Itinerant hiking : The little Valserine tour

To you ! Comfortable itinerant hikes from Monts Jura... Take the height.

From Lélex, you can climb the highest summit of the Jura, the Crêt de la Neige 1720m. From the Balcon du Léman, view of the most beautiful panorama in Europe, the Mont Blanc, the Alps. Your night at the Relais des Moines, a witness of the past history, during which Cistercian monks came to clear then settle and make prosper this valley where flows gently, the Valserine. The purpose of this hike is to reach the Crêt de Chalam (1545m)

Day 1: Lélex to Chézery-Forens, approx. 6:30 h.

Distance: 18.3 km
Difference in altitude: D+897 m / D-1221 m
Route: From Lélex, take the GR (red and white) towards le Ratou, le refuge de la Loge, le Crêt de la Neige and le Reculet. Leave the GR and descend to Vernay du Dessus (yellow markings), direction Rivière, then Chézery-Forens.

Stage 2: Chézery-Forens Lélex, approx. 6 hrs.

Follow the trail through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Reserve.
Distance: 17.1 km
Difference in altitude: D+1083m /D - 758
Itinerary: From Chézery, head towards Forens (yellow markings), climb towards Cascade de l'Etrès, Petit and Grand Mannet, Crêt de Chalam (1545m), descend to Borne au Lion via Sous le Crêt, pick up the GR (red and white), descend to Les Closettes, Niaizet then Lélex.


Part of the route is located in a nature reserve, so please respect the regulations specific to this area:

Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead.

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, 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 during your hikes.

Itinerary

In detail

  • Distance: 34.8 km
  • Markup: BALISE
  • Elevation gain : 1984 m
  • Negative elevation gain : 1948 m
  • Duration of itinerary: 2 day(s)
  • Type of route: BOUCLE
  • Beaconing accuracy: Markings will be GR (red and white) and yellow.
  • Nature of the land: Rock
  • Nature of the land: Ground
  • Nature of the land: Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)
  • Nature of the land: Grit
  • Nature of the land: Not suitable for strollers

Opening

From 01/04 to 30/11/2024.

Subject to favorable weather.

Rates

Free access. 1st stage: Overnight stay in Chézey-Forens with a choice of: Camping le Valserine, Gîte Chez Dario, Gîte de la Poivrière and Chambres d'hôtes du Commerce .

Facilities & services

Facilities

  • Car park
  • Defibrillator

Services

  • Accommodation

Adapted tourism

  • Not accessible in a wheelchair

Host language(s)

  • French