex and Menthières- Red and yellow between Menthières and la Pierre à fromage- Red and white between Pierre à fromage and Bellegarde station96 km circuit, including 38.3 km in common with GR® 9 - 16 km in common with GR® Balcon du Léman.
- Tricky passage: The route presents no technical difficulties. The main difficulty lies in the length of the stages.
- Nature of the land: Stone
- Nature of the land: Ground
- Nature of the land: Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)
- Nature of the land: Grit
Opening
All year round.
Subject to favorable weather.
Rates
Free access.
